Follistatin
Follistatin is an activin-binding glycoprotein that functions as a natural antagonist of myostatin and activin signaling via TGF-beta family pathways. It has been studied for its ability to inhibit muscle wasting and promote skeletal muscle hypertrophy by blocking myostatin's negative regulation of myogenesis. Research in animal models demonstrates significant increases in muscle mass following follistatin overexpression or administration.
Acute growth-hormone pulse within roughly 30 to 60 minutes of dosing; body-composition effects build over weeks.
Store the lyophilized powder refrigerated (2 to 8 C), or frozen for long-term storage, protected from light. After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water, keep refrigerated and use within about 4 weeks.
Clinical Evidence
What the literature says
Scientific Overview
A protein that in humans is encoded by the FST gene.
Pharmacokinetics
- Half-life (t½)
- 4 h
- Approximate plasma half-life
- Routes
- Subcutaneous
t½ 12 h · ~3% remaining at 2.5 d
Citations (6)
- Myostatin inhibitors in sarcopenia treatment: A comprehensive review of mechanisms, efficacy and future directionsPubMed 2025
- Inhibition of myostatin with emphasis on follistatin as a therapy for muscle diseasePubMed
- Regulation of muscle mass by follistatin and activinsPubMed
- Transgenic expression of a myostatin inhibitor derived from follistatin increases skeletal muscle mass and ameliorates dystrophic pathology in mdx micePubMed
- Follistatin gene delivery enhances muscle growth and strength in nonhuman primatesPubMed
- Follistatin Gene Therapy Improves Ambulation in Becker Muscular DystrophyReview
Last reviewed: 2026-05-09
Research Guide
How users approach this compound
The following reflects patterns observed in research literature and community protocols. This is not medical advice and does not constitute a clinical recommendation.
Typical Dose Range Observed
Research Protocols
Common DosagesMuscle Growth
“Potent myostatin inhibitor”
Dosages listed are common research protocols found in peer-reviewed literature and clinical trials. Individual results and requirements may vary significantly in a research context.
Reported Uses
- Studied for myostatin inhibition and muscle mass enhancement in preclinical models
- Investigated for potential applications in muscular dystrophy and sarcopenia research
- Explored for anti-fibrotic effects in cardiac and pulmonary research
Key Research Benefits
- Inhibits myostatin
- Increases muscle mass
- Strength gains
Potential Side Effects
Considerations and Cautions
- Very limited human safety data
- Theoretical concerns about fertility given activin's role in reproductive biology
Labs to monitor
Educational context only, not a testing mandate. Any bloodwork decisions belong with your clinician.
- IGF-1: Primary downstream marker of growth-hormone-axis activity.
- Fasting glucose / HbA1c: GH-axis stimulation can reduce insulin sensitivity over time.
Dose Calculator
Peptide Reconstitution Calculator
Total amount of peptide in the vial.
Volume of water used to mix.
Draw to this mark
or 0.10 mL on a U-100 syringe
Quick Explainer
Stack Follistatinwith…
Curated stacking partners researched alongside Follistatin. Each link opens a dedicated stack page with combined benefits, side-effect overlap, and half-life considerations.
- Recovery stackFollistatin + BPC-157The recovery king; speeds up tendon, muscle, and gut healing for faster training turnarounds.
- Recovery stackFollistatin + TB-500Boosts tissue repair and reduces inflammation, perfect for injury-prone athletes.
- Recovery stackFollistatin + KPVAnti-inflammatory tripeptide derived from α-MSH; gut and skin healing without sedation.
- Recovery stackFollistatin + Pentadeca Arginate (PDA)Arginate-salt analog of BPC-157 developed for improved injection stability and tissue repair.
Follistatin by goal
Read Follistatin's profile filtered through specific research goals.
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Not medical advice
Information on DoseVault is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare provider.