IGF-DES
also known as Des(1-3)IGF-1, Des(1-3)IGF-I, des-IGF-1, truncated IGF-1
Des(1-3)IGF-1 is a truncated variant of insulin-like growth factor-1 lacking the N-terminal tripeptide (Gly-Pro-Glu). Reduced binding affinity for IGF-binding proteins yields ~10-fold greater potency than native IGF-1 in vitro and enhanced bioavailability at target tissues. Primarily investigated in research contexts for skeletal muscle hypertrophy, myoblast differentiation, and cell proliferation. No human clinical approval; applications remain experimental.
At a glance
Injection (local or systemic) · Research protocols only
Primary target — IGF-1 receptor (IGF1R) [shields-2007].
Pathway — IGF1R activation → PI3K/Akt & MAPK signaling → protein synthesis, proliferation.
Downstream effect — Enhanced muscle protein synthesis, myoblast differentiation, reduced apoptosis, cell proliferation.
Origin — Synthetic truncation of native IGF-1 — removal of N-terminal Gly-Pro-Glu tripeptide [bredehft-2008].
Feedback intact — Unknown — no human endocrine feedback data.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Evidence basis | Animal models + in vitro only |
| Human data | None — no clinical trials |
| Half-life | Shorter than IGF-1 due to reduced IGFBP bindingRapid tissue uptake, limited systemic circulation. |
Reconstitution
A pure mass-to-volume utility. Enter what you have in the vial; the atlas computes the volume per dose. No prescription information.
In vitro + animal models only — no controlled human trials
| Outcome | Finding |
|---|---|
| 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 analogue [crescioli-2002]Context-specific anti-proliferative effect, not fat loss. |
- — Active malignancy or history of cancer (mitogenic risk)
- — Pregnancy / lactation (no safety data)
- — Hypoglycemia disorders
- — Diabetes mellitus (unpredictable glucose effects)
- — Renal or hepatic impairment (clearance unknown)
- — Edema-prone conditions (heart failure, nephrotic syndrome)
- 01Research 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.
- 02Reconstitution (if lyophilized)
Sterile water or bacteriostatic water per research protocol. Gently swirl; do not shake. Store reconstituted peptide at 2–8 °C.
- 03Injection site
Subcutaneous (abdomen, thigh) or intramuscular (deltoid, vastus lateralis). Local injection to target tissue (e.g., muscle group) may enhance regional uptake.
- 04Timing
Frequency and timing vary by research design. Post-exercise or fasted state may theoretically enhance muscle uptake.
- 05Needle gauge
27–31G insulin syringe for subcutaneous; 25–27G for intramuscular.
- 06Monitoring
Glucose monitoring essential (hypoglycemia risk). No established IGF-1 or safety labs for human use.
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.
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.
Sources
of 60 rendered claims carry a resolvable citation.
- [bredehft-2008]Bredehöft 2008 — Quantification of human insulin-like growth factor-1 and qualitative detection of its analogues in plasma using liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry.
journal, 2008 - [crescioli-2002]Crescioli 2002 — Des (1-3) IGF-I-stimulated growth of human stromal BPH cells is inhibited by a vitamin D3 analogue.
journal, 2002 - [fruchtman-2002]Fruchtman 2002 — Characterization of pituitary IGF-I receptors: modulation of prolactin and growth hormone.
journal, 2002 - [payet-2004]Payet 2004 — The role of the acid-labile subunit in regulating insulin-like growth factor transport across human umbilical vein endothelial cell monolayers.
journal, 2004 - [shields-2007]Shields 2007 — Rho guanosine 5'-triphosphatases differentially regulate insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) receptor-dependent and -independent actions of IGF-II on human trophoblast migration.
journal, 2007 - [yamane-2002]Yamane 2002 — Roles of insulin-like growth factors and their binding proteins in the differentiation of mouse tongue myoblasts.
journal, 2002