IGF Family

IGF-1 DES (des(1-3)IGF-1) is a naturally occurring truncated variant of insulin-like growth factor 1 that lacks the first three N-terminal amino acids (glycine-proline-glutamate). Originally isolated from bovine colostrum, human brain, and porcine uterine tissue, this peptide demonstrates approximately 10-fold greater potency than native IGF-1 due to significantly reduced binding to IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs), resulting in enhanced bioavailability and receptor activation. Research has primarily focused on its mechanisms in cellular proliferation, muscle hypertrophy, neuroprotection, and potential therapeutic applications in inflammatory bowel disease and neurological conditions. Despite promising preclinical findings, no human clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate its safety or efficacy. IGF-1 DES remains classified as a research chemical, prohibited by WADA for athletic use, and is not approved by the FDA for human consumption or medical treatment. It is available only for research purposes.

PEG-MGF is a synthetically modified version of Mechano Growth Factor (MGF), a splice variant of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1Ec). Through pegylation - the attachment of polyethylene glycol molecules - and the substitution of L-arginine with D-arginine, PEG-MGF achieves dramatically extended stability and half-life compared to native MGF. This peptide plays a crucial role in tissue repair and regeneration by activating satellite cells (muscle stem cells), promoting cellular proliferation, and providing anti-apoptotic effects. PEG-MGF is particularly responsive to mechanical stress and injury, making it a key factor in muscle repair, cardiac protection, bone healing, cartilage regeneration, and neuroprotection.

IGF-1 LR3 (Long R3 IGF-1) is a synthetic analog of human insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), featuring 83 amino acids with an arginine substitution at position 3 and an additional 13 amino acids at its N-terminus. These modifications reduce binding affinity to IGF-binding proteins by approximately 1000-fold, resulting in enhanced metabolic stability and a significantly longer half-life of 20-30 hours compared to native IGF-1. Research demonstrates that IGF-1 LR3 is 3-6 times more potent than natural IGF-1 in promoting cellular growth and protein synthesis through PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways. Primary research applications include studies on muscle hypertrophy, satellite cell activation, neurodegenerative diseases, and metabolic regulation. However, IGF-1 LR3 is not FDA-approved for any human therapeutic use and remains classified as a research chemical. It is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency and most professional sports organizations. The compound is available only for laboratory research purposes, with CAS number 946870-92-4.

MGF (Mechano Growth Factor) is a splice variant of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) that plays a crucial role in muscle repair, tissue regeneration, and neuroprotection. It is produced in response to mechanical stress and muscle damage, activating satellite cells and promoting tissue healing. MGF is also known as IGF-1Ec in humans and IGF-1Eb in rodents, characterized by a unique E domain resulting from alternative splicing of the IGF-1 gene.