For informational and research purposes only. Not medical advice. Content is aggregated from public sources. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Healing & Recovery · Comparison

Thymosin Beta-4 Fragment (TB4-Frag 17-23) vs Thymosin Alpha-1

A neutral, side-by-side comparison of two healing & recovery peptides — their mechanisms, dosing ranges, administration routes, side effects, and research evidence. For research and educational purposes only.

Thymosin Beta-4 Fragment (TB4-Frag 17-23)Thymosin Alpha-1
CategoryHealing & RecoveryHealing & Recovery
Also known asTB4 fragment 17-23, TB-500 active peptide, LKKTETQ, thymosin beta-4 fragment, Ac-LKKTETQTα1, Thymalfasin, Zadaxin
EvidenceResearch-stageResearch-stage
Dosing range250mcg–1mg mcg–mg, 2–3x weekly900mcg–3.2mg mg, 2–3 times per week subcutaneously
AdministrationSubcutaneous injection, Intramuscular injectionSubcutaneous injection
Key side effectsInjection site irritation, Mild fatigue (transient), Potential headache, Generally well-tolerated in research applicationsGenerally very well tolerated, Mild injection site reactions (most common), Transient fatigue in initial doses, Flu-like symptoms (rare)
Cited sources2 references4 references

Key differences

  • Administration: Thymosin Beta-4 Fragment (TB4-Frag 17-23) — Subcutaneous injection, Intramuscular injection; Thymosin Alpha-1 — Subcutaneous injection.
  • Dosing units differ: Thymosin Beta-4 Fragment (TB4-Frag 17-23) is dosed in mcg–mg, Thymosin Alpha-1 in mg — they operate at different scales.
  • Frequency: Thymosin Beta-4 Fragment (TB4-Frag 17-23) is typically 2–3x weekly; Thymosin Alpha-1 is 2–3 times per week subcutaneously.
  • Research depth: this profile cites 2 sources for Thymosin Beta-4 Fragment (TB4-Frag 17-23) vs 4 for Thymosin Alpha-1.

How each works

Thymosin Beta-4 Fragment (TB4-Frag 17-23)

The LKKTETQ sequence was identified in 1994 as the minimum active fragment of thymosin beta-4 responsible for its actin-sequestering and tissue repair activity. This heptapeptide competes with actin monomer binding proteins, promoting cell migration, angiogenesis, and wound healing. Studies confirm it recapitulates the key bioactivity of full TB4 in cell migration and collagen deposition assays.

Thymosin Alpha-1

Extensive human clinical research documents Tα1's immune-modulating effects. It increases T-cell counts, enhances NK cell activity, and promotes Th1 cytokine balance. Multiple randomized trials have shown efficacy in treating chronic hepatitis B and C, reducing infection severity in critically ill patients, and improving outcomes in sepsis. More recent research investigates its role in long COVID immune dysregulation. It is considered one of the best-studied peptides in immunology.

Read the full Thymosin Beta-4 Fragment (TB4-Frag 17-23) profileRead the full Thymosin Alpha-1 profile

This comparison aggregates public research and structured profile data for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not recommend either compound for human use. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before considering any peptide.