IGF-1 DES
Also known as: IGF-1(1-70), Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Des(1-3)
A truncated form of IGF-1 lacking the first 3 amino acids. More potent than IGF-1 LR3 with a shorter half-life, making it ideal for localized muscle growth at injection sites.
Research Status
Limited Clinical Data
For research purposes only. Not approved for human use. Not medical advice.
Research Areas
Side Effects
Usually resolves within 1-2 hours. Minimize by allowing solution to reach room temperature before injection and using proper injection technique. Apply ice if needed.
Transient swelling typically resolves within 24-48 hours. Indicates local anabolic response. Elevate limb and apply ice if bothersome.
Results from repeated injection into the same site. Prevent by rotating injection sites systematically. May be partially reversible if site rotation is implemented.
Distinct from delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS); typically resolves within 24 hours. Related to local inflammation and anabolic signaling.
More likely with systemic IGF-1 exposure; localized injection minimizes risk. Monitor blood glucose if diabetic or sensitive to hypoglycemia. Consume carbohydrates if symptoms occur (shakiness, sweating, confusion).
Results from needle trauma to small blood vessels. Minimize by using proper injection technique and avoiding aspiration if blood is visible. Bruising typically resolves within 1-2 weeks.
May develop with chronic repeated injection into the same site. Prevent by strict site rotation. If fibrosis develops, discontinue injections to that site and allow 4-6 weeks recovery.
Unlikely with localized intramuscular injection due to short half-life and local action. Risk increases with higher doses or repeated systemic exposure. Symptoms include jaw enlargement, hand/foot growth, and coarse facial features. Discontinue use and seek medical evaluation if suspected.
More common with systemic IGF-1 exposure. Localized injection minimizes risk. If occurs, reduce dose or frequency and monitor.
Associated with systemic IGF-1 elevation. Unlikely with localized intramuscular injection. Symptoms include wrist pain, numbness, and tingling. Seek medical evaluation if suspected.
Dosing Reference
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose range | 50-100 mcg |
| Frequency | 1x daily |
| Timing | Immediately post-workout, localized injection into target muscle |
| Route | Subcutaneous |
Inject bilaterally into target muscles. Very short half-life (~20-30 minutes) requires immediate post-training administration. Start at 50 mcg and titrate based on response. For research purposes only.
Research disclaimer
Figures drawn from published research literature and community logs. Not clinical recommendations. Consult a qualified professional. Research use only.
Reconstitution Guide
Do not use saline or bacteriostatic saline — use only bacteriostatic water for reconstitution
Do not shake the vial vigorously; gentle swirling prevents peptide degradation
Discard immediately if the solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contains visible particles
Use within 30 days of reconstitution when stored at 2–8°C
Do not freeze the reconstituted solution; freezing may denature the peptide
Use the PeptideVolt reconstitution calculator for your exact concentration
Molecular and Pharmacological Data
| Molecular weight | 7649 Da |
| Half-life | 20-30 minutes (intramuscular) |
| Sequence | GPETLCGAELVDALQFVCGDRGFYFNKPTGYGSSSRRAPQTGIVDECCWCGSIFSRKAYGIPFKWYKNR |
IGF-1 DES is a truncated form of insulin-like growth factor-1 lacking the first three amino acids, resulting in higher receptor affinity and potency compared to full-length IGF-1. When injected directly into muscle tissue, it binds to IGF-1 receptors on myocytes, activating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. This stimulates protein synthesis, inhibits protein degradation, and promotes myoblast proliferation and differentiation, leading to localized muscle hypertrophy. The short half-life (~20-30 minutes) limits systemic exposure and reduces the risk of systemic side effects associated with circulating IGF-1.
IGF-1 Receptor (IGF-1R) Signaling
IGF-1 DES binds to IGF-1R on muscle cells with higher affinity than full-length IGF-1, activating downstream signaling cascades that promote anabolic processes including protein synthesis and myogenic differentiation.
PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway
Activation of this pathway increases protein synthesis through mTORC1 and inhibits protein degradation through FoxO transcription factors, driving net muscle protein accretion.
MAPK/ERK Pathway
Stimulation of this pathway promotes myoblast proliferation and differentiation, contributing to increased muscle fiber number and size.
Local Autocrine/Paracrine Effects
Direct intramuscular injection allows localized IGF-1 signaling without significant systemic exposure, minimizing metabolic and endocrine side effects.
- IGF-1 DES has 3-fold higher receptor affinity than full-length IGF-1 due to removal of the N-terminal tripeptide
- The short half-life necessitates immediate post-workout injection to maximize muscle uptake before systemic clearance
- Localized intramuscular injection minimizes systemic IGF-1 exposure and associated risks (hypoglycemia, joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome)
- IGF-1 DES primarily activates the anabolic PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, promoting protein synthesis and myogenic differentiation
- Repeated intramuscular injection into the same site may cause localized lipodystrophy or fibrosis; site rotation is essential
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