Limited ResearchGrowth Hormone

IGF-1 DES(Des(1-3) IGF-1)

Truncated IGF-1 Analog | Localized Muscle Growth

Half-life

20-30 minutes

Chain length

67 amino acids

Reference frequency

Post-workout only, injected into trained muscle

Research overview

DoseGear research brief

IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1) is a truncated analog of insulin-like growth factor-1, missing the first three N-terminal amino acids. This structural modification eliminates binding to IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs), meaning 100% of the peptide is bioactive rather than being sequestered in circulation. The result is approximately 10x greater potency than native IGF-1, but with an extremely short half-life of 20-30 minutes. This short duration of action is considered a feature rather than a limitation -- it allows for site-specific injection into target muscles immediately post-workout, promoting localized growth with reduced systemic exposure.

Mechanism of action

IGF-1 DES activates the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) and downstream PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways, driving both muscle hypertrophy and hyperplasia. Because it lacks the tripeptide Gly-Pro-Glu at the N-terminus, it cannot bind to IGFBPs that normally sequester ~98% of circulating IGF-1. This means the entire administered dose remains bioavailable. The very short half-life confines its activity to the local injection site, where it stimulates satellite cell proliferation and differentiation, protein synthesis, and nutrient uptake in the targeted muscle tissue.

Compound background

Development & research timeline

Study windows describe what researchers measured, not when an individual should expect a result.

Origin & development

IGF-I analog lacking its first three N-terminal amino acids.

What it is researched for

Experimental growth and tissue-anabolism research through IGF-I-receptor activation with reduced binding-protein affinity.

Research observation window

Not reported in the reviewed compound-specific evidence.

Reference data

Lyophilized vial injectable protocols

Not personalized dosing instructions

Only injectable vial references are shown. Nasal, topical, and unsupported non-vial schedules are excluded.

Research context	Amount	Frequency	Route
Beginner Protocol	20-30mcg	Post-workout, injected into trained muscle	IM (site-specific)
Intermediate	30-50mcg	Post-workout, injected into trained muscle	IM (site-specific)
Advanced	50mcg	Post-workout, split across multiple trained muscles	IM (site-specific)

Reference cycle

4-6 weeks maximum

Reference storage

Lyophilized: -20C; Reconstituted: 2-8C, use within 7 days (BAC water)

Safety context

Reported side effects

Hypoglycemia -- consume carbohydrates after injection
Localized swelling and soreness at injection site
Increased pump in targeted muscles
Mild lightheadedness shortly after injection

Contraindications & cautions

Not approved for human use -- research chemical only
Cancer history or active malignancy (IGF-1 promotes cell proliferation)
Diabetes or impaired glucose regulation
WADA prohibited substance -- causes failed drug tests

Scientific references

01
The isolation and characterization of a naturally occurring truncated form of IGF-I in human brain
Scientific citationThe isolation and characterization of a naturally occurring truncated form of IGF-I in human brain. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications (1986).
02
Des(1-3)IGF-I: A truncated form of insulin-like growth factor-I that has greatly enhanced activity in promoting growth
Scientific citationDes(1-3)IGF-I: A truncated form of insulin-like growth factor-I that has greatly enhanced activity in promoting growth. Journal of Molecular Endocrinology (1992).
03
Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and especially IGF-I variants are anabolic in dexamethasone-treated rats
Scientific citationInsulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and especially IGF-I variants are anabolic in dexamethasone-treated rats. Biochemical Journal (1992).
04
Circulating Insulin-like Growth Factor-I Concentrations and Risk of 30 Cancers: Prospective Analyses in UK Biobank
Scientific citationCirculating Insulin-like Growth Factor-I Concentrations and Risk of 30 Cancers: Prospective Analyses in UK Biobank. Cancer Research (2020).

This DoseGear profile combines published scientific literature with lyophilized-vial protocol references. Citations are provided for independent review.

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