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TB4-Frag

Also known as: Thymosin Beta-4 Fragment · TB-4 Fragment 17-23 · Ac-LKKTETQ · TB500 fragment

33 views/week 89 citations 0 edits Updated 6/8/2026

TB4-Frag is a synthetic 7-amino acid fragment of thymosin beta-4 (residues 17–23) that retains the core anti-inflammatory and tissue repair activity of the full TB-500 peptide. It offers a more cost-effective and stable alternative with comparable healing, actin-binding, and anti-inflammatory properties.

STRUCTURE

Molecular Composition

FORMULA
C₃₄H₅₉N₉O₁₄
MOL. WEIGHT
821.9 Da
CAS NUMBER
N/A
SEQUENCE
Ac-LKKTETQ-OH
HALF-LIFE
~30 minutes
ORIGIN
TB-4 fragment 17–23
AMINO ACID CHAIN VISUALIZATION
L
Leu-17
Actin binding LKKTET core
NH-CO
K
Lys-18
Actin G-monomer contact
NH-CO
K
Lys-19
Electrostatic actin anchor
NH-CO
T
Thr-20
Serine/threonine kinase site
NH-CO
E
Glu-21
Anti-inflammatory motif
NH-CO
Q
Gln-23
C-terminal stability
SEQUENCEL-K-K-T-E-Q
MECHANISMS

How It Works

🔬
Actin G-Monomer Sequestration
The LKKTET motif in TB4-Frag directly binds G-actin monomers, modulating the cytoplasmic pool available for filament (F-actin) polymerisation. This regulates lamellipodia formation in migrating fibroblasts and keratinocytes, accelerating wound edge closure and epithelial re-epithelialisation.
🛡️
NF-κB Anti-Inflammatory Signalling
TB4-Frag suppresses IκB kinase phosphorylation, reducing NF-κB nuclear translocation and subsequent transcription of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β). This anti-inflammatory effect complements BPC-157 and makes the combination synergistic for injury recovery.
🌱
VEGF-Driven Angiogenesis
Similar to full-length TB-500, the fragment promotes VEGF expression and endothelial cell migration, stimulating new capillary formation in ischaemic or injured tissue. Enhanced vascularisation accelerates nutrient and oxygen delivery to the healing zone.
⚗️
Stability Advantage Over TB-500
The 7-amino acid fragment has significantly better chemical stability than the full 43-amino acid TB-500. It is less susceptible to oxidation, aggregation, and degradation during storage and in vivo. This may translate to more consistent bioactivity and better reproducibility across research batches.
OVERVIEW

Research Overview

TB4-Frag (Ac-LKKTETQ) corresponds to the actin-binding domain of thymosin beta-4, the region responsible for most of its biological activity. Research shows it retains the ability to promote wound healing, reduce inflammation, and modulate actin polymerisation — the core mechanisms behind TB-500 — in a smaller, more stable, and more economical molecule.

Mechanism of Action

TB4-Frag sequesters G-actin monomers through its LKKTET motif, modulating actin dynamics in migrating cells and promoting wound closure. It also downregulates NF-κB-mediated inflammatory signalling, reduces IL-6 and TNF-α production, and promotes VEGF-driven neovascularisation in ischaemic tissue.

DOSAGE

Dosage & Administration

INJECTABLE (SUBCUTANEOUS)
DOSE
2–5 mg
FREQUENCY
Twice weekly
NOTES
Mirrors TB-500 dosing protocol. Loading phase: 2 mg twice weekly ×4 weeks. Maintenance: 2 mg once weekly. Often stacked with BPC-157 for synergistic tissue repair.

TB4-Frag is used as a TB-500 alternative or complement. Less human data available than for full-length TB-500, but preclinical evidence supports comparable bioactivity in key wound healing and anti-inflammatory assays. Source quality important — the short peptide is easier to synthesise but also easier to adulterate; use reputable research suppliers. Well tolerated based on available data.

CYCLING

Cycle Duration Guide

ON CYCLE
4–8 weeks (injury protocol) or 8–12 weeks (maintenance)
OFF CYCLE
4–6 weeks

Injury-focused protocols use higher loading doses for 4–6 weeks. Long-term tissue maintenance uses lower doses over 8–12 weeks with periodic breaks. Can be stacked with BPC-157 throughout the cycle for synergistic healing effects.

NOTES

Research Notes

Research dosing mirrors TB-500 protocols: 2–5 mg twice weekly subcutaneously. Considered well-tolerated based on available preclinical data. The shorter chain offers improved stability and shelf life over full-length TB-500. Often stacked with BPC-157 for synergistic tissue repair.

Quick Reference
FORMULAC₃₄H₅₉N₉O₁₄
MOL. WEIGHT821.9 Da
LENGTH7 amino acids
ORIGINSynthetic fragment of endogenous thymosin beta-4
HALF-LIFE~30 minutes
SOLUBILITYSoluble in sterile water at 2 mg/mL
STATUSResearch Only
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TAGS
healinganti-inflammatorytissue repairactin bindingwound healingtb-500 alternative