TB-500 vs AICAR
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- TB-500 is a synthetic fragment of Thymosin Beta-4, a naturally occurring peptide found in nearly all human and animal cells. It promotes cell migration to injury sites, accelerates tissue regeneration, and reduces chronic inflammation.
- AICAR is a cell-permeable AMP analog that activates AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) — the master metabolic switch that triggers fat burning, mitochondrial biogenesis, and adaptations normally only achieved through exercise. It has been called the 'exercise in a pill' compound.
- Half-Life
- 2–3 hours
- ~2–3 hours
- Admin Route
- SubQ, IM
- SubQ, IV
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 2–2.5 mg
- 25–50 mg
- Frequency
- Twice weekly
- 3–5 times per week
- Key Benefits
- Enhances muscle tissue regeneration
- Accelerates healing of wounds and injuries
- Reduces inflammation and pain
- Improves flexibility and mobility
- Promotes new blood vessel formation
- Supports hair growth and skin health
- May improve cardiac function after injury
- Systemic healing effect — works at distance from injection site
- AMPK activation mimics aerobic exercise adaptations
- Increased fat oxidation and endurance
- Mitochondrial biogenesis (PGC-1alpha)
- Improved insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Potential cardiac protection during ischemia
- Synergistic with actual exercise training
- Reduces hepatic glucose production
- Side Effects
- Injection site discomfort
- Fatigue (rare)
- Headache (rare)
- Hypoglycemia risk
- Lactic acidosis at high doses (animal data)
- Injection site irritation
- Stacks With
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