IGF-1 DES (2mg)
IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1) is a shortened form of IGF-1 (67 vs 70 amino acids), ~10x more potent at the IGF-1R. Short half-life (~20–30 minutes) - ideal for local post-workout effect. 2mg vial — reconstitute with 2 mL 0.6% acetic acid for 1 mg/mL concentration.
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 full-length IGF-1 (70 amino acids) by removing the N-terminal Gly-Pro-Glu tripeptide. This modification nearly eliminates binding to IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs), resulting in ~10x greater bioactivity at the IGF-1R. Its short half-life (~20–30 minutes) means primarily local action — the muscle injected experiences higher concentrations. It activates the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK/ERK pathways, promoting protein synthesis, muscle hyperplasia, and inhibiting proteolysis.
Quick Start
- Reconstitution: 2.0 mL 0.6% acetic acid → 1 mg/mL.
- Typical Dose: 20–50 mcg intramuscularly, immediately post-workout, only on training days.
- Storage: Lyophilized: −20 °C; reconstituted: 2–8 °C, use within 14 days.
Typical Protocol (2 mL = 1 mg/mL)
Route: Intramuscular (muscle targeting) | Frequency: Once daily, only on training days
| 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. Short half-life is associated with local action.
Related compounds
Reconstitution Steps
- ⚠️ Use only 0.6% acetic acid — NOT BAC water.
- Draw up 2.0 mL acetic acid.
- Inject slowly into the vial wall — do not spray directly.
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved (2–3 minutes).
- Note date; refrigerate immediately at 2–8 °C.
- Use within 14 days; fractionate and freeze remaining at −20 °C.
Protocol Overview
- Goal: Local anabolic effect via intramuscular injection.
- Schedule: Post-workout injection, training days only, for 4–6 weeks.
- Unique: Half-life ~20–30 minutes → local, not systemic, action.
Dosing Protocol
- Initiation (Wks 1–2): 20 mcg IM post-workout.
- Titration (Wks 3–4): 40 mcg if tolerated.
- Maintenance (Wks 5–6): 50 mcg — conservative upper limit.
- Microdosing: 10–20 mcg into 2–3 muscle groups (2–3×/week).
- Timing: Within 15–30 minutes post-workout.
- Break between cycles: After the cycle (4–6 weeks), take a break of equal or longer duration to avoid IGF-1R desensitization.
Washout & Cycle Restart
When can I restart?
After the cycle (4–6 weeks), take a break of equal or longer duration to avoid IGF-1R desensitization.
Minimum wait period: 6 weeks
Storage Instructions
- Lyophilized: −20 °C (−80 °C optimal).
- Reconstituted: Refrigerate 2–8 °C, use within 14 days.
- Do not refreeze thawed solution.
Important Notes
- ⚠️ Hypoglycemia: Strongest concern — IGF-1 DES is ~10x more potent.
- Always administer immediately after consuming food or a post-workout shake.
- Use only acetic acid for reconstitution.
- Rotate injection muscle sites.
- Do not inject <2 hours before sleep — inhibits endogenous GH.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits:
- ~10x stronger IGF-1R binding than natural IGF-1.
- Local action — targeting specific muscle groups.
- Promotes muscle hyperplasia beyond hypertrophy.
- Nearly 100% free-form bioactivity (minimal IGFBP binding).
Potential Side Effects:
- Hypoglycemia: Severe risk >50 mcg — tremors, dizziness, sweating, confusion.
- Local injection site reactions (pain, redness).
- Theoretical concern for cardiac hypertrophy with long-term use.
- Inhibition of endogenous GH near 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 IGF-1 DES: technical specifications, reconstitution in acetic acid
View Source - Peptides.org — IGF-1 DES Calculator — Dosage calculator and guide: 50–100mcg protocol
View Source - Lumin Peptides — Dosing Protocol — IGF-1 DES dosing protocol: 20–40mcg IM post-workout
View Source - Des(1-3)IGF-I — Enhanced Potency — Enhanced biological potency and altered binding properties
View Source - Frontiers in Bioengineering — IGF-1: 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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