TB500
[CAS# 885340-08-9]

Identification

• Classification: Biochemical >> Peptide
• Name: TB500
• Synonyms: (2S)-2-[[(2S,3R)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S,3R)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-acetamido-4-methylpentanoyl]amino]-6-aminohexanoyl]amino]-6-aminohexanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxybutanoyl]amino]-4-carboxybutanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxybutanoyl]amino]-5-amino-5-oxopentanoic acid
• Protein Sequence: LKKTETQ
• Molecular Formula: C₃₈H₆₈N₁₀O₁₄
• Molecular Weight: 889.01
• CAS Registry Number: 885340-08-9
• SMILES: C[C@H]([C@@H](C(=O)N[C@@H](CCC(=O)O)C(=O)N[C@@H]([C@@H](C)O)C(=O)N[C@@H](CCC(=O)N)C(=O)O)NC(=O)[C@H](CCCCN)NC(=O)[C@H](CCCCN)NC(=O)[C@H](CC(C)C)NC(=O)C)O

Properties

• Density: 1.3±0.1 g/cm³ Calc.^*
• Boiling point: 1405.0±65.0 ºC 760 mmHg (Calc.)^*
• Flash point: 803.5±34.3 ºC (Calc.)^*
• Index of refraction: 1.547 (Calc.)^*

^* Calculated using Advanced Chemistry Development (ACD/Labs) Software.

Discovory and Applicatios

TB500 is a synthetic version of a naturally occurring peptide known as thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4), which is found in most human and animal tissues. Thymosin beta-4 is a 43-amino-acid peptide involved in various cellular functions, particularly in tissue regeneration and wound healing. TB500 represents a truncated and synthetically optimized fragment of Tβ4 designed to mimic its biological activity, with emphasis on its actin-binding domain that facilitates cell migration and angiogenesis.

The discovery of thymosin beta-4 dates back to the 1970s and 1980s, when it was isolated from thymus tissue as part of research into thymic peptides involved in immune regulation. Subsequent studies revealed that Tβ4 plays a more general role in cellular motility, differentiation, and cytoskeletal organization. Based on this understanding, synthetic analogs such as TB500 were developed to harness its regenerative properties for therapeutic use, particularly in contexts outside of immune modulation.

The mechanism of action of TB500 centers around its ability to bind to monomeric G-actin and promote its polymerization into filamentous F-actin, a key component of the cytoskeleton. By regulating actin dynamics, TB500 enhances cell migration, a crucial process in tissue repair. It has also been shown to promote angiogenesis through upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), support wound healing by modulating inflammation, and inhibit apoptosis in stressed or damaged cells.

TB500 has been investigated primarily in preclinical and veterinary settings. In animal models, it has demonstrated efficacy in accelerating healing of tendon, ligament, muscle, and skin injuries. These findings have led to its use in equine medicine, where it is employed to treat musculoskeletal injuries in racehorses. Anecdotal evidence and small-scale studies suggest that it may speed up recovery times and reduce fibrosis in damaged tissues.

In humans, TB500 is not approved as a drug by regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Its use in clinical settings is limited to experimental or off-label applications, and it is not authorized for the treatment or prevention of any medical condition. However, it has attracted interest in the fields of sports medicine, orthopedics, and regenerative therapy due to its potential to enhance tissue repair and reduce recovery time from injury. Some commercial peptides sold under the name TB500 are marketed for research purposes only and not intended for human use, as their safety and efficacy have not been verified through rigorous clinical trials.

While TB500 appears to be well-tolerated in animal models, the lack of comprehensive human data means its safety profile remains largely unknown. Potential concerns include the risk of unregulated angiogenesis, unintended cell proliferation, and immune modulation. These risks underline the importance of thorough clinical testing before any widespread medical application can be justified.

Ongoing research continues to explore the therapeutic potential of Tβ4 and its derivatives like TB500, particularly in contexts such as cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, corneal injuries, and chronic wounds. Some studies have investigated the full-length Tβ4 peptide in human trials with promising results in ophthalmic and dermal applications, but TB500 itself has yet to reach similar levels of clinical validation.

In summary, TB500 is a synthetic peptide modeled after thymosin beta-4 with demonstrated regenerative properties in animal studies. Although it shows potential in promoting wound healing and tissue repair, it has not been approved for clinical use in humans and remains an investigational compound. Rigorous clinical studies are necessary to determine its therapeutic value, safety, and mechanisms of action in human medicine.