New research initiative will explore whether targeted bioelectric stimulation may complement the tissue-repair effects observed with TB-500 in a 2026 preclinical Achilles tendon study
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — September 17, 2026 — Lionheart Health, Inc. announced that its OrthoStim™ Plus research team plans to investigate a combination approach using targeted bioelectric stimulation together with TB-500 for tendon injury recovery and tissue regeneration.
The planned research is inspired in part by a peer-reviewed 2026 study evaluating TB-500 and BPC-157—individually and in combination—following Achilles tendon injury and surgical repair in rats. Lionheart Health did not participate in that study.
OrthoStim™ Plus is Lionheart Health’s investigational multimodal platform designed to combine programmable bioelectric stimulation with complementary regenerative interventions. The research team intends to evaluate whether precisely delivered bioelectric signals may support circulation, cellular activity, inflammation management, extracellular-matrix remodeling and collagen organization when studied alongside TB-500.
“Bioelectric stimulation and regenerative biologics may affect different but potentially complementary stages of tissue repair,” said Howard J. Leonhardt, Executive Chairman and Co-CEO of Lionheart Health. “Our objective is to investigate this combination systematically, measure the results and determine whether a properly designed multimodal protocol can improve tendon healing beyond either intervention studied independently.”
Findings From the 2026 Preclinical Study
The published study involved 32 male rats that underwent standardized Achilles tendon transection and surgical repair. Researchers randomly assigned eight animals to each of four groups:
- Control
- BPC-157
- TB-500
- Combined BPC-157 and TB-500
The compounds were administered intraperitoneally each day for four weeks. At the four-week endpoint, researchers assessed biomechanical strength, tendon architecture, collagen alignment and extracellular-matrix organization.
The investigators reported:
- The TB-500 group demonstrated a median maximum load to failure of 37.41 newtons, compared with 26.91 newtons in controls—approximately 39% higher.
- Only the TB-500 group achieved a statistically significant improvement in maximum load to failure compared with the control group.
- TB-500 produced statistically significant improvements in histopathological measures associated with tendon architecture, collagen alignment and tissue quality.
- BPC-157 showed numerical improvements in certain tissue-organization measures but did not produce a statistically significant improvement in maximum load to failure.
- The combination of TB-500 and BPC-157 did not provide a clear additional benefit over the individual agents.
- The authors concluded that both peptides warrant further investigation, while emphasizing the need for dose optimization and longer-term studies.
Planned OrthoStim™ Plus Research
The Lionheart Health team plans to develop a staged research protocol examining TB-500 with OrthoStim™ Plus bioelectric stimulation. Proposed areas of study include:
- Tendon strength and functional recovery
- Pain, mobility and range of motion
- Collagen organization and extracellular-matrix remodeling
- Local circulation and tissue oxygenation
- Inflammatory and regenerative biomarkers
- Imaging-based evaluation of tendon structure
- Time required to return to normal activity
- Safety and tolerability
The research plan may begin with laboratory or preclinical evaluation before advancing to appropriately authorized human feasibility studies. Any human research would require a finalized protocol, independent Institutional Review Board approval, informed consent, qualified clinical investigators and all applicable regulatory authorizations.
A Multimodal Approach to Orthopedic Regeneration
Lionheart Health is developing OrthoStim™ Plus around the principle that orthopedic recovery may be best addressed through multiple coordinated mechanisms rather than a single intervention.
The platform is designed to explore targeted bioelectric signaling together with physical rehabilitation and other investigational regenerative approaches. The company believes this research may eventually help identify better protocols for tendon injuries, joint pain and other musculoskeletal conditions.
The 2026 peptide study was conducted exclusively in animals. Its findings do not establish that TB-500, BPC-157 or their combination is safe or effective for treating tendon injuries in humans. In addition, the absence of added benefit from combining TB-500 and BPC-157 reinforces the importance of testing each proposed combination independently rather than assuming that multiple therapies will produce additive results.
About OrthoStim™ Plus
OrthoStim™ Plus is an investigational Lionheart Health program focused on combining programmable bioelectric stimulation with complementary orthopedic and regenerative strategies. The program is being developed to support research involving joint health, tendon and ligament recovery, pain reduction, mobility and musculoskeletal function.
About Lionheart Health
Lionheart Health, Inc. develops and commercializes bioelectric, regenerative-health and healthspan-longevity technologies. Its programs span orthopedic health, muscle performance, brain health, vision, aesthetics, cardiovascular health and organ-regeneration research.
For additional information, visit www.LionheartLongevity.com.
Scientific Reference
Biçer O, Adanir O, Güleryüz Y, et al. Effects of BPC-157 and TB-500 on Achilles tendon healing in rats: A histopathological and biomechanical study. Joint Diseases and Related Surgery. 2026;37(3):822–837. Published July 23, 2026. DOI: 10.52312/jdrs.2026.2951. PMID: 42542926. View the PubMed record.
Important Research and Regulatory Notice
TB-500 and BPC-157 are not FDA-approved drugs for the treatment of Achilles tendon injuries or other orthopedic conditions. OrthoStim™ Plus combination protocols involving these compounds are investigational and have not been demonstrated to be safe or effective. This announcement describes planned research and should not be interpreted as a treatment recommendation, product advertisement or offer to provide an unapproved therapy. Any research will be conducted subject to applicable regulatory requirements, independent ethical review and informed consent.
Informational only. Not medical advice.