Research-material explainer
BPC-157 and TB-500: the combined research blend
BPC-157 and TB-500 are two chemically distinct research peptides. When both are supplied together in a single lyophilized vial, the resulting material is often informally called the Wolverine stack or Wolverine peptide. This page describes the two molecules, how the published literature frames each one, and the analytical methods used to test a two-peptide vial. For laboratory research use only.
Last updated .
Quick facts
Public identity values are drawn from standard chemistry databases (PubChem for BPC-157; UniProt for thymosin β-4, the parent protein of TB-500). TB-500 is a synthetic fragment and its exact molecular mass depends on which residues the vendor includes; check the supplier record for the identifier used.
| Field | BPC-157 | TB-500 |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical class | Synthetic pentadecapeptide (15 residues) | Synthetic fragment of thymosin β-4, the 43-residue actin-sequestering parent protein |
| Sequence | GEPPPGKPADDAGLV | Vendor-dependent (commonly Ac-LKKTETQ, residues 17–23 of thymosin β-4) |
| Length | 15 amino acids | Fragment length depends on the vendor definition (7 residues for the common Ac-LKKTETQ form) |
| Average mass | ≈ 1419.5 g/mol | ≈ 889.0 g/mol for Ac-LKKTETQ (verify on the supplier COA) |
| Public identifier | CAS 137525-51-0; PubChem CID 108101 | Parent protein thymosin β-4, UniProt P62328; gene TMSB4X |
| Reference page | BPC-157 reference | TB-500 reference |
Where each peptide comes from
BPC-157 is a synthetic pentadecapeptide drawn from a partial sequence of a gastric-juice protein described in the body protection compound (BPC) literature. Its full chemical identity is fixed: 15 amino acids, defined sequence, defined mass.
TB-500 is a synthetic peptide fragment of thymosin β-4, a 43-residue (≈ 4.9 kDa) protein that sequesters monomeric actin inside cells. The gene is TMSB4X (X chromosome). The commonly supplied TB-500 fragment covers the actin-binding motif LKKTETQ (residues 17–23), often with an N-terminal acetyl group (Ac-LKKTETQ). Different vendors may define the fragment slightly differently; the molecular mass on the vial should match the fragment on the COA.
How they are studied in the published literature
Both peptides have been the subject of preclinical research reports. The published literature covers in vitroexperiments and animal models, with a small number of human-registered studies. For a research-chemistry audience, the relevant question is what was measured, not whether an observation applies outside the specific study system; this site reports neither health outcomes nor extrapolations.
For a dedicated overview of the BPC-157 literature (publication count by year, study designs, analytical methods used), see the BPC-157 research overview.
Single peptides vs a pre-combined blend
A laboratory sourcing these peptides can purchase them as single-peptide vials or as a pre-combined two-peptide vial. The practical differences are:
- Vial count. One combined vial vs two separate vials for the same experiment design.
- Certificate of analysis. A combined COA lists both peptides and their masses; two single-peptide COAs cover one peptide each.
- Storage SOP. One storage temperature and shelf-life window apply to the combined vial; single-peptide vials are stored under their own SOPs.
- Analytical complexity. HPLC of a two-peptide vial must resolve two main peaks; MS must observe two expected molecular masses.
This site covers the combined vial only. See the BPC-157 vs TB-500 comparison page for a side-by-side of the two molecules on their own.
Analytical identity of a two-peptide vial
A combined vial is tested the same way as a single-peptide vial, but the HPLC chromatogram must show two resolved main peaks (one for each peptide, plus any impurities) and the mass spectrum must show both expected molecular masses. The purity testing methods explainer walks through each method; the batch documentation page describes how a specific lot’s report is laid out.
Storage of the combined lyophilized material
Common lab practice is to refrigerate a sealed, lyophilized vial at approximately 2–8 °C short-term, and to freeze at −20 °C or colder for long-term storage, protected from light and moisture. Full guidance (temperature, desiccant, aliquoting, freeze–thaw) is on the storage and handling page.
Sourcing the blend
Frequently asked questions
What are BPC-157 and TB-500?
BPC-157 is a synthetic pentadecapeptide drawn from a gastric-juice protein sequence (15 amino acids, GEPPPGKPADDAGLV; CAS 137525-51-0; PubChem CID 108101). TB-500 is a synthetic peptide fragment based on the actin-binding region of thymosin β-4 (UniProt P62328), commonly supplied as Ac-LKKTETQ (residues 17–23); the exact fragment can vary by vendor.
What is the difference between BPC-157 and TB-500?
They are chemically distinct peptides. BPC-157 is a 15-residue sequence drawn from a gastric protein. TB-500 is a shorter synthetic fragment of thymosin β-4, a 43-residue parent protein. A side-by-side identity table and the published-literature framing are summarized in the dedicated BPC-157 vs TB-500 comparison page.
Why are BPC-157 and TB-500 supplied in one vial?
Supplying both peptides in one lyophilized vial is a logistics choice: one certificate of analysis, one shipping unit, and one storage SOP. It is a supply-format statement, not a statement about biological effect or recommended use.
How is a two-peptide vial tested for identity?
HPLC separates the sample into peaks and reports an area percentage per peak. Mass spectrometry confirms the observed masses match the expected masses for BPC-157 and TB-500. A COA for a two-peptide vial should show both peptides and their masses.
How should the combined lyophilized material be stored?
Store the sealed vial in a dark, dry place at approximately 2–8 °C short-term, or at −20 °C or colder for long-term storage. Full laboratory storage and handling guidance is on the storage and handling page.