Research Reference
IGF-1 DES
Truncated IGF-1 analog (des(1-3)) studied for muscle growth
Research & educational purposes only. BioMaxFit does not sell, promote, or represent peptides in any way. We are strictly educational and recommend working with your doctor on anything health-related. The information below comes from published research and documents what has been studied, not what should be done. Many of these compounds are investigational and not approved by the FDA; possession or use outside an authorized clinical trial may be illegal in your jurisdiction. This is not medical advice.
Preclinical-Only — For Educational Purposes Only
This compound has no established human dosing. The information below documents preclinical (animal) findings and is provided for research and educational reference only. It is not medical advice or a dosing recommendation.
IGF-1 DES (des(1-3) IGF-1) is a truncated, more potent analog of IGF-1 studied in research for muscle growth. There is no established human dosing.
Dosing Reference
Reconstitution
Add 1 mL bacteriostatic water to the 1 mg vial. Resulting concentration: 1 mg/mL.
| Dose | Syringe Units | mL Volume | Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 mcg | 2 units | 0.02 mL | SubQ, dailyCommunity research protocol |
| 50 mcg | 5 units | 0.05 mL | SubQ, dailyCommunity higher dose |
Math assumes U-100 insulin syringes (1 mL = 100 units). Verify your syringe matches before use. Round half-units to the nearest visible mark.
Reconstitution
IGF-1 DES (des(1-3) IGF-1) is a truncated analog of insulin-like growth factor 1 (missing the first 3 N-terminal amino acids) that reduces binding to IGF-binding proteins, sold as a compounded research peptide in 1 mg vials. It is not FDA-approved.
For a 1 mg vial reconstituted with 1 mL, the concentration is 1 mg/mL; a 20 mcg dose draws to 2 units (0.02 mL) on a U-100 syringe. Gently swirl — do not shake — and store refrigerated. Compounded forms are not FDA-approved.
Cycling Protocol
Community protocols describe IGF-1 DES dosed daily for 2–4 weeks, sometimes cycled. No standardized cycle is established; IGF-1 DES is not FDA-approved and durations are community extrapolation.
Routes of Administration
Subcutaneous injection (community): Into the abdomen.
No oral route is established (peptide). IGF-1 DES is not FDA-approved.
Stacking Protocols
| Stack | Components | Purpose | | --- | --- | --- | | Anabolism Stack | IGF-1 DES + HGH / insulin | Community anabolism stack (not established, significant risk) | | Recovery Stack | IGF-1 DES + BPC-157 | Community recovery stack (not established) |
Stacking combinations are community extrapolation and carry significant risk (hypoglycemia). IGF-1 DES is not FDA-approved.
Side Effects & Safety
- Hypoglycemia — significant risk; IGF-1 has insulin-like effects on glucose
- Injection-site reactions — common
- No human safety database — IGF-1 DES is not FDA-approved and human safety data is limited
IGF-1 DES is not FDA-approved. Compounded research-peptide forms are sold for research purposes only. Hypoglycemia is a significant risk.
Research Basis
IGF-1 DES (des(1-3) IGF-1) is a truncated analog of insulin-like growth factor 1 missing the first three N-terminal amino acids, which reduces binding to IGF-binding proteins and increases bioactivity.
Mechanism: Binds the IGF-1 receptor (and insulin receptor at higher doses) to promote cell proliferation and anabolism, with insulin-like effects on glucose.
Clinical evidence: Studied in cell/animal research; not FDA-approved for any human indication. Mecasermin (recombinant human IGF-1) is FDA-approved for primary IGF-1 deficiency, but IGF-1 DES is not.
Not FDA-approved. Compounded research-peptide forms are sold for research purposes only.