Side-by-side · Research reference

IGF-DESvsTesofensine

Side-by-side comparison across mechanism, dosage, evidence, side effects, administration, and stack synergies. Citations on every claim where available.

AAnimal-StrongHUMAN-REVIEWED8/60 cited

BPhase 3AUTO-DRAFTED10/40 cited

IGF-DES

IGF-1 Analogue · Truncated N-Terminal

~10×Potency vs IGF-1

ReducedIGFBP binding

ResearchStatus

Injection (local or systemic) · Research protocols onlyBredehöft 2008

Tesofensine

SNDRI · Phase 3 obesity candidate

0.25–0.5 mgDaily doseAstrup 2008

9.2 kgWeight ↓ (24 wk)Astrup 2008

Phase 3Evidence levelAstrup 2008

Oral · Once daily morning

01Mechanism of Action

Parameter

IGF-DES

Tesofensine

Primary target

IGF-1 receptor (IGF1R)Shields 2007

Serotonin / norepinephrine / dopamine transporters (SERT / NET / DAT)Astrup 2008

Pathway

IGF1R activation → PI3K/Akt & MAPK signaling → protein synthesis, proliferation

Triple monoamine reuptake inhibition → ↑synaptic 5-HT, NE, DA → appetite suppression + thermogenesisAstrup 2008

Downstream effect

Enhanced muscle protein synthesis, myoblast differentiation, reduced apoptosis, cell proliferation

Strong appetite suppression, mild thermogenic effect, weight lossAstrup 2008

Feedback intact?

Unknown — no human endocrine feedback data

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Origin

Synthetic truncation of native IGF-1 — removal of N-terminal Gly-Pro-Glu tripeptideBredehöft 2008

Small molecule developed by NeuroSearch (Denmark) for CNS indications, repurposed for obesityAstrup 2008

Antibody development

—

02Dosage Protocols

Parameter

IGF-DES

Tesofensine

Research dose range

10–100 ng/mL (in vitro); μg doses (animal models)

Highly context-dependent; no standardized human protocol.

—

Route

Subcutaneous or intramuscular (local injection favored)

Local delivery maximizes tissue-specific uptake.

—

Frequency

Variable — daily to multiple times daily in research

Once daily, morning

Evidence basis

Animal models + in vitro only

Phase 2b + ongoing Phase 3Astrup 2008

Human data

None — no clinical trials

—

Half-life

Shorter than IGF-1 due to reduced IGFBP binding

Rapid tissue uptake, limited systemic circulation.

~9 days (very long)

Standard dose

—

0.25–0.5 mg / dayAstrup 2008

Lower / starter dose

—

0.125 mg / day

Duration

—

24 weeks per studied cycle

Form

—

Oral capsule

Timing

—

Morning to avoid sleep disruption

03Metabolic / Fat Loss Evidence

Parameter

IGF-DES

Tesofensine

Primary mechanism

Indirect via muscle hypertrophy → metabolic rate elevation

—

Direct lipolysis

Minimal evidence — IGF-1 axis primarily anabolic, not lipolytic

—

Prostate model

Inhibited BPH cell proliferation when combined with vitamin D3 analogueCrescioli 2002

Context-specific anti-proliferative effect, not fat loss.

—

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter

IGF-DES

Tesofensine

Hypoglycemia risk

Theoretical — IGF-1 axis enhances glucose uptake

—

Mitogenic risk

Chronic IGF-1 receptor activation may promote cell proliferation, potential tumor growthCrescioli 2002

—

Injection site reaction

Expected — erythema, irritation, local swelling

—

Edema / Fluid retention

Possible via sodium retention (IGF-1 axis effect)

—

Human safety data

Absent — no human trials, all effects theoretical or extrapolated

—

Unknown long-term effects

No chronic dosing studies in humans; endocrine, metabolic consequences unknown

—

Heart rate / BP

—

Dose-dependent ↑ HR + BPAstrup 2008

Insomnia

—

Dose-related; mitigate with morning timing

Dry mouth

—

Common

Nausea

—

Common

Mood changes

—

Anxiety / agitation possible

Cardiovascular events

—

Phase 3 trial monitoring; not yet FDA-cleared

Pregnancy / OB

—

Contraindicated

Absolute Contraindications

IGF-DES

·Active malignancy or history of cancer (mitogenic risk)
·Pregnancy / lactation (no safety data)
·Hypoglycemia disorders

Tesofensine

·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
·Severe cardiovascular disease
·Concurrent MAOI use

Relative Contraindications

IGF-DES

·Diabetes mellitus (unpredictable glucose effects)
·Renal or hepatic impairment (clearance unknown)
·Edema-prone conditions (heart failure, nephrotic syndrome)

Tesofensine

·Hypertension
·Anxiety disorder
·Insomnia

05Administration Protocol

Parameter

IGF-DES

Tesofensine

1. Research context only

Des(1-3)IGF-1 has no approved human protocol. All administration details are derived from animal or in vitro research and should not be construed as medical guidance.

Oral capsule (investigational; not commercial).

2. Reconstitution (if lyophilized)

Sterile water or bacteriostatic water per research protocol. Gently swirl; do not shake. Store reconstituted peptide at 2–8 °C.

Swallow whole with water, morning only.

3. Injection site

Subcutaneous (abdomen, thigh) or intramuscular (deltoid, vastus lateralis). Local injection to target tissue (e.g., muscle group) may enhance regional uptake.

Morning to mitigate insomnia. Do not dose evening.

4. Timing

Frequency and timing vary by research design. Post-exercise or fasted state may theoretically enhance muscle uptake.

Room temp ≤25 °C, dry place.

5. Needle gauge

27–31G insulin syringe for subcutaneous; 25–27G for intramuscular.

Monitor BP + HR + mood. Avoid stimulants + MAOIs.

6. Monitoring

Glucose monitoring essential (hypoglycemia risk). No established IGF-1 or safety labs for human use.

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06Stack Synergy

IGF-DES

+ BPC-157

Moderate

View BPC-157 →

Des(1-3)IGF-1 promotes myoblast differentiation and protein synthesis, while BPC-157 enhances tissue repair, angiogenesis, and collagen synthesis. Both act on distinct pathways (IGF1R vs gastric pentadecapeptide mechanisms) to support muscle recovery and connective tissue integrity. Synergy is mechanistic but lacks direct co-administration studies.

Des(1-3)IGF-1: Research dose post-workout (local IM)
BPC-157: 250–500 mcg SQ, daily or twice daily
Frequency: Daily or per research protocol
Primary benefit: Accelerated muscle repair, enhanced hypertrophy, connective tissue support

+ TB-500

Moderate

View TB-500 →

TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4 fragment) promotes cell migration, angiogenesis, and wound healing via actin regulation. Des(1-3)IGF-1 drives protein synthesis and myoblast proliferation. Combined, these peptides may synergistically enhance muscle recovery, repair, and hypertrophy through complementary anabolic and regenerative pathways. No direct human co-administration data.

Des(1-3)IGF-1: Research dose post-workout (local IM)
TB-500: 2–5 mg SQ, 2× weekly
Frequency: Per research cycle
Primary benefit: Muscle hypertrophy, injury recovery, vascular support

Tesofensine

— no documented stacks