IGF-1 DES(1-3) · des(1-3)IGF-1
Short-acting IGF-1 — localized muscle hypertrophy.
FDA
Research Only
WADA
Banned
HALF-LIFE
~20–30 minutes
ROUTE
IM injection into target muscle
SCHEDULE
Daily
In Plain English
Short-acting IGF-1 — localized muscle hypertrophy.
Status & Legality
What do these mean?Localized muscle hypertrophy
Satellite cell activation
Pre-workout muscle enhancement
IGF-1 DES is a truncated form of IGF-1 (missing first 3 amino acids) that is 5–10× more potent than native IGF-1 at the receptor level. Its short half-life means it acts locally where injected. Used intramuscularly for site-specific hypertrophy — inject into the muscle you want to target.
Hypoglycemia risk
Localized swelling
Headache
Joint pain
Injecting SubQ instead of IM into the target muscle — the localized hypertrophic effect requires direct intramuscular injection at the target site
Not having carbohydrates available immediately after — the short half-life means hypoglycemia risk is concentrated in a narrow window post-injection
Expecting systemic results — IGF-1 DES works where you inject it, period; for systemic anabolism, use LR3
Insulin — serious hypoglycemia risk; avoid combining without medical supervision
IGF-1 LR3 — combining is advanced-level; monitor glucose carefully and start with conservative doses of each
GH secretagogues — generally safe to combine; complementary mechanisms for anabolism
IGF-1 DES is the most targeted muscle peptide in the index — 5–10× more potent than native IGF-1 at the receptor but acting only at the injection site. The pinwheel protocol (different muscles each session) is how advanced users distribute the localized effect. Never use without carbohydrates immediately available.
IGF-1 LR3
Long-acting IGF-1 — muscle growth and satellite cell activation.
MGF
Splice variant of IGF-1 — satellite cell activation for muscle repair.
PEG-MGF
Long-acting MGF — systemic satellite cell activation.
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Stats
Sources & Studies
Ballard FJ. et al., Biochem J, 1996