Retatrutide
Triple incretin receptor agonist
An experimental peptide that acts on three hormone receptors. Researchers studied it in phase 2 trials involving weight and blood sugar.
TB-500
Also cited in the literature as Thymosin beta-4 fragment
A laboratory-made piece of thymosin beta-4, a natural protein. Researchers mainly examined it in early cell and animal studies.
Regulatory status: Not licensed as a medicine in the United Kingdom. It holds no MHRA marketing authorisation, has no approved indication, and is not approved for human or animal use.
Cell & tissue research
Research stage: Early cell and animal research on TB-500; early human research on the full protein
Cells
Animal studies
Human trials
The research pathway — not every compound has reached human trials. Illustrations are simplified, not study results.
What it is
TB-500 is a short, laboratory-made peptide based on part of thymosin beta-4, a protein found naturally in the body.
TB-500 and the full thymosin beta-4 protein are not the same. Some reports did not clearly separate evidence about the two.
How researchers think it works
Studies found that thymosin beta-4 interacted with actin, a protein that helps cells keep their shape and move. Cell studies reported changes in cell movement.
Researchers also suggested effects on new blood vessel growth and inflammation signals.
What has research seen in people?
Human studies exist for the full natural protein it is copied from — thymosin beta-4 — in skin wounds and eye surface conditions, not for TB-500 itself.
Evidence about TB-500 specifically came from cell tests and rodent injury studies, which reported changes in cell movement and blood-vessel growth.
Researchers cautioned that results for the full protein cannot be assumed to apply to the shorter fragment.
Where this material is listed
For laboratory research use only. Not a medicine and not for human or animal use.
Veritide does not sell or supply anything. This links to a third-party UK laboratory supplier; we may earn a commission if you buy through it, at no extra cost to you. Materials are sold for laboratory research use only and are not licensed medicines.
What studies have found
- Early human studies examined the full thymosin beta-4 protein in skin wounds and eye conditions. These studies did not test TB-500 itself.
- Evidence about TB-500 itself came mainly from cell tests and rodent injury studies.
- The World Anti-Doping Agency included the fragment on its Prohibited List.
What we still do not know
- Results for the full thymosin beta-4 protein could not be assumed to apply to TB-500.
- The early studies measured changes in laboratories, not health outcomes in people.
Sources
Related profiles
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