Supplement Scholar
Anabolic / Growth Factor

IGF-1 DES

Research compound. This is not a dietary supplement. Unless it is identified as an approved prescription drug, it is not approved by the FDA for human use. This page summarizes published research for education only; we do not sell it or link to sellers.

IGF-1 DES. Short-acting IGF-1 analog with high local anabolic potency at injection sites.

How it works. Binds IGF-1R with higher local potency and a shorter half-life than LR3, producing localized anabolic effects with less systemic exposure.

What the research supports. 2 graded claims. Strongest: Strong local anabolic effect (preclinical).

Hormonal impact. Effects on Local IGF-1 activity, Systemic IGF-1, Growth hormone.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. Serious: Tumor-growth concerns with chronic use.

Stacking. Pairs well with Resistance training around dosing. Avoid combining with Active malignancy.

Common forms. Available as Subcutaneous or intramuscular injection.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried IGF-1 DES. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

IGF-1 DES. Short-acting IGF-1 analog with high local anabolic potency at injection sites.

No single structure

What it is

IGF-1 DES is IGF-1 with the first three amino acids removed, reducing IGFBP affinity and increasing local IGF-1R potency 5-10x while keeping a short systemic half-life.

Also called

DES(1-3) IGF-1

How it works

Binds IGF-1R with higher local potency and a shorter half-life than LR3, producing localized anabolic effects with less systemic exposure.

Pathways

  • IGF-1R then PI3K then Akt then mTOR

Effects

  • ↑Localized protein synthesis increases
  • +Satellite-cell recruitment supports

What the research supports

Strong local anabolic effectpreclinical
Shorter systemic exposure than LR3preclinical

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Hormonal impact

↑Local IGF-1 activityincreases
~Systemic IGF-1modulates
↓Growth hormonedecreases

Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Injection-site soreness
  • Mild hypoglycemia

Serious

  • Tumor-growth concerns with chronic use

Medication interactions

Insulinmoderate

Additive hypoglycemia.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • Resistance training around dosingLocal hyperplastic stimulus aligns with mechanical load.

Avoid combining

  • Active malignancyIGF-1R activation risk.

Common forms

  • Subcutaneous or intramuscular injection

Discussion

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