The Wolverine Stack: BPC-157 + TB-500 Protocol Guide
Table of Contents
- Why It’s Called the Wolverine Stack
- The Science Behind Combining BPC-157 and TB-500
- Detailed Research Dosing Protocol
- Reconstitution and Administration
- Timing: Same Injection or Staggered?
- Expected Research Timeline (Weeks 1-8)
- Common Protocol Variations
- Cost Breakdown for a Full 8-Week Protocol
- Comparison: BPC-157 vs TB-500 vs Wolverine Stack
- Who This Stack Is NOT For
- FAQ
Why It’s Called the Wolverine Stack
The nickname started in online research forums around 2018 and 2019. Researchers noticed that combining BPC-157 with TB-500 seemed to produce faster and more complete tissue repair than either peptide alone. The reference to Marvel’s Wolverine, a character famous for near-instantaneous healing, stuck immediately.
The name captures something specific about how these two peptides work together. BPC-157 acts locally at the injury site. TB-500 works systemically throughout the body. Together, they address tissue repair from both directions. That dual mechanism is the core reason the wolverine stack gained traction in peptide research communities and has remained one of the most discussed protocols for years.
To be absolutely clear: no published clinical trials have examined BPC-157 and TB-500 as a combination therapy. The wolverine healing protocol is built entirely on individual peptide research data and anecdotal reports from the research community. Keep that distinction in mind throughout this guide.
The Science Behind Combining BPC-157 and TB-500
BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) is a 15-amino-acid peptide derived from human gastric juice. In animal studies, it promotes angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation), upregulates growth hormone receptors, and accelerates tendon, ligament, and muscle healing. Its effects concentrate near the administration site, making it a targeted repair signal.
TB-500 is a synthetic fragment of thymosin beta-4, a 43-amino-acid protein found in nearly all human cells. TB-500 promotes cell migration, reduces inflammation systemically, and regulates actin, a protein involved in cell structure and movement. Unlike BPC-157, TB-500 distributes throughout the body regardless of injection location.
BPC-157 and TB-500 target tissue repair through entirely different pathways. BPC-157 works locally by stimulating blood vessel growth and growth factor expression at the injury site. TB-500 works systemically by promoting cell migration and reducing widespread inflammation. This is why researchers combine them: one peptide calls in repair resources locally, while the other mobilizes the body’s healing infrastructure system-wide. They do not compete or overlap. They complement.
For a detailed breakdown of how these two peptides differ on their own, see our BPC-157 vs TB-500 comparison guide.
No Published Combination Studies Exist
No published study has ever tested BPC-157 and TB-500 together in animals or humans. The protocol below is assembled from separate research on each peptide and from community reports. It is not clinically validated. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before considering any peptide protocol.
Detailed Research Dosing Protocol
The most commonly referenced wolverine stack dosage follows a two-phase structure: a loading phase and a maintenance phase. These numbers come from community consensus, not clinical trials.
Loading Phase (Weeks 1-4)
- BPC-157: 250-500 mcg per day, injected subcutaneously near the area of interest
- TB-500: 2-2.5 mg twice per week (total 4-5 mg/week), injected subcutaneously anywhere
Maintenance Phase (Weeks 5-8)
- BPC-157: 250 mcg per day or every other day
- TB-500: 2 mg once per week
Cycle Length
Most protocols run 6 to 8 weeks total. Some researchers run 4-week cycles for minor issues. Extended use beyond 8 weeks is generally followed by a break of equal length before repeating. There is no established safety data on long-term continuous use of either peptide.
Reconstitution and Administration
Both peptides arrive as lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder and require reconstitution with bacteriostatic water before use. If you are unfamiliar with this process, read our full peptide reconstitution guide first.
BPC-157 Reconstitution
A standard 5 mg vial reconstituted with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water yields 2,500 mcg/mL. A 250 mcg dose equals 0.1 mL (10 units on an insulin syringe). A 500 mcg dose equals 0.2 mL.
TB-500 Reconstitution
A standard 5 mg vial reconstituted with 1 mL of bacteriostatic water yields 5,000 mcg/mL. A 2 mg (2,000 mcg) dose equals 0.4 mL. Some researchers prefer 2 mL of water for easier measurement, yielding 2,500 mcg/mL.
Store reconstituted peptides refrigerated at 2-8 degrees Celsius. Use within 3-4 weeks. For more on shelf life, see do peptides expire?
For injection technique, reference our peptide injection guide. Subcutaneous injection with a 29-31 gauge insulin syringe is standard.
Timing: Same Injection or Staggered?
This is one of the most common questions about the BPC-157 and TB-500 together protocol. Short answer: both approaches are used.
Many researchers inject both peptides at the same time in separate syringes at different sites. BPC-157 goes near the target area. TB-500 goes in the abdomen or another convenient subcutaneous site. There is no known interaction between the two peptides that would require separation.
Some researchers prefer morning BPC-157 and evening TB-500, or vice versa. The rationale is theoretical: spacing them out might provide more continuous signaling throughout the day. No data supports one approach over the other.
Do not mix both peptides in the same syringe. Peptide stability can be affected by mixing, and dosing accuracy suffers.
Expected Research Timeline
These observations are self-reported and uncontrolled. Individual experiences vary widely and may reflect placebo effects.
Researchers tracking the BPC-157 TB-500 stack over an 8-week protocol commonly report the following general timeline. Individual responses vary significantly.
| Timepoint | Commonly Reported Observations |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Mild reduction in acute discomfort. Improved sleep quality reported by some. Little visible change. |
| Week 2 | Noticeable reduction in inflammation. Improved range of motion in affected areas. Some report better gut function from BPC-157. |
| Week 4 | Some researchers report meaningful changes around this point. Others see minimal difference. Results are highly individual. |
| Week 6 | Continued improvement. Chronic issues that responded partially at week 4 often show further progress. |
| Week 8 | End of standard protocol. Full assessment of results. Decision point for additional cycles after a break. |
Common Protocol Variations
Conservative / Lower Dose
BPC-157 at 250 mcg daily with TB-500 at 1.5 mg twice weekly. Often used by researchers working with smaller animal models or those prioritizing caution.
Aggressive / Higher Dose
BPC-157 at 500 mcg twice daily (morning and evening) with TB-500 at 2.5 mg twice weekly. Used for more severe tissue damage in research contexts. Higher cost and higher peptide consumption.
Adding Other Peptides
Some researchers add GHK-Cu (a copper peptide) for skin and connective tissue support, or combine the Wolverine Stack with a growth hormone secretagogue like CJC-1295/Ipamorelin. Stacking additional compounds increases complexity and makes it harder to attribute effects to any single variable.
Who This Stack Is NOT For
The Wolverine Stack is not appropriate for everyone. The following groups should avoid this protocol entirely or proceed only under direct medical supervision:
- Anyone with active cancer or a history of cancer. Both BPC-157 and TB-500 promote angiogenesis and cell proliferation. These are the exact mechanisms tumors exploit to grow.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. Zero safety data exists for either peptide in pregnancy.
- People on blood thinners or with clotting disorders. TB-500 may influence blood clotting pathways.
- Anyone under 18. Peptide effects on developing bodies are completely unstudied.
- People with autoimmune conditions. Immune-modulating effects of TB-500 could theoretically worsen certain autoimmune presentations.
- Researchers who have not tried either peptide individually first. Starting with a combination makes it impossible to identify which compound is responsible for any positive or negative effects.
Cost Breakdown for a Full 8-Week Protocol
Prices vary significantly between suppliers. The following estimates use mid-range pricing from reputable vendors like Swiss Chems, Core Peptides, and Paradigm Peptides.
| Item | Quantity Needed (8 weeks) | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| BPC-157 (5 mg vials) | 4-6 vials | $120-$240 |
| TB-500 (5 mg vials) | 5-7 vials | $150-$280 |
| Bacteriostatic water | 2-3 vials (30 mL each) | $10-$20 |
| Insulin syringes | 60-80 syringes | $15-$25 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $295-$565 |
Buying in bulk or during sales can reduce costs substantially. Compare pricing across our recommended peptide vendors before purchasing.
Comparison: BPC-157 Alone vs TB-500 Alone vs Wolverine Stack
| Factor | BPC-157 Only | TB-500 Only | Wolverine Stack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Local angiogenesis, growth factor upregulation | Systemic cell migration, actin regulation, anti-inflammatory | Both local and systemic pathways |
| Best For | Targeted injuries, gut healing, tendon/ligament | Widespread inflammation, muscle repair, flexibility | Complex or stubborn injuries, multi-site issues |
| Injection Frequency | Daily | 2x/week (loading), 1x/week (maintenance) | Daily (BPC) + 2x/week (TB) |
| 8-Week Cost | $130-$260 | $160-$300 | $295-$565 |
| Research Base | Extensive animal data | Moderate animal data | No published combo studies |
Related Articles
- The Complete BPC-157 Research Guide
- TB-500: Everything Researchers Need to Know
- BPC-157 vs TB-500: Which Peptide Is Right for Your Research?
- How to Reconstitute Peptides (Step-by-Step)
- How to Inject Peptides Safely: A Beginner’s Guide
- Best Peptide Companies (Tested and Reviewed)
Find Third-Party Tested BPC-157 and TB-500
We researched and ranked peptide suppliers for purity, pricing, and published certificates of analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take BPC-157 and TB-500 at the same time?
Yes. Many researchers administer both peptides on the same day. They should be drawn into separate syringes and injected at different sites. BPC-157 is typically injected near the target area while TB-500 can be injected anywhere subcutaneously.
How long does the Wolverine Stack take to work?
Most researchers report initial observations within the first two weeks, with more significant changes by week four. Chronic or severe issues may require a full 8-week protocol or multiple cycles.
Is the Wolverine Stack safe?
No long-term human safety data exists for either peptide individually or in combination. Animal studies on each peptide separately show tolerability at the doses tested, but animal safety data does not reliably predict human outcomes. Always consult a physician before considering any peptide protocol.
Do I need to cycle the Wolverine Stack?
Most protocols recommend cycling: 6-8 weeks on, followed by an equal break before repeating. Continuous indefinite use is not supported by any research data.
Where can I buy BPC-157 and TB-500?
Both peptides are available from research chemical suppliers. We recommend purchasing from third-party tested vendors. See our best peptide companies guide for vetted options including Swiss Chems and Core Peptides.
Can I use oral BPC-157 instead of injectable?
Oral BPC-157 may support gut-related research but has lower bioavailability for musculoskeletal targets. The Wolverine Stack protocol as commonly discussed uses injectable BPC-157 for localized effect.