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Structural Reference · Synthetic Peptides
BPC-157 vs TB-500
A structural and chemical comparison across peptide length, sequence origin, molecular formula, molecular weight, terminal chemistry, elemental composition, and analytical research format. Limited to classification and analytical characteristics only, with no biological effects, dosing, or administration content.
Pentadecapeptide
BPC-157
15 RESIDUES · 1,419.53 G/MOL
Linear synthetic peptide derived from a partial gastric protein sequence. Free N- and C-termini, no sulfur.
Thymosin beta-4 associated
TB-500
44 RESIDUES · 4,963.44 G/MOL
Larger linear synthetic peptide with an acetylated N-terminus and one sulfur atom from a methionine residue.
Neutral, research-use-only reference articles on peptide classification, structure, and analytical documentation. These articles summarize independently published third-party literature. The studies and their authors are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Ovrform, and nothing here describes or implies any use of Ovrform products.
Key Takeaways
Two synthetic peptides, separated by size and terminal chemistry
BPC-157 and TB-500 are synthetic peptides commonly listed in laboratory research catalogs. Although they are often grouped together, they differ substantially in amino acid length, sequence origin, molecular weight, elemental composition, and terminal chemistry.
- BPC-157 is a 15-amino-acid pentadecapeptide derived from a partial gastric protein sequence.
- TB-500 is a larger, 44-amino-acid synthetic peptide associated with thymosin beta-4.
- TB-500 is approximately 3.5 times heavier than BPC-157 by molecular mass, and carries an acetylated N-terminus plus one sulfur atom.
This comparison focuses exclusively on classification, peptide structure, molecular profile, and physical research format. It does not address biological effects, clinical outcomes, dosing, or administration. Both compounds are intended strictly for in-vitro and laboratory research and are not approved for human or veterinary use.
01 · At a Glance
Comparison table
| Feature | BPC-157 | TB-500 |
|---|---|---|
| Compound type | Synthetic peptide | Synthetic peptide |
| CAS number | 137525-51-0 | 77591-33-4 |
| Peptide length | 15 amino acids | 44 amino acids |
| Peptide class | Pentadecapeptide | Thymosin beta-4-associated peptide |
| Structure | Linear peptide | Linear, N-terminally acetylated peptide |
| Molecular formula | C62H98N16O22 | C212H350N56O78S |
| Molecular weight | Approximately 1,419.53 g/mol | Approximately 4,963.44 g/mol |
| Sulfur content | No sulfur | Contains one sulfur atom |
| Typical catalog format | Lyophilized powder | Lyophilized powder |
| Typical analytical testing | HPLC and mass spectrometry | HPLC and mass spectrometry |
| Research designation | In-vitro and laboratory research only | In-vitro and laboratory research only |
02 · BPC-157
What is BPC-157?
BPC-157 is a synthetic linear peptide composed of 15 amino acids. Its name is an abbreviation of Body Protection Compound-157, and it may also appear in research catalogs under names such as Pentadecapeptide BPC 157, PL 14736, or Bepecin.
Documented amino acid sequence
H-Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val-OH
The sequence contains a proline-rich central region and has free N-terminal and C-terminal groups. BPC-157 is not a small-molecule compound. Its analytical identity is determined primarily by its amino acid sequence, molecular formula, molecular mass, purity, and chromatographic profile.
Key BPC-157 research specifications
CAS number
137525-51-0
Peptide length
15 amino acids
Molecular formula
C62H98N16O22
Molecular weight
~1,419.53 g/mol
Terminal chemistry
Free N- and C-terminus
Sulfur content
None
03 · TB-500
What is TB-500?
TB-500 is a synthetic peptide associated with a 44-amino-acid sequence related to thymosin beta-4, an actin-binding protein studied in laboratory research. It is typically identified as an N-terminally acetylated linear peptide.
Sequence begins with
Ac-Ser-Asp-Lys-Pro-…-Gly-Glu-Ser
The acetyl group at the N-terminus is an important part of the compound’s analytical identity. This terminal modification distinguishes TB-500 from peptides such as BPC-157, which retain a free N-terminal amino group.
Key TB-500 research specifications
CAS number
77591-33-4
Peptide length
44 amino acids
Molecular formula
C212H350N56O78S
Molecular weight
~4,963.44 g/mol
Terminal chemistry
N-terminal acetylation
Sulfur content
One sulfur atom
04 · Primary Distinction
What is the main difference between BPC-157 and TB-500?
The primary difference is peptide size and sequence composition. BPC-157 contains 15 amino acids and has a molecular weight of approximately 1,419.53 g/mol. TB-500 contains 44 amino acids and has a molecular weight of approximately 4,963.44 g/mol. As a result, TB-500 is approximately 3.5 times heavier than BPC-157 by molecular mass.
15
BPC-157
Amino acid residues · approximately 1,419.53 g/mol
44
TB-500
Amino acid residues · approximately 4,963.44 g/mol
The two peptides also differ in terminal chemistry. BPC-157 has a free glycine at its N-terminus, while TB-500 has an acetylated N-terminus. TB-500 also contains sulfur due to the presence of a methionine residue, whereas BPC-157 contains no sulfur.
05 · Structure
Peptide length and structural comparison
BPC-157 structure
Classified as a pentadecapeptide because it contains 15 amino acid residues. Its shorter sequence places it in a lower molecular-size category compared with TB-500.
- A linear peptide backbone
- A proline-rich sequence region
- A free N-terminal glycine
- A free C-terminal carboxyl group
- No sulfur-containing amino acid residues
TB-500 structure
A longer linear peptide consisting of 44 amino acid residues. Its increased sequence length contributes to its higher molecular weight and more complex analytical profile.
- A 44-residue linear peptide backbone
- An acetylated N-terminus
- A sulfur-containing methionine residue
- A molecular mass greater than 4,900 g/mol
These structural differences are relevant when confirming peptide identity through analytical methods such as high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry.
06 · Molecular Profile
Molecular formula and molecular weight
BPC-157 and TB-500 have substantially different molecular formulas because of their different peptide lengths and amino acid compositions.
BPC-157 molecular profile
BPC-157 has the molecular formula C62H98N16O22 and a molecular weight of approximately 1,419.53 g/mol. Its elemental composition includes carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen. It does not contain sulfur.
TB-500 molecular profile
TB-500 has the molecular formula C212H350N56O78S and a molecular weight of approximately 4,963.44 g/mol. In addition to carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen, TB-500 contains one sulfur atom. This sulfur is associated with a methionine residue within the peptide sequence.
07 · Purity & Documentation
Purity and analytical documentation
Research-grade BPC-157 and TB-500 are commonly accompanied by analytical documentation that may include:
- High-performance liquid chromatography results
- Reported peptide purity
- Molecular mass confirmation
- Mass spectrometry data
- Lot or batch identification
- Certificate of analysis documentation
08 · Format & Storage
Physical form and laboratory storage
BPC-157 and TB-500 are commonly supplied as lyophilized, or freeze-dried, powders in sealed research vials. The material is typically white or off-white, depending on the manufacturing process and formulation. Lyophilization removes water from the peptide preparation to support stability during storage and transport.
Research catalogs commonly specify storage under cool, dry, and protected conditions. Exact storage requirements should be based on the supplier’s documentation and the certificate of analysis for the specific lot.
Factors affecting peptide stability
Temperature
Moisture
Light
Oxidation
Repeated handling
Laboratories should follow validated internal procedures for storage and sample preparation.
09 · Shared vs Distinct
Is BPC-157 the same as TB-500?
No. BPC-157 and TB-500 are not the same peptide. BPC-157 is a 15-residue pentadecapeptide, while TB-500 is a 44-residue acetylated peptide associated with thymosin beta-4.
Shared characteristics
- Both are synthetic peptides, not small molecules.
- Both use linear peptide backbones.
- Both are commonly supplied as lyophilized powders in sealed vials.
- Both are commonly evaluated using HPLC and mass spectrometry.
- Both are designated for in-vitro and laboratory research only.
They differ in
Peptide length
BPC-157 contains 15 amino acid residues. TB-500 contains 44.
Molecular mass
Approximately 1,419.53 g/mol versus approximately 4,963.44 g/mol — TB-500 is roughly 3.5 times heavier.
Terminal modification
BPC-157 has a free N-terminal glycine; TB-500 has an acetylated N-terminus.
Elemental composition
BPC-157 contains no sulfur. TB-500 contains one sulfur atom from a methionine residue.
Sequence origin
BPC-157 derives from a partial gastric protein sequence; TB-500 is associated with thymosin beta-4.
10 · FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Which peptide is larger, BPC-157 or TB-500?
TB-500 is the larger peptide. It contains 44 amino acids and has a molecular weight of approximately 4,963.44 g/mol. BPC-157 contains 15 amino acids and has a molecular weight of approximately 1,419.53 g/mol.
How many amino acids are in BPC-157?
BPC-157 contains 15 amino acid residues, which classifies it as a pentadecapeptide.
How many amino acids are in TB-500?
TB-500 is commonly identified as a 44-amino-acid synthetic peptide associated with thymosin beta-4.
What is the molecular weight of BPC-157?
The documented molecular weight of BPC-157 is approximately 1,419.53 g/mol.
What is the molecular weight of TB-500?
The documented molecular weight of TB-500 is approximately 4,963.44 g/mol.
Does BPC-157 contain sulfur?
No. The documented molecular formula for BPC-157 does not include sulfur.
Does TB-500 contain sulfur?
Yes. TB-500 contains one sulfur atom associated with a methionine residue in its peptide sequence.
Are BPC-157 and TB-500 small molecules?
No. Both are peptides composed of amino acid residues connected by peptide bonds. They are identified and characterized primarily by sequence, molecular mass, purity, and analytical profile.
How are BPC-157 and TB-500 commonly supplied?
Both compounds are commonly supplied as lyophilized research powders in sealed vials. Product format and storage specifications may vary by supplier and lot.
Are BPC-157 and TB-500 approved for human use?
Products sold as research-grade BPC-157 or TB-500 are designated for in-vitro and laboratory research only. They are not intended for human or veterinary use.
Conclusion
Structurally distinct research materials
BPC-157 is a 15-amino-acid pentadecapeptide with a molecular weight of approximately 1,419.53 g/mol. TB-500 is a larger, 44-amino-acid acetylated peptide with a molecular weight of approximately 4,963.44 g/mol.
Their most important analytical differences include peptide length, molecular mass, terminal chemistry, sequence composition, and sulfur content. Both are commonly supplied as lyophilized powders with lot-specific analytical documentation.