Research compounds
IGF-1 DES
DES(1-3)IGF-1
IGF-1 DES is a truncated analogue of insulin-like growth factor 1 missing the first three N-terminal amino acids. It occurs naturally in small amounts and is sold as a research peptide. It is not approved for any human use.
Also known as: DES IGF-1, IGF1 DES, DES(1,3)IGF-1
- Status
- IGF-1 DES is a research compound and not approved by the FDA for human use.
- Evidence
- Preclinical. Evidence comes from animal or lab studies; effects in people are not established.
- Half-life
- Very short — on the order of 20 to 30 minutes, compared with hours for IGF-1 bound to binding proteins.
- How it's taken
- Subcutaneous or intramuscular injection in non-clinical use
- Mechanism
- Anabolic (IGF-1 / myostatin)
- Pathways
- IGF-1, Insulin Signalling
How IGF-1 DES works
Removing the first three residues sharply reduces IGF-1's affinity for IGF binding proteins, which normally sequester the great majority of circulating IGF-1. With less binding-protein capture, a greater fraction remains free to engage the IGF-1 receptor, and in vitro potency is substantially higher than intact IGF-1. The same change makes it clear far faster.
What research has looked at
- In cell-culture systems it is markedly more potent than intact IGF-1, which is the basis of the interest in it.
- Its very short duration is sometimes presented as favouring local rather than systemic effect, though no human data support that framing.
- The binding-protein biology it exploits is genuine and well described: the great majority of circulating IGF-1 is bound and inactive, and N-terminal truncation is a known way to escape that capture.
Evidence level: Preclinical. Evidence comes from animal or lab studies; effects in people are not established. These are areas studied or reported, not promised effects.
Reported side effects and risks
- There are no controlled human trials. Claims about localised muscle growth are extrapolated from in vitro potency data and are unvalidated in people.
- Hypoglycaemia is a real mechanistic risk — IGF-1 and its analogues have insulin-like activity at the insulin receptor, and this is a documented adverse effect of mecasermin, the approved recombinant IGF-1 product.
- IGF-1 receptor stimulation raises theoretical concern about promoting growth of existing occult malignancy.
- It is prohibited at all times under the WADA Prohibited List.
- Material sold as IGF-1 DES is research chemical supply with unverified identity, purity, sterility and dose accuracy.
Sources
- PubMed research on DES(1-3)IGF-1 binding protein affinity · NIH · National Library of Medicine
- DrugBank record for IGF-1 DES · DrugBank
- Active clinical trials for IGF-1 DES · U.S. National Library of Medicine
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Related compounds
IGF-1 DES FAQ
What is IGF-1 DES?
IGF-1 DES is a truncated analogue of insulin-like growth factor 1 missing the first three N-terminal amino acids. It occurs naturally in small amounts and is sold as a research peptide. It is not approved for any human use.
How does IGF-1 DES work?
Removing the first three residues sharply reduces IGF-1's affinity for IGF binding proteins, which normally sequester the great majority of circulating IGF-1. With less binding-protein capture, a greater fraction remains free to engage the IGF-1 receptor, and in vitro potency is substantially higher than intact IGF-1. The same change makes it clear far faster.
Is IGF-1 DES FDA approved?
No. IGF-1 DES is a research compound and not approved by the FDA for human use. Evidence level: preclinical. Evidence comes from animal or lab studies; effects in people are not established.
What is the half-life of IGF-1 DES?
Reported half-life: Very short — on the order of 20 to 30 minutes, compared with hours for IGF-1 bound to binding proteins.
How is IGF-1 DES taken?
Subcutaneous or intramuscular injection in non-clinical use.
What side effects have been reported with IGF-1 DES?
Reported in the sources: There are no controlled human trials. Claims about localised muscle growth are extrapolated from in vitro potency data and are unvalidated in people; Hypoglycaemia is a real mechanistic risk — IGF-1 and its analogues have insulin-like activity at the insulin receptor, and this is a documented adverse effect of mecasermin, the approved recombinant IGF-1 product; IGF-1 receptor stimulation raises theoretical concern about promoting growth of existing occult malignancy; It is prohibited at all times under the WADA Prohibited List; Material sold as IGF-1 DES is research chemical supply with unverified identity, purity, sterility and dose accuracy.
Educational summary compiled from the sources listed above. Not medical advice. Peptide Vault does not sell, source or recommend any compound. Talk to a qualified clinician before starting or changing anything.