The Healing Stack: BPC-157 + TB-500
Last updated: 2026-02-20
The BPC-157 and TB-500 healing stack is one of the most widely discussed peptide combinations in the tissue repair space. By combining a cytoprotective gastric peptide with a systemic actin-binding regenerative peptide, this protocol targets both localized and systemic healing pathways simultaneously.
Research suggests that BPC-157 and TB-500 operate through complementary mechanisms: BPC-157 primarily promotes angiogenesis and upregulates growth factor expression at injury sites, while TB-500 enhances cell migration and reduces systemic inflammation through actin sequestration. When combined, preclinical evidence indicates these peptides may produce synergistic effects that exceed what either achieves individually.[1]
This guide covers the complete protocol including dosage schedules, timing, cycle length, what to expect, safety considerations, and the research evidence behind each compound. All information is presented for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as medical advice.
Compounds in This Stack
BPC-157
Localized tissue repair, angiogenesis, cytoprotection
BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) is a synthetic pentadecapeptide consisting of 15 amino acids derived from a protective protein found in human gastric juice. It serves as the primary localized healing agent in this stack.
Mechanism in this stack: BPC-157 upregulates vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to promote new blood vessel formation at injury sites, modulates the nitric oxide (NO) system to regulate inflammation, and upregulates early growth response protein 1 (EGR-1) to stimulate collagen remodeling. Its stability in gastric acid is notable among peptides, enabling both injectable and oral administration routes.[1]
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Research Dosage | 250–500 mcg per day (subcutaneous) |
| Injection Site | Subcutaneous, as close to the injury site as practical |
| Frequency | Once or twice daily |
| Half-Life | Estimated 4–6 hours |
| Oral Option | 500–1000 mcg per day (stable in gastric acid) |
TB-500
Systemic tissue regeneration, cell migration, anti-inflammation
TB-500 is a synthetic version of the active region (amino acids 17–23) of thymosin beta-4, a 43-amino-acid protein found in virtually all human cells. It serves as the systemic healing agent in this stack, reaching injuries throughout the body via circulatory distribution.
Mechanism in this stack: TB-500 binds G-actin (globular actin monomers) to regulate actin polymerization, which drives the migration of endothelial cells, keratinocytes, and repair cells toward wound sites. It reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines, inhibits NF-κB signaling, and may recruit stem and progenitor cells to injury sites.[2]
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Loading Dosage | 2–5 mg twice per week (first 4–6 weeks) |
| Maintenance Dosage | 2 mg twice per month |
| Injection Site | Subcutaneous or intramuscular (any site; systemic distribution) |
| Half-Life | Extended duration of action; distributes systemically |
| Frequency | Twice weekly during loading phase |
How They Work Together
The BPC-157 and TB-500 combination is considered synergistic because each peptide addresses a different, complementary aspect of the tissue repair cascade. Understanding how they work together helps clarify why this stack has gained prominence in peptide research circles.
Complementary Mechanisms of Action
BPC-157 operates primarily through the VEGF and NO pathways to promote angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) at injury sites. It acts as a localized agent that concentrates its effects near the injection site. TB-500, by contrast, operates through actin sequestration to promote systemic cell migration. It distributes throughout the body via circulation, reaching injuries regardless of where it is injected.[3]
This means the two peptides attack the healing process from different angles:
- BPC-157 builds the infrastructure: By promoting angiogenesis, BPC-157 ensures that oxygen, nutrients, and immune cells can reach the damaged tissue. It also activates the EGR-1 pathway to stimulate collagen deposition and tissue remodeling.
- TB-500 recruits the repair crews: By modulating actin dynamics, TB-500 accelerates the migration of repair cells (endothelial cells, fibroblasts, keratinocytes) toward the injury site. It also dampens excessive inflammation that can impede healing.
Overlapping but Distinct Anti-Inflammatory Profiles
Both peptides exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, but through different pathways. BPC-157 modulates the NO system and has demonstrated cytoprotective effects against NSAID-induced damage, while TB-500 directly inhibits NF-κB signaling and reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine production. This dual anti-inflammatory approach may provide more comprehensive inflammation control than either peptide alone.
Local + Systemic Coverage
Perhaps the most practical advantage of this combination is coverage. BPC-157 injected near an injury site provides concentrated local effects, while TB-500 injected anywhere provides systemic support. For individuals with multiple injury sites or diffuse tissue damage, this combination offers both targeted and whole-body healing support.
Preclinical Evidence for the Combination
While large-scale human clinical trials specifically studying the BPC-157 + TB-500 combination are limited, the individual evidence base for each peptide is substantial. BPC-157 has been studied in over 100 preclinical models of tissue injury, demonstrating consistent healing effects across tendons, ligaments, muscles, the gastrointestinal tract, and neural tissue.[1] Thymosin beta-4 (the parent protein of TB-500) has been studied in cardiac tissue repair, corneal wound healing, and dermal wound closure, with positive results across multiple animal models.[2] The complementary mechanism profiles strongly suggest a synergistic interaction when combined.
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Protocol & Dosage Schedule
Dosage Schedule
| Phase | BPC-157 | TB-500 | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loading Phase | 250–500 mcg/day (1–2x daily) | 2.5 mg twice per week | Weeks 1–4 |
| Active Phase | 250–500 mcg/day (1x daily) | 2.5 mg once per week | Weeks 5–8 |
| Maintenance (optional) | 250 mcg/day (as needed) | 2 mg twice per month | Weeks 9–12 |
Cycle Length
8–12 weeks total. Most protocols suggest an 8-week active cycle followed by an optional 4-week maintenance phase. A minimum 4-week break between full cycles is generally recommended to prevent receptor desensitization and allow the body to consolidate healing progress.
Timing & Administration
BPC-157 timing: Administer subcutaneously as close to the injury site as practical. For twice-daily dosing during the loading phase, inject once in the morning and once in the evening, at least 8 hours apart. BPC-157 can be taken with or without food, though some protocols suggest taking it on an empty stomach for optimal absorption.
TB-500 timing: Administer subcutaneously in the abdominal area or any convenient site (injection location is less critical since TB-500 distributes systemically). Schedule TB-500 injections on set days (e.g., Monday and Thursday during loading). TB-500 can be administered at the same time as BPC-157 if desired, but in a separate injection site.
Combined timing example:
- Morning: BPC-157 250–500 mcg near injury site
- Same session or evening: TB-500 2.5 mg subcutaneous (on scheduled days only)
- Evening (loading phase only): Optional second BPC-157 250 mcg dose
What to Expect
Individual responses to the healing stack vary based on injury severity, overall health, and other factors. The following timeline represents commonly reported general responses based on anecdotal and preclinical data. These are not guaranteed outcomes.
| Timeframe | Expected Observations |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Reduced acute inflammation and pain at the injury site. Improved comfort during daily activities. Some report improved sleep quality. |
| Weeks 2–3 | Noticeable reduction in swelling and stiffness. Improved range of motion. Minor injuries may show significant improvement. Gut health improvements for those with GI concerns. |
| Weeks 4–6 | Substantial healing progress for moderate injuries. Improved tissue flexibility and strength. Most users report meaningful functional recovery by this point. |
| Weeks 6–8 | Continued tissue remodeling and strengthening. Chronic injuries may show significant improvement. Full functional recovery for many moderate injuries. |
| Weeks 8–12 (Maintenance) | Consolidation of healing gains. Maintenance dosing supports continued remodeling. Assessment point for cycle completion or extension. |
Safety & Contraindications
Known Side Effects
Both BPC-157 and TB-500 have demonstrated favorable safety profiles in preclinical research, with limited reported adverse effects. However, human clinical trial data remains sparse, and long-term safety in humans has not been established.
BPC-157 reported side effects:
- Mild nausea (particularly with oral administration)
- Injection site redness, mild pain, or bruising
- Dizziness or lightheadedness (rare)
- Headache (infrequent)
TB-500 reported side effects:
- Injection site irritation or mild swelling
- Temporary fatigue or lethargy
- Head rush or lightheadedness shortly after injection
- Mild flu-like symptoms during the first week (rare)
Contraindications and Cautions
- Cancer history: Both peptides promote angiogenesis and cell proliferation. Individuals with a history of cancer or active malignancy should avoid this stack, as promoting blood vessel formation and cell migration could theoretically support tumor growth. This is a theoretical concern, not confirmed in studies, but caution is warranted.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: No safety data exists for either peptide during pregnancy or lactation. Avoid use entirely.
- Autoimmune conditions: TB-500 has immune-modulating properties. Those with autoimmune conditions should exercise caution and consult a healthcare provider.
- Blood-thinning medications: BPC-157 interacts with the NO system and may affect vascular tone. Use caution if taking anticoagulants or blood thinners.
- Active infections: Promoting cell migration and angiogenesis during active infections could theoretically worsen the infection. Complete any active infection treatment before beginning this stack.
Quality and Sourcing
Peptide quality varies significantly between suppliers. Research-grade peptides should come with third-party purity testing (HPLC analysis) showing 98%+ purity. Contaminants in low-quality peptides can introduce additional risks unrelated to the peptides themselves. Always verify certificate of analysis (COA) documentation from the supplier.
Important: Neither BPC-157 nor TB-500 is FDA-approved for human use. These are research compounds. This information is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any peptide protocol.
Where to Buy These Peptides
Third-party tested, research-grade peptides from our trusted supplier. Use code PEPTIDESINSIDER for 15% off.
Frequently Asked Questions
References
- Sikiric P, Seiwerth S, Rucman R, et al.. Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157: novel therapy in gastrointestinal tract. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 2011.
- Sosne G, Qiu P, Goldstein AL, Wheater M. Biological activities of thymosin beta-4 defined by active sites in short peptide sequences. FASEB Journal, 2010.
- Sikiric P, Seiwerth S, Rucman R, et al.. Brain-gut axis and pentadecapeptide BPC 157: theoretical and practical implications. Current Neuropharmacology, 2016.
- Philp D, Goldstein AL, Kleinman HK. Thymosin beta-4 promotes angiogenesis, wound healing, and hair follicle development. Mechanisms of Ageing and Development, 2004.
- Sikiric P, Rucman R, Turkovic B, et al.. Novel cytoprotective mediator, stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157: vascular recruitment and gastrointestinal tract healing. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 2018.
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Our content is reviewed for accuracy and grounded in peer-reviewed research where available. We do not provide medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.