IGF-1 LR3
also known as Long R3 IGF-1, LR3-IGF-I, Long Arg3 IGF-1
Synthetic IGF-1 analogue with arginine substitution at position 3 and a 13-amino-acid N-terminal extension. Exhibits markedly reduced binding to IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs), producing prolonged half-life and enhanced bioavailability compared to native IGF-1. Primarily studied in research contexts for anabolic, anti-apoptotic, and cell proliferation effects.
At a glance
Research only · SQ typical in animal models
Primary target — IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) [mctavish-2009].
Pathway — IGF-1R → IRS-1 → PI3K/Akt → Cell proliferation, protein synthesis, anti-apoptosis [muhlbradt-2009].
Downstream effect — Enhanced cell proliferation, muscle anabolism, inhibition of apoptosis, increased telomerase activity.
Origin — Synthetic 83-AA analogue: 13-AA N-terminal extension + Arg substitution at position 3.
Feedback intact — No — exogenous IGF analogue bypasses GH-mediated regulation.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Research dose (animal models) | Variable by protocol and speciesIn vivo murine atherosclerosis studies used sustained delivery. |
| In vitro typical concentration | 10–1000 ng/mL [thomas-2007]Dose-dependent effects on follicle growth and estradiol production. |
| Half-maximal stimulation | 0.6 nM LR3 vs 1.5 nM native IGF-1 [price-2004]2.5-fold greater potency in lung fibroblast proliferation. |
| Evidence basis | Animal / in vitro only |
| Human use | Not FDA-approved; no published human trials |
Reconstitution
A pure mass-to-volume utility. Enter what you have in the vial; the atlas computes the volume per dose. No prescription information.
Animal models only · No controlled human trials
| Outcome | Finding |
|---|---|
| Mechanism | IGF-1R activation → lipolytic signaling; secondary to anabolic effects |
| Direct lipolytic evidence | Minimal — primarily anabolic/anti-apoptotic in literature |
| Atherosclerotic plaque effects | Reduced stenosis and core size in ApoE-KO mice [von-2011]Plaque stabilization via vSMC phenotype modulation, not direct fat loss. |
| Human data | None published |
- — Active malignancy or history of cancer
- — Not approved for human use
- — Diabetes or glucose intolerance
- — Family history of cancer
- 01Research use only
IGF-1 LR3 is not FDA-approved for human use. All administration data derives from animal or in vitro studies.
- 02Typical research route
Subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injection in animal models. In vitro: added directly to culture medium at concentrations of 10–1000 ng/mL. [thomas-2007]
- 03Reconstitution (research)
Lyophilised powder reconstituted in sterile water or buffered saline per manufacturer protocol. Store at 2–8 °C after reconstitution.
- 04Stability
Enhanced stability vs native IGF-1 due to reduced IGFBP binding; exact half-life in vivo not fully characterized in humans.
GHRP-6 stimulates endogenous GH release, which drives hepatic IGF-1 synthesis. IGF-1 LR3 provides exogenous, IGFBP-resistant IGF signaling. Combining upstream GH stimulation with downstream IGF receptor activation creates a dual-pathway anabolic effect. However, this bypasses natural feedback and carries compounded mitogenic risk.
Ipamorelin (selective GHRP) stimulates pulsatile GH release without cortisol/prolactin elevation. IGF-1 LR3 directly activates IGF-1R independent of GH. This stack targets both upstream (GH secretion) and downstream (IGF receptor) nodes but eliminates physiological feedback, raising safety concerns around unchecked proliferation.
Sources
of 58 rendered claims carry a resolvable citation.
- [mctavish-2009]McTavish 2009 — Novel insulin-like growth factor-methotrexate covalent conjugate inhibits tumor growth in vivo at lower dosage than methotrexate alone.
journal, 2009 - [muhlbradt-2009]Muhlbradt 2009 — NKX3.1 activates expression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 to mediate insulin-like growth factor-I signaling and cell proliferation.
journal, 2009 - [price-2004]Price 2004 — Regulation of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-binding protein expression by growth factors and cytokines alters IGF-mediated proliferation of postnatal lung fibroblasts.
journal, 2004 - [thomas-2007]Thomas 2007 — Effects of IGF-I bioavailability on bovine preantral follicular development in vitro.
journal, 2007 - [von-2011]von 2011 — IGF-1 has plaque-stabilizing effects in atherosclerosis by altering vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype.
journal, 2011 - [wetterau-2003]Wetterau 2003 — Insulin-like growth factor I stimulates telomerase activity in prostate cancer cells.
journal, 2003