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Growth factor researchNot approved (US)

IGF-1 DES

des(1-3)IGF-1 · Truncated IGF-1

IGF1R activation occurs with much less sequestration by IGF-binding proteins, including IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-3. PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK signaling promote protein production and cell proliferation. Rapid clearance of the unbound peptide favors short, localized signals over prolonged exposure throughout the body.

Not medical advice. Educational reference only.

Typical dose
50–150 mcg daily, by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection
Route
Subcutaneous or intramuscular injection
Cycle
Short cycles; no numeric duration established
Storage
Keep at 2–8°C after mixing and use within 28 days.

What is IGF-1 DES?

IGF-1 DES, also termed des(1-3)IGF-1, contains 67 amino acids and lacks the Gly-Pro-Glu sequence at the beginning of native IGF-1. Weaker affinity for IGF-binding proteins makes more unbound peptide available to IGF1R. Preclinical assays show approximately 2–10 times native IGF-1 potency, although the free peptide has a short half-life of about 20–30 minutes. Evidence comes almost entirely from animal and cell experiments. It has no FDA approval.

Mechanism of action

IGF1R activation occurs with much less sequestration by IGF-binding proteins, including IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-3. PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK signaling promote protein production and cell proliferation. Rapid clearance of the unbound peptide favors short, localized signals over prolonged exposure throughout the body.

Targets: IGF-1 receptor (IGF1R) · IGFBP-1 · IGFBP-3

Research indications

  • Growth Hormone Support

    Most effective

    Pituitary signaling is linked to increased release of endogenous growth hormone.

  • Body Composition

    Effective

    Potential changes include more lean tissue and a lower proportion of body fat.

  • Recovery & Repair

    Effective

    Investigations address tissue restoration and recovery following injury or exercise.

  • Sleep Quality

    Moderate

    Some experimental schedules are associated with deeper slow-wave sleep and more restorative rest.

Research protocols

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

GoalAmountFrequencyRoute
Conservative Research Start50 mcgOnce daily (peri-workout)Subcutaneous or intramuscular injection
Common Research Range50–100 mcgOnce dailySubcutaneous or intramuscular injection
Upper research discussion100–150 mcgOnce daily, short cyclesSubcutaneous or intramuscular injection

Interactions

  • Insulin / insulin secretagogues

    Avoid

  • IGF-1 LR3

    Caution

    Concurrent use adds overlapping activity along the IGF axis.

  • HGH / GH secretagogues

    Monitor

  • PEG-MGF

    Caution

  • BPC-157

    Compatible

  • Blood glucose–lowering medications

    Monitor

How to reconstitute and inject

Diluent: Use bacteriostatic water only; avoid saline because precipitation can occur.

  1. Let the refrigerated vial warm to room temperature for 15–20 minutes before preparing it.
  2. Disinfect the stopper using an alcohol swab, then wait until the surface has dried fully in the air.
  3. Use a sterile syringe to measure your calculated amount of bacteriostatic water. Use this diluent only; avoid saline because precipitation may occur.
  4. Introduce the water gradually against the inner glass wall. Keep the stream away from the peptide powder itself.
  5. Rotate the vial gently to mix its contents. Do not shake forcefully, because vigorous agitation can degrade the peptide.
  6. Wait 2–3 minutes for the powder to dissolve completely. Check that the liquid is transparent and has no color.
  7. Measure your calculated dose with an insulin syringe in preparation for administration beneath the skin.
  8. Use the abdomen, thigh or upper arm for subcutaneous administration. Change the injection location each time to help prevent lipodystrophy.
  9. Return the mixed vial to refrigeration at 2–8°C. Use the prepared solution within 28 days of mixing.

What to expect

Week 1–2
Sleep may start improving, with mild fluid retention possible during the early period.
Week 2–4
Sleep may deepen and recovery improve; a slight rise in appetite is also possible.
Week 4–8
Changes in energy, the balance of fat and lean tissue, and speed of recovery may become noticeable.
Week 8–12
Visible changes may include better skin quality, less body fat and more lean tissue.
Week 12+
Improvements in strength, body composition and general vitality may persist. These are proposed research timelines rather than established individual outcomes.

Side effects and safety

  • Low blood glucose is the main preclinical concern for IGF variants with weak IGFBP binding; monitor glucose closely
  • Shaking, sweating or confusion from hypoglycemia, particularly while fasting or around exercise
  • Bruising, redness or discomfort where the injection is given
  • Theoretical concerns about growth signaling from strong activation of IGF1R
  • Additive hypoglycemia with insulin or other IGF-axis compounds; avoid unsupervised combinations
  • Safety in humans remains unestablished; experimental use has no FDA approval

IGF-1 DES: not approved in the US.

Regulatory status

  • US

    Not approved

    FDA — experimental use only, without therapeutic approval. The regulatory record indicates no prescription requirement, no 503A ban and no applicable telehealth pathway.

    Rx required
    No
    Telehealth
    N/A

Frequently asked questions

What is IGF-1 DES?

DES removes the first three residues of IGF-1, reducing IGFBP binding and producing brief receptor exposure.

How do DES and LR3 differ?

Both variants bind IGFBPs less readily than native IGF-1. DES removes three N-terminal residues and has a roughly 20–30 minute half-life, favoring brief local signals. LR3 instead adds an extension and an Arg3 replacement, giving about 20–30 hours of exposure. The compounds are not interchangeable.

Which doses appear in experimental discussions?

Daily amounts span 50–150 mcg, often around training, with intramuscular or subcutaneous administration. Almost no human clinical trial data establish a regimen, and there is no FDA-approved dose. Animal findings of hypoglycemia make glucose monitoring particularly important.

Has safety in people been established?

No. Preclinical findings raise concern about hypoglycemia and activation of growth pathways. Do not casually combine it with insulin or other agents acting along the IGF axis. Experimental status does not establish human safety.

References

  1. Des(1-3)IGF-I: a truncated form of insulin-like growth factor-I. (1996)

    PMID 8930132DOI 10.1016/1357-2725(96)00056-8

  2. Enhanced potency of truncated insulin-like growth factor-I (des(1-3)IGF-I) relative to IGF-I in lit/lit mice. (1990)

    PMID 2280209DOI 10.1677/joe.0.1270401

  3. In vivo actions of IGF analogues with poor affinities for IGFBPs: metabolic and growth effects in pigs of different ages and GH responsiveness. (1995)

    PMID 8817682DOI 10.1016/0955-2235(95)00007-0

  4. IGF-I variants which bind poorly to IGF-binding proteins show more potent and prolonged hypoglycaemic action than native IGF-I in pigs and marmoset monkeys. (1997)

    PMID 9415072DOI 10.1677/joe.0.1550377

  5. Insulin-like growth factor-I and its N-terminal modified analogues induce marked gut growth in dexamethasone-treated rats. (1992)

    PMID 1613443DOI 10.1677/joe.0.1330421

  6. des(1-3)IGF-1 / IGF-1 DES studies on ClinicalTrials.gov (2024)