Also known as: Des(1-3)IGF-1, DES(1-3)IGF-I
Half-life: ~20-30 minutes
Last reviewed: · Published:
IGF-1 DES is a truncated analog of insulin-like growth factor 1, missing the first three N-terminal amino acids (hence "des-1-3"). This deletion dramatically reduces its affinity for the IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) but, unlike IGF-1 LR3, does not extend its circulating half-life. The result is a peptide that binds free at the IGF-1 receptor with similar or greater acute potency than native IGF-1 but clears the body quickly, producing a brief, localized signal rather than a sustained one.
In research use, IGF-1 DES is particularly valued for site-specific intramuscular injection: because of its short half-life, injecting it directly into a trained muscle produces a strongly localized hyperplastic and hypertrophic signal in that muscle without flooding the rest of the body. Animal studies have shown that DES(1-3)IGF-1 produces a 5-10x stronger acute mitogenic signal than native IGF-1 in cell culture, owing to its escape from IGFBP sequestration.
Compared to IGF-1 LR3, the trade-off is clear: LR3 produces sustained whole-body IGF-1 signaling (with corresponding risks of hypoglycemia, joint pain, and theoretical IGF-driven proliferation), while DES produces a brief localized signal (lower systemic side effects, but requires more careful injection technique and offers less convenience). Bodybuilding research protocols often use DES for site-specific work and LR3 for whole-body anabolic background.
IGF-1 DES was discovered in the late 1980s as a naturally occurring truncated variant of IGF-1 isolated from bovine colostrum and from porcine and human tissue extracts. Its enhanced potency relative to intact IGF-1 was characterized in detailed in vitro work in the early 1990s, particularly by groups studying IGFBP-modulated IGF-1 signaling. It was developed alongside IGF-1 LR3 by GroPep Limited (Australia) as a research reagent and entered the broader research-chemical and bodybuilding markets shortly thereafter.
IGF-1 DES has a milder systemic side-effect profile than IGF-1 LR3 because of its short half-life. Hypoglycemia is less of a concern but still possible at higher doses. The main practical issue is injection technique: site-specific intramuscular injections require accuracy and rotation to avoid uneven muscle development and lipohypertrophy. Long-term safety in humans is unstudied. As with all IGF-1 analogs, IGF-driven proliferation is a theoretical concern for anyone with cancer risk factors.
Dose Range
20-50 mcg per site
Frequency
Into trained muscle post-workout (IM)
Duration
30-50 days per cycle
Dose Range
50-100 mcg
Frequency
Once daily (SubQ)
Duration
30-50 days per cycle
Dosing information is for educational purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before using any peptide.
Typical Vial Size
1 mg
Water Type
Bacteriostatic water (BAC water) or 0.1M acetic acid for higher stability
Mixing Volume
1 mL
Half-Life
~20-30 minutes
Molecular Weight
7,484 Da
Store reconstituted vial refrigerated at 2-8°C. Use within 14-21 days. For site-specific work, inject directly into the worked muscle within ~30 minutes post-training, rotating between sub-regions of the muscle to avoid uneven development.
FDA Status
Not FDA approved.
Legal Status
Unregulated research chemical. Prohibited by WADA.
USA
Not approvedResearch-only
EU
Not approvedNot authorized as medicinal product
UK
Not approvedClassified as research chemical
Australia
Not approvedTGA has not authorized
Canada
Not approvedNot authorized for human use
Sara VR, Carlsson-Skwirut C, Andersson C, Hall E, Sjögren B, Holmgren A, Jörnvall H
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (1989)
First isolation and characterization of naturally occurring des(1-3)IGF-1, demonstrating substantially greater potency than intact IGF-1 in stimulating cell proliferation.
View Study →Bagley CJ, May BL, Szabo L, McNamara PJ, Ross M, Francis GL, Ballard FJ, Wallace JC
Biochemical Journal (1989)
Demonstrated that the enhanced potency of des(1-3)IGF-1 derives from its 100-fold reduced affinity for IGFBPs, allowing free engagement with the IGF-1 receptor at lower total concentrations.
View Study →Adams GR, McCue SA
Journal of Applied Physiology (1998)
Animal model demonstrating that intramuscular IGF-I (including DES analogs) produces hypertrophy localized to the injected muscle, with effects mediated by satellite cell activation and protein synthesis.
View Study →Long-acting IGF-1 analog with reduced binding-protein affinity for sustained signaling.
A locally-acting IGF-1 splice variant released by muscle in response to mechanical load.
Endogenous activin/myostatin binding protein — the gene-therapy myostatin inhibitor.
Selective growth hormone secretagogue with minimal side effects.
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