§ 01 Overview
Overview
Truncated IGF-1 analog missing the first three N-terminal residues, giving much weaker IGFBP binding and a short but locally intense IGF-1R activation at the injection site.
Biology well-characterized in cell and rodent models. No human outcome trials. Research reagent status.
§ 02 Mechanism
Mechanism of action
Removing residues 1–3 of IGF-1 sharply reduces binding affinity to IGFBPs while preserving IGF-1R activation. Compared with native IGF-1 or IGF-1 LR3, DES is hypothesized to act more locally and transiently, which some users exploit for targeted muscle hypertrophy.
- 01Local muscle growth signaling at injection site (anecdotal)
- 02Less systemic IGF-1 exposure than LR3
- 03Short half-life limits prolonged signaling
§ 03 Dosing
Dosing protocol
Standard Protocol
- Vial
- 1 mg
- BAC Water
- 1 ml BAC water
- Dose Range
- 20 – 75 mcg per dose (research)
- Starting Dose
- 20 mcg
- Route
- SubQ
- Timing
- Pre- or post-workout, site-specific
- Frequency
- Training days
- Cycle
- Short cycles (2–4 weeks)
§ 04 Evidence
Evidence & research
Biology well-characterized in cell and rodent models. No human outcome trials. Research reagent status.
FDA Status
Not FDA-approved. WADA prohibited.
§ 07 Sourcing
Sourcing & supply
Regulatory status
Restricted from compounding
Placed on the FDA's 503A Category 2 list and cannot be lawfully compounded in the US. No brand pharmacy alternative exists. US buyers encounter only research-use-only (RUO) channels, which the FDA's Intended Use Doctrine treats as unapproved drug sales.
No suppliers in our directory currently stock this compound. For investigational or research-only compounds, legitimate channels may not exist outside clinical trials.
Browse full supplier directory§ 09 Safety
Safety & side effects
Side effects
- 01Hypoglycemia
- 02Injection site nodules
- 03Potential tumor-promoting IGF-1R signaling
Contraindications
- 01Active or prior malignancy
- 02Retinopathy
§ 10 Questions
IGF-1 DES FAQ
- What is IGF-1 DES?
- Truncated IGF-1 analog missing the first three N-terminal residues, giving much weaker IGFBP binding and a short but locally intense IGF-1R activation at the injection site. Removing residues 1–3 of IGF-1 sharply reduces binding affinity to IGFBPs while preserving IGF-1R activation. Compared with native IGF-1 or IGF-1 LR3, DES is hypothesized to act more locally and transiently, which some users exploit for targeted muscle hypertrophy.
- What is IGF-1 DES used for?
- Reported uses include local muscle growth signaling at injection site (anecdotal), less systemic igf-1 exposure than lr3, and short half-life limits prolonged signaling. Evidence strength is rated Preclinical — see the evidence section for detail.
- How is IGF-1 DES dosed?
- Commonly referenced dosing is 20 – 75 mcg per dose (research), typically training days, administered SubQ. This is educational reference only; consult a licensed clinician before use.
- How do you reconstitute IGF-1 DES?
- For IGF-1 DES, vials commonly come in 1 mg and a common reconstitution is 1 ml BAC water. Use the reconstitution calculator to convert any vial size and water volume into exact insulin-syringe units.
- What are the side effects of IGF-1 DES?
- Commonly reported side effects include hypoglycemia, injection site nodules, and potential tumor-promoting igf-1r signaling. This list is not exhaustive.
- Is IGF-1 DES legal?
- Placed on the FDA's 503A Category 2 list and cannot be lawfully compounded in the US. No brand pharmacy alternative exists. US buyers encounter only research-use-only (RUO) channels, which the FDA's Intended Use Doctrine treats as unapproved drug sales. FDA status: Not FDA-approved. WADA prohibited..
§ 11 References
Selected references
- 01
Sara — IGF-1 DES biology
Biochem J 1990, PMID: 2322360
- 02
Tomas — anabolic action
J Endocrinol 1993, PMID: 7691475