IGF-1 DES (1mg)
IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1) is a truncated form of IGF-1 that lacks the first 3 amino acids (67 vs. 70), resulting in ~10× greater potency at the IGF-1 receptor compared to native IGF-1. It has a very short half-life (~20–30 minutes), making it suitable for localized post-workout actions. It is primarily used intramuscularly in targeted muscle groups.
Reviewed by the AllPeptides.eu Editorial Team·Last reviewed: 2026-06-16
Educational information. Not medical advice, and no efficacy claim is implied. Regulatory approval is not a use recommendation by AllPeptides.eu.
⚠️ For informational/educational purposes only. Not medical advice. We do not sell any products. Self-treatment carries serious risks — consult a healthcare professional. Disclaimer
How It Works
IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1) is a modified 67-amino acid peptide, derived from the full-length IGF-1 (70 amino acids) by removing the tripeptide Gly-Pro-Glu at the N-terminus. This modification almost completely ablates its binding to IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs), resulting in ~10× greater bioactivity at the IGF-1R receptor compared to native IGF-1. Its extremely short half-life (~20–30 minutes) means its action is primarily local — the injected muscle is exposed to higher concentrations. IGF-1 DES activates the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK/ERK pathways, promoting protein synthesis, cellular hyperplasia (creation of new muscle fibers), and inhibition of proteolysis. The increased potency carries a correspondingly increased risk of hypoglycemia due to its insulin-like properties.
Quick Start
- Reconstitution: Add 1.0 mL of 0.6% acetic acid → 1 mg/mL.
- Typical dose: 20–50 mcg intramuscularly, immediately post-workout, on training days only.
- Storage: Lyophilized: −20 °C · reconstituted: 2–8 °C · use within 14 days.
Typical Protocol (1 mL = 1 mg/mL)
Route: Intramuscular (muscle targeting) | Frequency: Once daily, on training days only
| Week | Dose | Units (per injection) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 20 mcg (0.02 mg) | 2 Units (0.02 mL) |
| Weeks 3–4 | 40 mcg (0.04 mg) | 4 Units (0.04 mL) |
| Weeks 5–6 | 50 mcg (0.05 mg) | 5 Units (0.05 mL) |
Studies report intramuscular administration in close temporal proximity to exercise, localized to the muscle under study, in protocols of 3–5 sessions per week. The short half-life (~20–30 min) implies localized action.
Related compounds
Reconstitution Steps
- ⚠️ Use ONLY 0.6% acetic acid — NOT BAC water. IGF-1 DES does not dissolve at a neutral pH.
- Withdraw 1.0 mL of acetic acid.
- Inject slowly against the vial wall; do not spray directly onto the powder.
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved (2–3 minutes).
- Note the date; refrigerate immediately at 2–8 °C.
- Use within 14 days; for longer storage, aliquot and freeze at −20 °C.
Protocol Overview
- Goal: Localized anabolic action on targeted muscle groups via intramuscular administration.
- Schedule: Post-workout injection, on training days only, for 4–6 weeks.
- Unique Feature: Half-life of ~20–30 minutes — localized, not systemic, action.
Dosing Protocol
- Initiation (Wks 1–2): 20 mcg intramuscularly into the target muscle, immediately post-workout.
- Titration (Wks 3–4): 40 mcg if well tolerated without hypoglycemic symptoms.
- Maintenance (Wks 5–6): 50 mcg — considered the conservative maximum dose.
- Alternative: Localized microdosing of 10–20 mcg in 2–3 muscle groups (2–3× weekly).
- Timing: Within 15–30 minutes after completing the workout.
- Break between cycles: After the cycle (4–6 weeks), a break of equal or greater duration (e.g., 6 weeks) is recommended. This washout period helps prevent desensitization of IGF-1 receptors.
Washout & Cycle Restart
When can I restart?
After the cycle (4–6 weeks), a break of equal or greater duration (e.g., 6 weeks) is recommended. This washout period helps prevent desensitization of IGF-1 receptors.
Minimum wait period: 6 weeks
Storage Instructions
- Lyophilized: −20 °C (or −80 °C optimally); stable at room temperature for ~3 weeks.
- Reconstituted: Refrigerator 2–8 °C; use within 14 days.
- Do not refreeze a thawed vial.
Important Notes
- ⚠️ Hypoglycemia: The primary concern. IGF-1 DES is ~10× more potent than native IGF-1.
- Always administer immediately after food intake or a post-workout shake.
- Use exclusively acetic acid for reconstitution — NOT BAC water.
- Alternate injection muscle groups.
- Do not administer <2 hours before sleep — IGF-1 inhibits endogenous GH release.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits:
- ~10× stronger IGF-1 receptor binding than native IGF-1.
- Localized action due to short half-life — enabling targeting of specific muscle groups.
- Promotes muscle hyperplasia (new fibers) in addition to hypertrophy.
- Minimal interaction with IGFBPs — nearly 100% free bioactivity.
Potential Side Effects:
- Hypoglycemia: A serious risk, especially at doses >50 mcg. Symptoms include tremors, dizziness, sweating, and confusion.
- Local injection site reactions (pain, redness) — particularly with intramuscular administration.
- Theoretical concern for cardiac hypertrophy with long-term use.
- Inhibition of endogenous GH if administered close to bedtime.
⚠️ Serious Warnings & Long-Term Risks
The following warnings are based on published literature, FDA labels, and post-marketing surveillance. They do not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional.
Potent mitogenic action — oncogenesis risk
IGF-1 DES(1-3) has 10x greater potency than IGF-1 due to reduced IGFBP binding. Strong mitogenic action significantly increases cancer promotion risk.
📄 J Biol Chem, 1988Hypoglycemia — life-threatening risk
IGF-1 DES can cause severe hypoglycemia due to insulin receptor activity. Glucose monitoring and fast-acting carbohydrates required.
📄 Endocr Rev, 2009References
- Biomol Datasheet — IGF-I Des(1-3) recombinant: technical specifications, reconstitution in acetic acid
View Source - Peptides.org — IGF-1 DES dosage calculator and guide: 50–100mcg protocol
View Source - Lumin Peptides — IGF-1 DES dosing protocol: 20–40mcg IM post-workout
View Source - Des(1-3)IGF-I: Enhanced Biological Potency and Altered Binding Properties — Des(1-3)IGF-I: enhanced biological potency and altered binding properties
View Source - Frontiers in Bioengineering — IGF-1: promising therapeutic target for peripheral nerve injury repair
View Source
Recommended Supplements
L-Arginine + L-Ornithine
ZMA (Zinc + Magnesium + B6)
External Sources & Regulatory Status
Regulatory Approvals
Research-only — Truncated IGF-1 lacking the first 3 amino acids. Not approved.
Educational information. Not medical advice, and no efficacy claim is implied. Regulatory approval is not a use recommendation by AllPeptides.eu.
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