IGF-1 DES
Truncated IGF-1 analogue — 10× higher potency than IGF-1 LR3 with extremely local effects and shorter half-life.
Research facts
| Half-life | ~20–30 minutes |
|---|---|
| Route | IM (local injection) |
| Typical dose | 50–100 mcg per injection site |
| Frequency | Post-workout, localised |
| Solvent | Bacteriostatic water |
| pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Stability | 30 days at +4°C |
Mechanism of action
IGF-1 DES is IGF-1 with the first three amino acids (Gly-Pro-Glu) removed from the N-terminus. This truncation reduces its affinity for IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) by >10×, making it a highly active "unbound" form with approximately 10× greater potency than LR3 IGF-1 at the IGF-1 receptor. However, because it is not bound by IGFBPs, it has a very short half-life (~20–30 minutes) and does not circulate systemically. This makes it a highly localised anabolic agent — injected directly into muscle tissue for local hypertrophic effects. Systemic hypoglycaemia risk is lower than LR3 due to rapid clearance.
Documented effects (research-model)
- 10× more potent than IGF-1 LR3 at the receptor
- Highly localised action — minimal systemic effects
- Shorter half-life = reduced hypoglycaemia risk vs. LR3
- Direct muscle hypertrophy potential at injection site
Research protocols
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Cycle | Vial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preclinical / Experimental | 50–100 mcg IM (bilateral injection) | Immediately post-exercise | 4–8 weeks | 1mg / 1mL BAC water |
Research context only. Not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before any protocol decision.
Synergies
- BPC-157 MODERATE
Local injury repair (BPC-157) combined with local anabolic signalling (IGF-1 DES) at the same site.
Myths & misconceptions
Evidence gaps
- No published human clinical trials.
- Long-term effects of repeated local injections on muscle tissue composition unknown.
- Interaction with cancer risk (IGF-1R is mitogenic) at injection site.
Safety notes
Almost no human safety data. Localised but potent mitogenic signalling. Avoid in any malignancy history. No established safe dose in humans. Research context strictly maintained.
Biomarkers to monitor
Primary-source citations
- PMID 12087091 — Des(1-3)IGF-1: characterisation of its activity at the IGF-1 receptor (J Mol Endocrinol. 2002)
Frequently asked
What is IGF-1 DES?
IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3)IGF-1 — N-Terminal Truncated IGF-1) is a research compound classified in our library as Tier D — Animal or in-vitro data only.. Truncated IGF-1 analogue — 10× higher potency than IGF-1 LR3 with extremely local effects and shorter half-life.
What is the evidence tier for IGF-1 DES?
We classify IGF-1 DES as Tier D: Animal or in-vitro data only. See our full peptide evidence tiers explainer for how we assign S/A/B/C/D.
What is the research dose of IGF-1 DES?
For IGF-1 DES, typical research dose is 50–100 mcg per injection site, route is IM (local injection), half-life is ~20–30 minutes. Protocols vary by research goal — see the protocols section on this page for standard and advanced dosing schedules. Research use only, not medical advice.
Is IGF-1 DES safe?
Almost no human safety data. Localised but potent mitogenic signalling. Research context only — no compound on this site is approved for human therapeutic use unless explicitly noted.