IGF-1
Mechanism of action
What IGF-1 does in the body — step by step.
IGF-1 is a 70-amino-acid polypeptide with structural homology to insulin.
It binds primarily to the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R), through which it activates the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Ras/MAPK signalling cascades.
Its main site of production is the liver, where synthesis is stimulated by growth hormone (GH).
Research status
How far along is the evidence?
Known risks
Without human data, safety statements are limited. What is known:
Cited studies
Chronological — links lead to the source.
Frequently asked questions
What is IGF-1?+
IGF-1 is a 70-amino-acid polypeptide with structural homology to insulin.
What type of peptide is IGF-1?+
IGF-1 belongs to the IGF / insulin analog class.
What is IGF-1 used for?+
In research, IGF-1 has primarily been investigated in the context of: Muscle growth, Recovery. These are research findings (evidence: early clinical studies), not proven benefits in humans and not a usage recommendation.
Is IGF-1 legal in Germany?+
IGF-1 is prescription-only in Germany and may only be obtained with a medical prescription.
Is IGF-1 FDA-approved / legal in the US?+
The FDA status of IGF-1 is not clearly classified.
Is IGF-1 legal in Canada?+
The regulatory status of IGF-1 in Canada is not clearly classified.
Where can I buy IGF-1?+
Peptica sells nothing and names no sources. IGF-1 is "prescription-only" in Germany; obtaining unapproved substances outside clinical studies is illegal and carries quality and safety risks.
What is the dosage of IGF-1?+
Peptica publishes no dosing. IGF-1 is a prescription medicine — any dosing is determined individually by a physician. This is not medical advice.
Is IGF-1 banned in sport (WADA)?+
Yes. IGF-1 is on the WADA Prohibited List and is therefore banned in competitive sport.
What are the known risks of IGF-1?+
Documented risks include: Hypoglycaemia: the most clinically significant side effect, also described under therapeutic use; Acromegaly-like symptoms with overdose: bone growth, organ enlargement. This is not a complete safety assessment and not medical advice — see the risks section for the full list.
How well researched is IGF-1?+
The evidence is classified as “early clinical studies”. 3 studies are cited on this page.
What is the molecular weight of IGF-1?+
IGF-1 has a molar mass of about 7648.6 Da, with a plasma half-life of ~12–15 hours (protein-bound).
Which peptides are related to IGF-1?+
Closely related entries: CJC-1295, Ipamorelin, IGF-1 LR3. A direct side-by-side comparison is available via the compare function.
Dossier
Legal · Structure · Sources.
Mecasermin (Increlex) is approved as a medicine in the EU for severe primary IGF-1 deficiency and is prescription-only. Use outside this indication — particularly as a performance-enhancing drug — is not permitted. IGF-1 is listed on the WADA Prohibited List (section S2). Unapproved sources (research chemical) are subject to the German Medicines Act (AMG) and are legally problematic.
Legal status varies by country and can change. This is not legal advice.
Methodology: Peptica compiles publicly available studies and regulatory information and assigns each statement an evidence level. Not medical advice. No warranty.