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IGF-1 DES

Also known as DES(1-3)IGF-1, des-IGF-1.

Best known for The short-acting IGF-1 discussed for "site-specific" growth

Evidence★☆☆☆☆

Safety dataLargely unknown

Route Injectable

United StatesNot approved

AustraliaSchedule 4 + Appendix D cl.5 (insulin-like growth factors, class entry)

as at 16 September 2026

What it is

IGF-1 DES is a truncated version of IGF-1 missing the first three amino acids. It is a laboratory reagent, not approved for human use, with no human efficacy trials yet. The truncation dramatically reduces its affinity for binding proteins, making it briefly very active and short-acting, roughly the opposite design approach to IGF-1 LR3.

What the full entry covers

The book carries the rest of this entry:

Where the research stands, with every claim cited
What people commonly ask, and what the research shows so far
Dosing in four labelled bands, described and not recommended
Side effects, serious risks, cautions and interactions
Questions to discuss with your doctor
How it compares with IGF-1 LR3, Somatropin, MK-677, Insulin

Related entries

IGF-1 LR3The long-acting IGF-1 with a serious risk profile · Evidence ★☆☆☆☆
SomatropinHuman growth hormone itself, the benchmark for every secretagogue · Evidence ★★★★★
MK-677The oral growth hormone secretagogue · Evidence ★★★☆☆
InsulinThe original therapeutic peptide, with serious risks outside medical use · Evidence ★★★★★

A certificate of analysis tells you what is in a vial. The evidence rating above tells you whether the compound has been shown to work in humans. Neither answers the other's question. How to read a certificate of analysis.

This page describes what is known and not known about IGF-1 DES. It is not medical advice and not a recommendation to use it.