IGF-1 DES
Des(1-3) IGF-1 / DES IGF-1 / Truncated IGF-1
A truncated form of IGF-1 missing the first three amino acids (Gly-Pro-Glu), resulting in approximately 10x higher potency than native IGF-1 due to virtually no binding to IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs). Its very short half-life makes it ideal for localized, site-specific intramuscular injections targeting specific muscle groups. Primarily a research compound used in advanced bodybuilding contexts.
Half-life
20–30 minutes
Typical Dose
20–50 mcg/injection
30/50Route
intramuscular
Category
growth_hormone
Evidence Overview
Strength of evidence across clinical, expert, and experimental lanes.
How IGF-1 DES is dosed in practice
Usually taken by intramuscular injection. Typical range: 20–50 mcg/injection. Half-life: 20–30 minutes. Each card gives the dose, frequency and duration from one evidence lane: Clinical (human trials), Expert (practitioner protocols) or Experimental (early or animal data). These ranges describe what has been studied or used; they are not a prescription.
Work out the units to draw with the reconstitution calculator, how long a vial lasts with the vial duration calculator, and how levels fall between doses with the half-life calculator.
Considered an advanced, high-risk compound. The very short half-life limits systemic effects but makes timing critical. Used exclusively for localized muscle growth protocols by experienced practitioners. Rarely recommended by mainstream peptide therapy practitioners due to potency and sparse clinical safety data.
- Advanced sports medicine practitioner case reports
- Peptide pharmacology reference texts
- IGF-1 signaling pathway research reviews
Used by advanced bodybuilders for site-specific muscle growth. Users inject directly into lagging muscle groups pre-workout. Very short half-life means minimal systemic effects but rapid clearance. Reports of localized swelling and intense muscle pump are common. Not recommended for beginners.
- Bodybuilding community — localized IGF protocols
- MESO-Rx — Des IGF-1 experience logs
- Advanced peptide user community reports
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Upgrade to ProSafety & Contraindications
- Active cancer (extremely potent mitogen)
- Diabetes or hypoglycemia risk
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
IGF-1 DES: common questions
What is IGF-1 DES?
A truncated form of IGF-1 missing the first three amino acids (Gly-Pro-Glu), resulting in approximately 10x higher potency than native IGF-1 due to virtually no binding to IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs). Its very short half-life makes it ideal for localized, site-specific intramuscular injections targeting specific muscle groups. Primarily a research compound used in advanced bodybuilding contexts.
How is IGF-1 DES dosed?
IGF-1 DES is usually taken by intramuscular injection. Typical range in DoseCraft's library: 20–50 mcg/injection. Expert (practitioner protocols): 20–50 mcg IM per site; Pre-workout, target muscle; 4-week max cycles. Experimental (early or animal data): 20–50 mcg IM, bilateral target muscle; Pre-workout on training days; 4-week cycles. These ranges describe what has been studied or used; they are not a prescription.
Is IGF-1 DES FDA-approved?
No. IGF-1 DES is not approved by the FDA for any use in people.
What is the half-life of IGF-1 DES?
DoseCraft's library lists a half-life of 20–30 minutes. Half-life sets how often a compound is dosed and how long it takes to clear: about five half-lives.
Who should not use IGF-1 DES?
Listed contraindications: Active cancer (extremely potent mitogen); Diabetes or hypoglycemia risk; Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any peptide regimen.
Page updated . How we grade evidence: methodology.