BPC-157 vs TB-500: what is the difference?

BPC-157 and TB-500 are two research peptides that are often mentioned in the same breath. Both are studied in animal and cell models of tissue repair, yet they differ in origin, size and the mechanism researchers investigate. This page explains the difference between BPC-157 and TB-500, why BPC-157 and TB-500 are studied together and how to store and reconstitute both in the lab.

What is BPC-157?

BPC-157 is a synthetic pentadecapeptide: a chain of 15 amino acids. Its sequence corresponds to part of a larger protein found in human gastric juice, known as 'body protection compound' – hence the name BPC.

In the scientific literature, BPC-157 is studied mainly in animal models of tendon, ligament, muscle and gut tissue repair, and in models of angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels). One property researchers often point to is its reported stability in gastric juice – unusual for a peptide.

• Type: synthetic pentadecapeptide (15 amino acids)
• Origin: partial sequence of a protein in human gastric juice
• Research areas: tendon, ligament, muscle and gut models; angiogenesis
• Form: lyophilised (freeze-dried) powder

What is TB-500?

TB-500 is a synthetic peptide based on the actin-binding region of thymosin beta-4, a naturally occurring protein of 43 amino acids. So TB-500 does not reproduce the full protein; it focuses on the part that interacts with actin.

Actin is a structural protein that is central to cell shape and cell movement. That is why TB-500 is studied in models of cell migration, angiogenesis and wound healing, where researchers examine how actin regulation influences these processes.

• Type: synthetic peptide
• Origin: actin-binding region of thymosin beta-4 (43 amino acids)
• Research areas: cell-migration, angiogenesis and wound-healing models
• Form: lyophilised (freeze-dried) powder

Key differences between BPC-157 and TB-500

In short, the difference between BPC-157 and TB-500 lies in their origin and in the mechanism being investigated. Both are studied in tissue-repair models, but via different routes.

Neither is an authorised medicine; both are research compounds.

• Origin – BPC-157: partial sequence of a protein from human gastric juice; TB-500: based on thymosin beta-4
• Size – BPC-157: 15 amino acids; TB-500: derived from the actin-binding region of a 43-amino-acid protein
• Mechanism studied – BPC-157: angiogenesis and local tissue-repair processes; TB-500: actin regulation and cell migration
• Research areas – BPC-157: tendon, ligament, muscle and gut models; TB-500: cell-migration, angiogenesis and wound-healing models

Why BPC-157 and TB-500 are studied together

Because BPC-157 and TB-500 are investigated in overlapping tissue-repair models, but via different mechanisms, researchers are interested in BPC-157 and TB-500 together. Using two compounds with distinct mechanisms in the same model makes it possible to compare single and combined conditions.

That is the idea behind combination products such as our Wolverine Blend (TB-500 + BPC-157): one vial containing 10 mg TB-500 and 10 mg BPC-157 as lyophilised powder. If your experiment needs separate concentrations, both peptides are also available individually.

Storage and reconstitution

Store lyophilised vials of BPC-157, TB-500 and the Wolverine blend at −20 °C, dry and protected from light; 2–8 °C is fine for short periods. After reconstitution, keep the solution at 2–8 °C and use it within about four weeks. Avoid repeated freezing and thawing.

Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water: add it slowly along the wall of the vial and swirl gently until dissolved – don't shake. Our peptide calculator works out concentrations for you, and the storage guide describes the full procedure step by step.

Quality at Virexa Labs

Looking to buy BPC-157 and TB-500 for research? At Virexa Labs every batch is tested by HPLC for ≥99% purity and by mass spectrometry for identity. The batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available on the product page.

Delivery takes 1–2 working days to Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany and 2–5 working days to Italy and Türkiye. All our products are sold strictly for laboratory research – not for human or veterinary use.

Peptides in this comparison

• BPC-157
• TB-500
• Wolverine Blend (TB-500 + BPC-157)
• Bacteriostatic Water 10mL

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between BPC-157 and TB-500?

BPC-157 is a 15-amino-acid peptide derived from a protein in human gastric juice; TB-500 is based on the actin-binding region of thymosin beta-4. They are studied in overlapping tissue-repair models, but via different mechanisms.

Is TB-500 the same as thymosin beta-4?

No. Thymosin beta-4 is a protein of 43 amino acids; TB-500 is a synthetic peptide based on its actin-binding region.

What is the Wolverine blend?

A combination product with 10 mg TB-500 and 10 mg BPC-157 in one vial of lyophilised powder, intended for research into both peptides in the same model.

Are BPC-157 and TB-500 approved medicines?

No. Neither is an authorised medicine. Virexa Labs supplies both strictly as research reagents – not for human or veterinary use.

How should BPC-157 and TB-500 be stored?

Lyophilised at −20 °C, dry and dark (2–8 °C for short periods). After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water, at 2–8 °C, used within about four weeks, avoiding freeze–thaw cycles.