Product Candidate

Thymosin Beta-4: A First-in-Class Candidate for Anti-inflammatory and Regenerative Therapies

Thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4) is a highly conserved, naturally occurring water-soluble peptide present in all tissues and cell types except red blood cells. This peptide plays a critical role in tissue regeneration by binding to actin and facilitating cell migration. Tβ4 is known to promote the mobilization, migration, and differentiation of stem and progenitor cells, support the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), and enhance tissue repair. In addition, Tβ4 reduces the number of myofibroblasts in wounds, thereby limiting scar formation and fibrosis.

The therapeutic potential of Tβ4 has been widely explored. A 2020 review by Geir Bjørklund and colleagues highlighted its promising role in cardiac healing, including its capacity to stimulate tissue repair in heart injuries (1). Other areas of research on Tβ4 include its application in dry eye syndrome, diabetes, and pressure ulcers (bedsores), reflecting a broad interest in its regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties.

Björklund Pharma AS is actively evaluating the therapeutic and commercial potential of Tβ4, focusing on leveraging its multi-faceted regenerative properties to develop mechanism-based, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative approaches in high-impact therapeutic areas. The aim is to establish Tβ4 as a potential first-in-class candidate for conditions where existing options are limited or poorly tolerated, with eventual clinical applications defined by robust preclinical and clinical evidence.

Reference

1. Bjørklund G, Dadar M, Aaseth J, Chirumbolo S. Thymosin β4: a multi-faceted tissue repair stimulating protein in heart injury. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27(37): 6294-6305.