Product Candidate
Thymosin Beta-4 in Cardiac Healing
Thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4) is a naturally occurring, water-soluble peptide present in many tissues and cell types, excluding red blood cells. It is highly conserved and plays an important role in tissue regeneration through its interaction with actin, a key protein for cell structure and movement. By binding to actin, Tβ4 contributes to cell migration and supports the mobilization, migration, and differentiation of stem and progenitor cells.
A central feature of Tβ4’s activity is its ability to promote the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). Angiogenesis is essential for tissue repair, as adequate blood supply is required to deliver oxygen and nutrients to damaged areas. In experimental models of cardiac injury, this property has positioned Tβ4 as a candidate for further study in settings where restoration of blood flow and support of viable myocardium are critical.
Tβ4 has also been reported to reduce the number of myofibroblasts in wounds. While myofibroblasts play a role in normal wound healing, their persistence can contribute to excessive scar tissue and fibrosis. By modulating myofibroblast density, Tβ4 may influence scar formation and promote a more favorable pattern of repair in preclinical settings.
A review by Geir Bjørklund and colleagues in 2020 summarized available evidence on Tβ4 in cardiac injury and highlighted its potential relevance for cardiac repair and functional recovery (1). That review discussed data indicating that Tβ4 can support cardiomyocyte survival, recruit stem/progenitor cells, and modulate inflammation and scar formation in models of myocardial damage.
Beyond cardiac applications, Tβ4 has been investigated in several other fields, including dry eye syndrome, diabetes, and pressure ulcers (bedsores). These lines of research reflect broader interest in Tβ4 as a peptide with regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties across multiple organ systems.
Björklund Pharma AS is evaluating Tβ4 within its regenerative medicine program, with a focus on its mechanistic profile in tissue repair, angiogenesis, and fibrosis modulation. Future preclinical and clinical studies will be needed to define eventual indications, optimal dosing strategies, and safety profiles before any therapeutic use can be established.
References
- 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: 6294-6305.