Follistatin 344

Follistatin 344 is one form of the naturally occurring glycoprotein follistatin (FST). It binds and neutralizes proteins in the TGF-β superfamily, especially myostatin (GDF-8) and activin A. In animals, single gene-therapy administrations have produced pronounced, permanent muscle enlargement. Human safety and pharmacokinetic information is extremely sparse. Irreversible hypertrophy and uncertain effects on other targets make this highly experimental and warrant extreme caution.

• Tissue Repair

  Most effective

  Research examines accelerated wound closure and repair of damaged soft tissue.

• Gut Health

  Effective

  Potential benefits involve the intestinal lining and gastrointestinal function.

• Joint Support

  Effective

  Research links use to less joint inflammation and improved movement.

• Muscle Recovery

  Moderate

  Recovery after muscle strains and exercise-related stress may be faster.

These are commonly discussed research protocols — not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before use.

• TB-500 / BPC-157

  Compatible

• NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen)

  Caution

• Corticosteroids

  Caution

• Anticoagulants

  Monitor

• GH Secretagogues

  Compatible

• NAD+

  Compatible

Diluent: Use bacteriostatic water only. Avoid saline because it can cause precipitation.

1. Take the Follistatin 344 vial out of refrigeration and wait 15–20 minutes for it to reach room temperature.
2. Disinfect the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab, then let it dry fully in the air.
3. Use a sterile syringe to measure the calculated amount of bacteriostatic water. Use BAC water only; avoid saline because precipitation can occur.
4. Direct the water slowly onto the inner vial wall rather than onto the powder.
5. Rotate the vial gently to mix. Never shake it vigorously; this can degrade the peptide.
6. Wait 2–3 minutes for complete dissolution, and check that the liquid is transparent and colorless.
7. Measure your calculated dose into an insulin syringe for a subcutaneous injection.
8. Choose the abdomen, thigh or upper arm for injection. Change the site each time to help prevent lipodystrophy.
9. Refrigerate the mixed vial at 2–8 °C and use it within 28 days.

Week 1–2

Early anti-inflammatory effects may reduce pain and swelling in the affected area.

Week 2–4

Tissues may move more freely as discomfort decreases and healing begins to accelerate.

Week 4–8

Recovery may reach substantial milestones, with stronger tissue repair and better function.

Week 8–12

Healing may approach completion in many cases, with improved strength and tissue integrity.

• Generally good tolerability in research settings
• Slight nausea at higher doses
• Discomfort or redness at the injection site
• Lightheadedness or dizziness · Rare
• Possible blood-pressure effects; monitor blood pressure if you have hypertension

Follistatin 344: not approved in the US.

• US

  Not approved

  FDA — no approval; research use only. Extreme caution applies because irreversible muscle growth and off-target effects remain concerns. No 503A ban is recorded; affirmative compounding authorization remains unestablished.

  Rx required

  No

  Telehealth

  N/A

1. The impact of weight loss on fat-free mass, muscle, bone and hematopoiesis health: Implications for emerging pharmacotherapies aiming at fat reduction and lean mass preservation. (2024)

   PMID 39481534DOI 10.1016/j.metabol.2024.156057

2. Follistatin induces muscle hypertrophy through satellite cell proliferation and inhibition of both myostatin and activin (2009)

   DOI 10.1152/ajpendo.00193.2009

3. Follistatin / Myostatin inhibition studies on ClinicalTrials.gov (2024)

4. Follistatin-derived peptide expression in muscle decreases adipose tissue mass and prevents hepatic steatosis (2010)

   DOI 10.1152/ajpendo.00430.2010

5. Evaluation of follistatin as a therapeutic in models of skeletal muscle atrophy associated with denervation and tenotomy (2015)