Library · Muscle, bone & joint · Muscle growth and tissue regeneration enhancement
IGF-1 DES (1-3)
Des(1-3)IGF-1, Destripeptide IGF-1, IGF-1 lacking N-terminal tripeptide
Truncated 67-amino-acid variant of IGF-1 from 1990s research, missing its first three amino acids, giving it about ten times the anabolic potency of regular IGF-1 with a short 20–30 minute half-life. Studied in animals for muscle growth, recovery, and tissue repair; remains an unapproved research chemical.
Research score 55/100. Reference only, not a dose.
- Muscle Growth
- Recovery Enhancement
- Healing
- Growth Hormone Release
- Angiogenesis
- US status
- Research Chemical
- Approval
- Research Chemical Only
- Evidence
- Truncated analog of IGF-1 with high potency and short half-life. Primarily used in research settings for muscle growth.
- Research score
- 55 / 100
- Indication
- Research Only - No Medical Indication
- Origin
- Australia
- Source category
- Muscles & Joints
- Status group
- Research chemical
Mechanism
Binds the IGF-1 receptor with much greater affinity than native IGF-1 due to reduced binding to IGF-binding proteins, strongly activating PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK/ERK signaling to drive protein synthesis, cell proliferation, and satellite-cell activation in muscle and connective tissue.
Safety file
Hypoglycemia is a major risk; theoretical concern for tumor promotion and acromegaly-like tissue overgrowth with chronic use. Banned by WADA.
- Hypoglycemia
- Joint pain
- Water retention
- Potential growth of existing tissues including unwanted cell growth