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Tissue repair peptides: what the evidence shows
BPC-157 and TB-500 are the two most-studied recovery peptides. The hype is loud — what does the evidence actually say?
Recovery · 8 min read
BPC-157
Body Protection Compound 157 — derived from a peptide naturally present in human gastric juice. Animal studies show accelerated tendon, ligament, and gut healing. Human data is limited but consistently safe in trials.
TB-500 (Thymosin β4 fragment)
An actin-binding peptide that promotes cell migration and tissue remodelling. Animal models show faster wound healing and reduced scarring.
Honest assessment
- Strongly anecdotally reported for tendon, soft-tissue and gut healing
- Animal evidence is encouraging, human RCT evidence is thin
- Side-effect profile is mild in available studies
- Not magic — they accelerate processes your body is already doing
If you have an injury, peptides are an adjunct to physiotherapy and load management. They don't replace getting blood flow into a tendon or progressively loading it back to capacity.