The two IGF-1 analogs popular in bodybuilding — LR3 for sustained systemic IGF-1 elevation, DES for localized pre-workout hypertrophy.
Both are synthetic analogs of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), the anabolic hormone produced by the liver in response to growth hormone. They’re engineered to address native IGF-1’s two main pharmacological problems (short half-life and high binding-protein sequestration):
Both raise tissue IGF-1 action substantially more than native IGF-1 would at equivalent doses, and both carry the same IGF-1-pathway concerns: potential tumor-growth acceleration, hypoglycemia risk, and HPA feedback disruption with chronic use.
Not FDA approved. WADA prohibited (S2). Research chemicals only.
Both bind and activate the IGF-1 receptor — driving protein synthesis, satellite cell activation, and hyperplasia in muscle tissue. Also binds insulin receptor at high doses (hypoglycemia risk).
20–30 hour half-life means daily dosing produces continuous IGF-1 receptor signaling. Comparable in effect to direct HGH in terms of IGF-1 pathway, without needing the pituitary.
~20 min half-life but ~10× the potency of native IGF-1 at the receptor. Users inject DES just pre- or post-workout directly into trained muscle for a localized hypertrophic effect.
IGF-1 is one of the few anabolic agents theorized to induce actual new muscle-fiber formation (hyperplasia). Evidence in humans is weak; preclinical animal data is stronger.
| Benefit | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Muscle hypertrophy | Strong animal data; inconsistent human data; anabolic synergy with training reported anecdotally |
| Fat loss | IGF-1 pathway activation contributes to lipolysis; modest vs. GH agents |
| Tissue repair | Faster connective tissue recovery in animal models |
| Metabolic effects | Improves insulin sensitivity at low doses; insulin-like hypoglycemic effect at high doses |
IGF-1’s role in bodybuilding is overhyped in forums. For most users the benefit-to-side-effect ratio is worse than CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin or tesamorelin.
Build your protocol, log every dose, monitor your body's response, and get reminders so you never miss a dose.
Start Tracking FreeBoth can cause hypoglycemia. Eat a carb-containing meal within 30 minutes of injection, monitor for shakiness / dizziness / sweating, and have fast carbs available. Start at the low end of the dose range to assess response.
IGF-1 analogs are fragile — handle gently and avoid prolonged room-temperature exposure.
1 mg vial + 1 mL BAC water = 1000 mcg/mL
| Dose | Volume | Syringe Units |
|---|---|---|
| 20 mcg | 0.02 mL | 2 units |
| 50 mcg | 0.05 mL | 5 units |
| 100 mcg | 0.10 mL | 10 units |
Very small draw volumes — use a 0.3 mL insulin syringe for precision.
Use our free peptide calculator to figure out your reconstitution volume, draw amount, and syringe units.
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IGF-1 directly accelerates tumor growth; any cancer history is an absolute contraindication. The cancer-risk profile is worse than GHRP/GHRH peptides because IGF-1 elevation is delivered directly rather than through the pituitary feedback loop.
IGF-1 LR3 and DES is a research peptide not approved by the FDA for human use. It is sold only as a research chemical, and StackTrax does not endorse or facilitate personal use.
Quality varies enormously among research-chemical suppliers. At minimum, look for:
StackTrax’s preferred partner NextGen Peptides does not currently carry IGF-1 LR3 and DESin their catalog, which is why you don’t see a direct purchase link here. Other major research-chemical suppliers carry it; we don’t specifically recommend one for this compound.
Build your protocol, log every dose, monitor your body's response, and get reminders so you never miss a dose.
Start Tracking FreeDisclaimer: This guide is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The compounds discussed are not FDA approved for human use. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or peptide protocol. StackTrax does not sell peptides or supplements directly — purchase links go to third-party vendors. StackTrax is not responsible for the products, quality, or business practices of any third-party vendor. This page contains affiliate links — StackTrax may earn a commission on purchases at no extra cost to you.
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StackTrax guides cover peptides and compounds that are not FDA-approved for the uses discussed. The dosing, reconstitution, and safety information is compiled from published research and community protocols for educational purposes only.
Before using any compound mentioned here, consult a qualified healthcare provider. StackTrax does not sell, prescribe, or recommend these substances for personal use.
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