Last updated: May 2026
TL;DR: BPC-157 and TB-500 are two of the most-purchased research-grade peptides in the cellular and tissue research category, but they are chemically distinct compounds with different molecular weights, different sequences, and different research literature. BPC-157 is a synthetic 15-amino-acid pentadecapeptide (MW 1419.55 g/mol) derived from a sequence found in human gastric juice. TB-500 is a synthetic 7-amino-acid acetylated fragment of the larger Thymosin Beta-4 protein (MW 794.86 g/mol). Resellers stocking both is common; choosing between them when starting smaller usually comes down to specific research context.
Side-by-side specifications
| BPC-157 | TB-500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Synthetic pentadecapeptide | Synthetic acetylated heptapeptide |
| Sequence (1-letter) | GEPPPGKPADDAGLV | Ac-LKKTETQ |
| Amino acid count | 15 | 7 |
| Source sequence | Body Protection Compound found in human gastric juice | Active fragment of the natural Thymosin Beta-4 protein |
| Molecular formula | C₆₂H₉₈N₁₆O₂₂ | C₃₃H₅₈N₈O₁₃ |
| Molecular weight | 1419.55 g/mol | 794.86 g/mol |
| CAS number | 137525-51-0 | 77591-33-4 |
| Standard pack sizes | 5 mg, 10 mg | 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg |
| Standard purity (PeptideDropship) | 99%+ HPLC + MS | 99%+ HPLC + MS |
| Counterion (typical) | TFA salt | TFA salt |
| Storage | −20°C lyophilized | −20°C lyophilized |
What’s different chemically
The most important point is that these are chemically distinct compounds — not variants of each other. BPC-157 and TB-500 came from entirely different parent sequences and have no shared structural features:
- BPC-157 is a 15-amino-acid synthetic peptide whose sequence (GEPPPGKPADDAGLV) was derived from a longer protein found in human gastric juice — specifically a sequence labeled “Body Protection Compound.” The synthetic 15-residue version is the standard research compound.
- TB-500 is a 7-amino-acid acetylated synthetic peptide (Ac-LKKTETQ) that represents the N-terminal active fragment of the much larger natural protein Thymosin Beta-4 (TB4). TB-500 is the commercial research-peptide name for this acetylated heptapeptide; the full-length TB4 protein is a separate compound used in different research contexts.
The ~625 g/mol difference in molecular weight reflects the structural difference: BPC-157 is roughly twice as large as TB-500, with a more complex amino acid composition.
Research context: where each is studied
BPC-157 and TB-500 both appear in cellular biology and tissue research literature, but the published research contexts are different. Always consult primary literature for the specific research application you’re evaluating.
- BPC-157 research context: primarily appears in cellular and tissue research literature focused on cell signaling, gastric epithelium research, and angiogenesis research. The academic literature has grown steadily since the 1990s.
- TB-500 / Thymosin Beta-4 research context: the natural TB4 protein has been studied since the 1980s in cellular biology and cytoskeletal research, particularly for its role in actin sequestration. The TB-500 7-mer fragment is a synthetic research tool derived from that broader literature.
The two peptides are not interchangeable in research applications — they have distinct molecular mechanisms and distinct documented activity profiles in published research.
Practical reseller considerations
For a peptide reseller deciding which to stock first (or whether to stock both):
| Consideration | BPC-157 | TB-500 |
|---|---|---|
| Wholesale demand | High | High |
| Common pack sizes | 5 mg, 10 mg | 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg (more granular) |
| Customer awareness | Higher general awareness | Moderate, often paired with BPC-157 |
| Compliance complexity | Standard research-use-only | Standard research-use-only |
| Cross-sell potential | Often bundled with TB-500 | Often bundled with BPC-157 |
Most established peptide resellers carry both because customer demand often arrives in mixed orders. New resellers validating demand often start with BPC-157 (higher awareness) and add TB-500 once they have repeat customers.
Sourcing and quality standards
Standards for both peptides are identical across the PeptideDropship catalog:
- 99%+ purity verified by reverse-phase HPLC
- Molecular weight confirmed by mass spectrometry on every batch
- Third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA) with every batch
- US-based fulfillment with 24-hour shipping
- White-label and private-label options available
- No minimum order quantity
For background on what to verify on a peptide COA, see the COA guide and the sample COA walkthrough.
FAQ
Are BPC-157 and TB-500 interchangeable?
No. They are chemically distinct compounds with different molecular weights, different sequences, and different documented research applications. They serve different research contexts and are not substitutes for one another.
Which is more popular among research peptide buyers?
Both are consistently in the top demand tier. BPC-157 typically has slightly higher general awareness because the name is more searchable; TB-500 demand is closely tied to BPC-157 demand because the two are often researched and ordered together.
Can I sell both under one partner account?
Yes. PeptideDropship partners have access to the full catalog. Most established resellers stock both BPC-157 and TB-500.
Are the COA standards the same?
Yes. Both peptides ship with third-party COAs documenting 99%+ HPLC purity and mass spectrometry identity confirmation. The analytical methodology is identical.
Is one more compliance-complicated than the other?
No. Both are sold under standard research-use-only labeling. Compliance requirements (FDA disclaimer, RUO labeling, no consumer-health claims) are identical for both products.
Where to go from here
For full technical specifications and ordering on each peptide, see the dedicated wholesale pages: BPC-157 wholesale and TB-500 wholesale. For broader context on the peptide dropshipping business model, see the pillar guide. To browse all 14 research peptides currently in the wholesale catalog, see the catalog hub.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. For research purposes only — not for human consumption. PeptideDropship sells research-grade peptides exclusively to verified B2B partners under research-use-only labeling.
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Apply for verified partner access. Verification typically completes within 1–3 business days. After approval you get partner-specific wholesale pricing, sample COAs, compliance templates, and payment processor introductions (subject to third-party approval).
Start a Partner Application →B2B only. Research use only. Not for human consumption.