BPC-157 and TB-500 are the two most popular recovery peptides, often used to support healing from injury and hard training. They work in different but complementary ways, which is why they are frequently used together. This guide compares them honestly so you can decide, with your doctor, what suits your goal.
Reviewed by Dr Chris van Zyl (registered as M.C. van Zyl, HPCSA MP0287067), who is licensed to both prescribe and dispense medicines under a Section 22C dispensing licence. Both peptides are dispensed on a valid script after a medical questionnaire, with a consultation arranged when your screening calls for one.
| Feature | BPC-157 | TB-500 |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Body Protection Compound-157 | Thymosin Beta-4 fragment |
| Best known for | Localised injury and gut repair | Whole-body recovery and flexibility |
| How it acts | Promotes blood-vessel and tissue repair at the injury site | Promotes cell migration and repair more systemically |
| Typical use | Tendon, ligament, muscle, gut | General recovery, mobility |
| Often combined? | Yes, commonly stacked together | Yes, commonly stacked together |
| Evidence | Mostly preclinical, limited human data | Mostly preclinical, limited human data |
| Status in sport | WADA prohibited | WADA prohibited |
What is the difference between BPC-157 and TB-500?
BPC-157 tends to act more locally, supporting repair at a specific injury site such as a tendon, ligament or the gut lining. TB-500 works more systemically, helping cells migrate and tissues recover across the whole body. In short, BPC-157 is often thought of as targeted repair and TB-500 as broad recovery. See our recovery peptides page for both.
Which is better for injury recovery?
It depends on the injury. For a specific, localised problem like a tendon or gut issue, BPC-157 is often favoured. For general recovery, mobility and whole-body repair after heavy training, TB-500 is popular. Many people use them together because their actions complement each other, which your doctor can guide.
Can you take BPC-157 and TB-500 together?
Yes, they are frequently stacked because they support healing through different mechanisms, one more local and one more systemic. Whether a combined protocol suits you is decided by your doctor based on your goal and history, rather than a fixed rule.
What is the honest state of the evidence?
This matters. Most of the promising results for both peptides come from laboratory and animal research, with limited robust human trial data. So they are best treated as doctor-supervised recovery support with realistic expectations, not proven medicines. Our full range is on the peptides hub.
Are BPC-157 and TB-500 allowed in sport?
No. Both appear on the WADA Prohibited List, so competitive athletes subject to anti-doping testing should not use them. If you compete, discuss this with your doctor before starting.
How do I get them in South Africa?
They are prescription items, so it starts with a short medical questionnaire that our registered doctor reviews, with a consultation arranged when your screening calls for one. Once a script is issued, your prefilled pen is couriered anywhere in South Africa with clear dosing instructions.
Looking at a single peptide? BPC-157 in South Africa · TB-500 in South Africa
How to start, in 3 simple steps
- Message us on WhatsApp. Tell our doctor-led team your goal.
- Medical questionnaire. Complete a short questionnaire, reviewed by our registered doctor. A consultation is arranged when your screening calls for one. If it is safe and suitable, a script is issued.
- Delivered to your door. Your prefilled pen is couriered anywhere in South Africa, with clear dosing instructions.
Medically reviewed by Dr Chris van Zyl This guide was written and reviewed by mobivIVe’s medical team, led by Dr Chris van Zyl, an HPCSA-registered medical doctor (registered as M.C. van Zyl, HPCSA reg. no. MP0287067) who is licensed to both prescribe and dispense medicines under a Section 22C dispensing licence. Last reviewed August 2026. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease; individual results vary. Consult your healthcare provider.