Cortexin vs TB-500
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Cortexin
Cortexin is a polypeptide complex derived from pig brain cortex, used clinically in Russia and Eastern Europe for neurological conditions including stroke recovery, traumatic brain injury, and cognitive decline.
Full details →TB-500
Thymosin Beta-4 (TB-500) is a naturally occurring peptide present in almost all human and animal cells. It plays a crucial role in tissue repair and regeneration.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Cortexin | TB-500 |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 10 mg–20 mg | 2 mg–2.5 mg |
| Frequency | 1x daily | Less than daily |
| Cycle Length | 1–2 weeks | 4–8 weeks |
| Route | intramuscular | subcutaneous |
| Mechanism | Contains a mixture of neuropeptides and amino acids that support neuronal metabolism, provide neuroprotection, and enhance synaptic transmission. Specific mechanisms not fully characterized. | TB-500 promotes cell migration and differentiation, regulates actin (a cell-building protein), and reduces inflammation. It supports the formation of new blood vessels and wound healing. |
| Typical Dosage | Clinical protocols: 10mg intramuscularly once daily for 10-20 days. May be repeated after 3-6 month interval. | Research protocols typically use 2-2.5mg twice weekly during the loading phase, followed by maintenance dosing of 2mg every 2 weeks. |
| Administration | Intramuscular injection. Comes as lyophilized powder requiring reconstitution. Treatment given in courses rather than continuously. | Administered via subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. Some protocols suggest injection near injury sites. |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated. May cause injection site reactions or mild allergic responses in sensitive individuals. | May cause temporary fatigue, headache, or localized irritation at injection sites. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Cortexin, TB-500 are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to Cortexin:
Unique to TB-500:
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
- Recovery & Healing: TB-500 has stronger research support.
| Goal | Cortexin | TB-500 |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery & Healing | medium | high |
Key Studies
Cortexin
- [Cortexin in the comprehensive therapy of alcoholic encephalopathy].
Zhurnal nevrologii i psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova, 2026
- Cortexin modulates OPG/RANK/RANKL and TRPC1 expression in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Neurological research, 2026
- Neurotropic Effects of Cortexin on Models of Mental and Physical Developmental Delay.
Biomedicines, 2025
TB-500
- Effects of BPC-157 and TB-500 on Achilles tendon healing in rats: A histopathological and biomechanical study.
Joint diseases and related surgery, 2026
- Simultaneous quantification of TB-500 and its metabolites in in-vitro experiments and rats by UHPLC-Q-Exactive orbitrap MS/MS and their screening by wound healing activities in-vitro.
Journal of chromatography. B, Analytical technologies in the biomedical and life sciences, 2024
- Adsorption effects of the doping relevant peptides Insulin Lispro, Synachten, TB-500 and GHRP 5.
Analytical biochemistry, 2017
Ready to Learn More?
Looking for trusted sources?