Side-by-side · Research reference

MGFvsTesofensine

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

AAnimal-StrongHUMAN-REVIEWED14/55 cited

BPhase 3AUTO-DRAFTED10/40 cited

MGF

IGF-1Ec Splice Variant · Muscle-Specific

IGF-1EcSplice variantArmakolas 2016

24-AASynthetic E-domain

Animal onlyHuman evidence

SQ · Research context only

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

MGF

Tesofensine

Primary target

Satellite cells (Pax7+) in skeletal muscleMoore 2018

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

Pathway

Mechanical stress → IGF-1Ec mRNA upregulation → Local E-domain peptide release → Satellite cell activation

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

Downstream effect

Satellite cell proliferation, myoblast differentiation, muscle fiber repair

Strong appetite suppression, mild thermogenic effect, weight lossAstrup 2008

Feedback intact?

—

Origin

Alternative splicing of IGF-1 gene (exons 4-6) produces IGF-1Ec precursor; E-domain cleaved post-translationallyArmakolas 2016 Vassilakos 2017

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

Antibody development

—

02Dosage Protocols

Parameter

MGF

Tesofensine

Synthetic peptide

24-amino-acid E-domain sequence

Corresponds to human IGF-1Ec exons 4-6 region.

—

Rodent cardiac model

200 μg/kg via peptide-eluting microstructures

Post-MI injection; improved ejection fraction by 8 weeks.

—

Acute delivery (mouse MI)

Single bolus within 12 hrs post-infarctionShioura 2014

Delayed decompensation; no human protocol established.

—

Human evidence

None — no published clinical trials

All dosing extrapolated from animal models.

—

Detection in doping

Full-length MGF detected via LC-MS in illicit productsThevis 2014

WADA-prohibited since 2005; no therapeutic indication.

—

Evidence basis

Animal models + in vitro only

Phase 2b + ongoing Phase 3Astrup 2008

Standard dose

—

0.25–0.5 mg / dayAstrup 2008

Frequency

—

Once daily, morning

Lower / starter dose

—

0.125 mg / day

Duration

—

24 weeks per studied cycle

Form

—

Oral capsule

Timing

—

Morning to avoid sleep disruption

Half-life

—

~9 days (very long)

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter

MGF

Tesofensine

Human safety data

None — no clinical trials published

—

Theoretical IGF-1 axis risk

Chronic IGF-1Ec overexpression linked to cancer progression (prostate, colorectal, breast)

—

Tumor promotion

IGF-1Ec overexpressed in osteosarcoma, colorectal polyps with dysplasia, endometrial cancer

—

Antibody development

Unknown — no longitudinal human exposure data

—

Local injection reaction

Presumed similar to other peptides (erythema, induration) — no direct evidence

—

Dysregulated expression with age

Older adults (70+ yrs) show blunted IGF-1Ec response post-exercise vs youngMoore 2018

—

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

MGF

·Active malignancy or history of IGF-1-sensitive cancers (prostate, colorectal, breast, osteosarcoma)
·No established therapeutic use — investigational only

Tesofensine

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

Relative Contraindications

MGF

·Family history of IGF-1-axis malignancies
·Use outside research setting

Tesofensine

·Hypertension
·Anxiety disorder
·Insomnia

05Administration Protocol

Parameter

MGF

Tesofensine

1. No validated protocol

MGF (E-domain peptide) has no approved clinical protocol. All published data derive from animal models or in vitro experiments.

Oral capsule (investigational; not commercial).

2. Synthetic peptide form

Commercially available MGF corresponds to the 24-amino-acid human E-domain (hEc). Rodent E-domain (Eb) is structurally distinct and not interchangeable.

Swallow whole with water, morning only.

3. Animal delivery models

Rodent studies used peptide-eluting polymeric microstructures (cardiac) or direct intramuscular injection. Routes and doses non-translatable to humans.Peña 2015 Shioura 2014

Morning to mitigate insomnia. Do not dose evening.

4. WADA prohibition

MGF peptides prohibited in sport since 2005. Detection via LC-MS established for full-length MGF products.Thevis 2014

Room temp ≤25 °C, dry place.

5. Research context only

Any human use falls outside approved medical practice and regulatory frameworks. No safety or efficacy data exist.

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

06Stack Synergy

MGF

+ BPC-157

Multi-pathway

View BPC-157 →

MGF activates satellite cells for muscle fiber repair; BPC-157 promotes angiogenesis, collagen synthesis, and tendon healing via distinct pathways (VEGF, FAK, integrin signaling). Theoretical synergy in post-injury contexts combines myogenic (MGF) and stromal (BPC-157) repair mechanisms. Both lack human validation.

MGF: No established dose
BPC-157: 250–500 mcg SQ near injury site
Context: Animal models only
Primary benefit: Theoretical multi-tissue repair (muscle + tendon/ligament)

+ TB-500

Moderate

View TB-500 →

TB-500 (thymosin beta-4 fragment) enhances actin polymerization, cell migration, and angiogenesis—complementary to MGF satellite cell activation. Both upregulated post-injury; combined use presumed additive for muscle regeneration in preclinical models.

MGF: No established dose
TB-500: 2–5 mg SQ weekly
Context: Animal models only
Primary benefit: Satellite cell activation + enhanced migration/angiogenesis

Tesofensine

— no documented stacks