IGF-1 DES
Also known as: IGF-1 DES(1-3) · DES(1-3)IGF-1
A truncated variant of insulin-like growth factor 1 missing its first three amino acids, studied for its potent, short-acting anabolic activity in tissue.
IGF-1 DES at a glance
| Name | IGF-1 DES |
|---|---|
| Also known as | IGF-1 DES(1-3), DES(1-3)IGF-1 |
| Category | Growth & muscle |
| Type | Peptide |
| Sequence | Truncated IGF-1 analogue lacking the N-terminal Gly-Pro-Glu tripeptide |
| Typical dose | ~50-100 mcg per day |
| Frequency | Once daily in research contexts |
| Route | Subcutaneous injection (research) |
| Half-life | Very short - on the order of minutes, reflecting reduced binding-protein interaction. |
Overview
IGF-1 DES is a naturally occurring shortened form of IGF-1 in which the first three residues are removed. This modification reduces its binding to IGF-binding proteins, which in research settings makes it more locally potent and faster-acting than standard IGF-1. It has been studied largely in laboratory and animal models for effects on cell growth and muscle tissue. It is an investigational compound and is not approved for human use.
How it’s thought to work
- Activates the IGF-1 receptor to promote cell growth and protein synthesis.
- Reduced affinity for IGF-binding proteins is thought to increase local, short-lived potency.
- Appears to support satellite-cell activation and muscle hypertrophy in research models.
- Shares downstream signaling with native IGF-1 but with a shorter window of action.
Researched uses
- Local muscle-growth and hypertrophy research
- Studies of IGF-1 receptor signaling
- Comparative work with full-length IGF-1 analogues
Commonly cited protocol
| Typical dose | ~50-100 mcg per day |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Once daily in research contexts |
| Route | Subcutaneous injection (research) |
| Notes | Doses are typically small owing to the peptide's reported potency. |
Reconstitution
Commonly supplied as a 1 mg lyophilized vial. Reconstituting 1 mg with 1 mL of bacteriostatic water gives 1 mg/mL, so a 50 mcg dose is about 5 units on a U-100 syringe.
IGF-1 DES dosage calculator
The calculator below is pre-filled with IGF-1 DES’s commonly cited vial size and dose. Adjust the vial amount, bacteriostatic water, or dose to match your own vial — it will show the exact insulin-syringe units to draw, the concentration, and how many doses the vial holds.
Add 1 mL of bacteriostatic water to your 1 mg vial. That gives you about 20 doses of 50 mcg. For each dose, draw 5 units into a 100-unit insulin syringe.
See the full IGF-1 DES dosing chart (units for every dose & water amount), or open the full peptide calculator →
Cautions
- A research chemical not approved by the FDA for human use; banned in sport.
- IGF-signaling compounds carry theoretical concerns around unregulated cell growth.
- May affect blood glucose; human safety data are minimal.
- Research-grade purity and concentration vary by source.
IGF-1 DES FAQ
What is IGF-1 DES?
A truncated variant of insulin-like growth factor 1 missing its first three amino acids, studied for its potent, short-acting anabolic activity in tissue.
How does IGF-1 DES work?
Activates the IGF-1 receptor to promote cell growth and protein synthesis. Reduced affinity for IGF-binding proteins is thought to increase local, short-lived potency. Appears to support satellite-cell activation and muscle hypertrophy in research models. Shares downstream signaling with native IGF-1 but with a shorter window of action.
What is IGF-1 DES used for?
Local muscle-growth and hypertrophy research; Studies of IGF-1 receptor signaling; Comparative work with full-length IGF-1 analogues.
What is a typical IGF-1 DES dose?
~50-100 mcg per day, Once daily in research contexts, Subcutaneous injection (research). This is a commonly cited figure for context only, not medical advice.
How do you reconstitute IGF-1 DES?
Commonly supplied as a 1 mg lyophilized vial. Reconstituting 1 mg with 1 mL of bacteriostatic water gives 1 mg/mL, so a 50 mcg dose is about 5 units on a U-100 syringe.
What is the half-life of IGF-1 DES?
Very short - on the order of minutes, reflecting reduced binding-protein interaction.