The Nature paper that moved the protein from wound healing to cardiac repair, and what followed in mice and in one human trial

Published 26 October 2026 · REVIVE LAB UAE Research Desk · 5 min read
Bock-Marquette, Srivastava and colleagues at the University of Texas Southwestern reported in Nature in 2004 that thymosin beta-4 given to mice after coronary artery ligation reduced infarct size and improved cardiac function, with evidence that the protein promoted cardiomyocyte survival through an integrin-linked kinase and Akt pathway and promoted cell migration. Smart, Riley and colleagues reported in Nature in 2007 that the protein could reactivate adult epicardial cells toward a progenitor state. These two papers created the cardiac literature on the protein. In humans, a phase 1 safety study of injectable thymosin beta-4 was completed by RegeneRx and no efficacy trial followed.

The 2004 study

Mice underwent ligation of the left anterior descending artery and received the full-length protein or vehicle. At four weeks the treated group had smaller scars and better ejection fraction by echocardiography. In culture the protein protected cardiomyocytes from death under hypoxia and promoted migration of embryonic heart cells, and the integrin-linked kinase and Akt pathway was implicated by biochemical and inhibitor experiments.

The work drew attention because the protein was already known, abundant and apparently safe.

What followed

The epicardial reactivation finding suggested the protein could recruit resident progenitors, and later work from the Riley group explored priming the epicardium before injury. Other groups reported mixed results on cardiomyocyte generation. The injectable programme reached phase 1 in healthy volunteers and stopped there; the company concentrated on the eye.

The cardiac literature is mouse biology with one human safety study.

Why it is here

Because the cardiac papers are among the most cited for thymosin beta-4 and concern the full 43-residue protein, not the fragment in this pack. It describes studies and no use of the pack.

The BPC-157 + TB500 blend is supplied by REVIVE LAB UAE for laboratory research use only, with identity by mass spectrometry and purity by HPLC for each component of the batch. It is not for human or veterinary use, and no dosing, administration or protocol guidance is provided.

What it costs

FormatStrengthPriceAvailability
BPC-157 + TB500 Pack5 mg + 5 mgAED 510In stock

Delivery is AED 40 flat and free on orders over AED 700. Payment is cash on delivery anywhere in the UAE, or USDT (TRC20) in advance, which takes 5% off the order total.

Frequently asked

The 2004 study?

Mice underwent ligation of the left anterior descending artery and received the full-length protein or vehicle. At four weeks the treated group had smaller scars and better ejection fraction by echocardiography. In culture the protein protected cardiomyocytes from death under hypoxia and promoted migration of embryonic heart cells, and the integrin-linked kinase and Akt pathway was implicated by biochemical and inhibitor experiments.

Does REVIVE LAB UAE provide dosing guidance?

No. REVIVE LAB UAE supplies research materials and provides no dosing, administration or protocol guidance of any kind. Every product is sold for laboratory research use only and is not for human or veterinary consumption.

How fast is delivery in the UAE?

Stock is held in Dubai. An order confirmed before 4 PM Dubai time is dispatched the same working day, reaching Dubai and Abu Dhabi the same day and the remaining emirates within 24 hours. Delivery is AED 40 flat and free over AED 700.

BPC-157 + TB500 Pack — in stock, dispatched from Dubai
HPLC-verified, lot certificate on every carton, 24-hour delivery nationwide. Browse the catalogue → All peptides UAE

Related reading

Supplied for laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary consumption. REVIVE LAB UAE provides no dosing, administration or protocol guidance.