From the Research
Thymosin Beta-4 (TB4) is effective in promoting wound healing and tissue repair, as evidenced by its ability to increase the rate of dermal healing in various preclinical animal models and phase 2 trials with patients having pressure ulcers, stasis ulcers, and epidermolysis bullosa wounds 1.
Key Findings
- TB4 has been shown to have angiogenic and anti-inflammatory activity, and is high in platelets that aggregate at the wound site 1.
- It has been found to increase the rate of dermal healing in various preclinical animal models, including diabetic and aged animals, and is active for burns as well 1.
- A novel dimeric thymosin beta 4 with enhanced activities has been shown to accelerate the rate of wound healing, with the ability to promote endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and sprouting 2.
- TB4 has also been found to decrease the number of myofibroblasts in wounds, resulting in decreased scar formation and fibrosis 3.
Clinical Applications
- TB4 has the potential for new clinical applications such as kidney and liver disease, as well as repair of spinal cord, bone and ligament damage 4.
- It may be useful in the treatment of a wide range of other applications, including the consequences of aging and viral infections 4.
Safety and Efficacy
- TB4 is safe and well tolerated, with no significant side effects reported in clinical trials 1.
- However, it is not FDA-approved for human use and is currently sold only for research purposes or veterinary use in horses.
- Anyone considering TB4 should be aware that using it constitutes self-experimentation with an unregulated substance, and consulting with a healthcare provider about FDA-approved alternatives for tissue healing or recovery would be more appropriate and safer.