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    IGF-1 LR3 (1mg)

    SubcutaneousOnce daily1mg

    Reviewed by the AllPeptides.eu Editorial Team·Last reviewed: 2026-06-16

    🇺🇸 FDA (Increlex® (IGF-1 base))

    Educational information. Not medical advice, and no efficacy claim is implied. Regulatory approval is not a use recommendation by AllPeptides.eu.

    Approved by FDA only — not in all jurisdictions
    Educational information. Not medical advice or a recommendation for use.

    ⚠️ For informational/educational purposes only. Not medical advice. We do not sell any products. Self-treatment carries serious risks — consult a healthcare professional. Disclaimer

    Available sizes:
    1mg
    2mg
    Free Access

    How It Works

    IGF-1 LR3 is a synthetic analog of human insulin-like growth factor-1 engineered with an N-terminal extension (13 amino acids) and a glutamic acid substitution at position 3, resulting in significantly reduced binding affinity for IGF binding proteins. This modification extends the peptide's half-life from minutes (native IGF-1) to several hours and enhances systemic bioavailability. The prolonged circulation time permits once-daily administration protocols. Unlike native IGF-1, which requires frequent dosing, IGF-1 LR3 maintains more stable plasma levels. The peptide manifests anabolic and metabolic activities via binding to the IGF-1 receptor. Its insulin-like properties necessitate careful blood glucose management, especially during initial titration phases.

    Quick Start

    • Reconstitution: Add 3.0 mL of 0.6% acetic acid → ~0.333 mg/mL. ⚠️ Acetic acid only — BAC water does not properly dissolve IGF-1 LR3 due to its hydrophobic structure.
    • Typical Daily Range: 20–50 mcg once daily subcutaneously (gradual titration).
    • Storage: Lyophilized: freezer −20 °C; after reconstitution, refrigerate 2–8 °C; use within 30 days; avoid freeze-thaw.
    Detailed Protocol Data

    Typical / Gradual Approach (3 mL = ~0.333 mg/mL)

    Educational only
    Vial Size— affects syringe units
    BAC Water3 mL
    Concentration0.33 mg/mL

    Route: Subcutaneous | Frequency: Once daily

    WeekDoseUnits (per injection)
    Weeks 1–2
    20 mcg (0.02 mg)
    6 Units (0.06 mL)
    Weeks 3–4
    40 mcg (0.04 mg)
    12 Units (0.12 mL)
    Weeks 5–8
    50 mcg (0.05 mg)
    15 Units (0.15 mL)

    Studies report administration once daily subcutaneously, typically in the morning or after exercise, with food intake to mitigate insulin-like effects on blood glucose.

    Related compounds

    Reconstitution Steps

    1. ⚠️ Use 0.6% acetic acid exclusively — DO NOT use bacteriostatic water. IGF-1 LR3 is hydrophobic (83 amino acids) and does not properly dissolve at a neutral pH.
    2. Draw 3.0 mL of 0.6% acetic acid with a sterile syringe.
    3. Inject slowly down the side of the vial; avoid foaming; do not shake.
    4. Gently swirl until fully dissolved into a clear solution (may take 2–3 minutes).
    5. Note date of reconstitution and refrigerate at 2–8 °C, protecting from light.
    6. Use within 30 days; for longer storage, prepare aliquots and freeze at −20 °C.

    Protocol Overview

    • Goal: Support anabolic processes and metabolic function via enhanced IGF-1 action with extended bioavailability.
    • Schedule: Daily subcutaneous injections for 8 weeks (typical cycle); may be extended to 12 weeks.
    • Storage: Lyophilized frozen at −20 °C; reconstituted refrigerated; avoid freeze-thaw cycles.
    • Cycling: Common approach is 8 weeks on, 4–8 weeks off to prevent receptor desensitization.

    Dosing Protocol

    • Initiation (Wk 1–2): 20 mcg daily to assess tolerance, particularly regarding blood glucose effects.
    • Titration (Wk 3–4): Increase to 40 mcg daily if Wk 1–2 were well-tolerated without significant hypoglycemic symptoms.
    • Maintenance (Wk 5–8): Maintain at 50 mcg daily; considered the conservative upper limit.
    • Frequency: Once daily subcutaneously; timing is often with meals (morning or post-workout).
    • Cycle Duration: 8 weeks is typical; 12-week protocols exist but may show diminished returns after Wk 6–8.
    • Break between cycles: After a cycle (8 weeks), a 4–8 week washout period is recommended. This break prevents desensitization of IGF-1 receptors.

    Washout & Cycle Restart

    When can I restart?

    After a cycle (8 weeks), a 4–8 week washout period is recommended. This break prevents desensitization of IGF-1 receptors.

    Minimum wait period: 4 weeks

    Storage Instructions

    • Lyophilized: Store at −20 °C (or −80 °C optimally) in dry, dark conditions for up to 12 months.
    • Reconstituted: Refrigerate at 2–8 °C immediately after mixing; use within 30 days.
    • Extended Storage: Prepare sterile aliquots and freeze at −20 °C; stable for 3–6 months. Never re-freeze a thawed vial.
    • Allow frozen vials to reach room temperature before opening; always check for clarity (discard if cloudy or particulate).

    Important Notes

    • Hypoglycemia Awareness: Be vigilant for signs of low glucose (tremors, dizziness, sweating); have fast-acting carbohydrates available.
    • Timing with Meals: Administer with or immediately after food intake to mitigate insulin-like effects.
    • Do not exceed conservative dosing: Doses above 50–60 mcg/day lack robust clinical documentation.
    Clinical Analysis & Safety

    Potential Benefits & Side Effects

    Potential Benefits:

    • Enhanced anabolic signaling and protein synthesis in target tissues.
    • Prolonged bioavailability compared to native IGF-1 due to reduced binding protein interaction.
    • Metabolic effects via IGF-1 receptor pathways.

    Potential Side Effects:

    • Risk of hypoglycemia: The most significant concern; insulin-like effect on blood glucose (tremors, confusion, sweating, dizziness). Always administer with food.
    • Mild injection site reactions (local irritation, redness).
    • Dose-dependent concerns increase at doses >50–60 mcg/day.
    • Receptor desensitization may occur with continuous use >6–8 weeks.

    ⚠️ 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.

    🎗️ Cancer Markers
    🔴 High Risk

    Increased neoplasia risk

    IGF-1 is a potent mitogenic factor. The LR3 variant has 3× longer half-life, amplifying risk. Contraindicated in active or history of neoplasia.

    📄 Endocrine Reviews 2009
    ❤️ Cardiovascular
    🟡 Moderate / Theoretical

    Hypoglycemia & cardiovascular risk

    IGF-1 LR3 can cause severe hypoglycemia. Chronic use may lead to cardiac hypertrophy.

    📄 FDA Label — Increlex® (IGF-1 base)

    References

    1. Biomolecules (MDPI) — IGF-1 and its monitoring in medical diagnostics and sport
      View Source
    2. Dopinglinkki (FINCIS) — IGF-1 and LR3IGF-1: medical information and safety overview
      View Source
    3. Mayo Clinic / IBM Micromedex — Mecasermin (subcutaneous): proper use and timing with meals
      View Source
    4. Cell Sciences — Recombinant Human LR3 IGF-1: technical specifications for storage and stability
      View Source
    5. Frontiers in Bioengineering & Biotechnology — IGF-1: a promising therapeutic target for peripheral nerve injury
      View Source

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    Research Sources & Verified Data
    …
    Clinical Trials
    …
    PubMed Studies
    Approved
    FDA Status
    1
    Regulatory Approvals
    Verified across ClinicalTrials.gov, PubMed & FDA

    External Sources & Regulatory Status

    Regulatory Approvals

    🇺🇸
    FDA
    Approved

    Increlex® (IGF-1 base) · IGF-1 deficiency (children) (2005)

    IGF-1 base FDA approved (LR3 variant research-only)

    No official regulatory source available yet — research peptide.

    Educational information. Not medical advice, and no efficacy claim is implied. Regulatory approval is not a use recommendation by AllPeptides.eu.

    Summary:
    1 Approvals
    0 PubMed
    0 Clinical Studies

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