IGF-1 LR3
Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) is a 70-amino-acid single-chain peptide primarily secreted by the liver in response to GH stimulation. It mediates most of GH's anabolic effects via binding IGF-1 receptors in muscle, bone, and other tissues, activating PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways that promote cellular growth and survival. Recombinant IGF-1 (mecasermin) is FDA-approved for primary IGF-1 deficiency.
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
Polypeptide hormone similar in molecular structure to insulin.
Pharmacokinetics
- Half-life (t½)
- 15 h
- Approximate plasma half-life
- Routes
- Subcutaneous
t½ 1.0 d · ~3% remaining at 5.0 d
Citations (6)
- Therapeutic Peptides in Orthopaedics: Applications, Challenges, and Future DirectionsPubMed 2026
- Insulin and insulin-like growth factor-I enhance human skeletal muscle protein anabolism during hyperaminoacidemia by different mechanismsPubMed
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor I Regulation and Its Actions in Skeletal MusclePubMed
- GH/IGF-1 Abnormalities and Muscle Impairment: From Basic Research to Clinical PracticePubMed
- Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and agingPubMed
- Superior potency of infused IGF-I analogues which bind poorly to IGF-binding proteins is maintained when administered by injectionPubMed
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 DosagesAnabolic Growth
“Long half-life; highly anabolic”
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
- FDA-approved form (mecasermin) used for primary IGF-1 deficiency and Laron syndrome
- Studied for anabolic effects on muscle protein synthesis in clinical and research settings
- Investigated for potential neuroprotective and tissue regeneration applications
Key Research Benefits
- Muscle hyperplasia
- Fat loss
- Recovery
Potential Side Effects
Considerations and Cautions
- Avoid in active malignancy due to mitogenic potential
- Hypoglycemia risk, especially when injected without food
- Closed epiphyses required to avoid acromegalic changes
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 IGF-1 LR3with…
Curated stacking partners researched alongside IGF-1 LR3. Each link opens a dedicated stack page with combined benefits, side-effect overlap, and half-life considerations.
- Recovery stackIGF-1 LR3 + BPC-157The recovery king; speeds up tendon, muscle, and gut healing for faster training turnarounds.
- Recovery stackIGF-1 LR3 + TB-500Boosts tissue repair and reduces inflammation, perfect for injury-prone athletes.
- Recovery stackIGF-1 LR3 + KPVAnti-inflammatory tripeptide derived from α-MSH; gut and skin healing without sedation.
- Recovery stackIGF-1 LR3 + Pentadeca Arginate (PDA)Arginate-salt analog of BPC-157 developed for improved injection stability and tissue repair.
IGF-1 LR3 by goal
Read IGF-1 LR3'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.