Structure · schematic
Peptide chain of 70 amino acids · IGF / Insulinanalog
Sequence
GPETLCGAELVDALQFVCGDRGFYFNKPTGYGSSSRRAPQTGIVDECCFRSCDLRRLEMYCAPLKPAKSA
Schematic representation of the amino acid chain — not a chemical structural formula. Each node represents one amino acid (shown truncated).
Research areas*
* Contexts in which the peptide has been scientifically studied — not assured or recommended effects.
Mechanism of action
- 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).
- IGF-1 is regarded as a central mediator of the anabolic effects of growth hormone on muscle, bone and nerve tissue.
- In the blood, IGF-1 circulates bound to IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs), which regulate its bioavailability and half-life.
Research status
- The clinically best studied application of recombinant IGF-1 (mecasermin) is severe primary IGF-1 deficiency (IGFD) in children.
- For this indication, mecasermin (Increlex) has been approved in the EU and the USA since 2007.
- In addition, IGF-1 has been investigated in clinical studies for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis); results were inconsistent.
- In preclinical models, effects on skeletal muscle, bone density and peripheral nerve regeneration have been described.
- Use outside approved indications — particularly for performance enhancement — is not clinically substantiated and carries considerable risks.
Evidence level
Cited studies
- 1997Recombinant human insulin-like growth factor I for ALS: a randomized phase IIb/III study
- 2008Mecasermin (recombinant human insulin-like growth factor I) for the long-term treatment of growth failure in children with severe primary IGF-I deficiency
- 2020Insulin-like growth factor-I and its binding proteins: A review of their roles in growth and metabolism
Known risks
- 01Hypoglycaemia: the most clinically significant side effect, also described under therapeutic use
- 02Acromegaly-like symptoms with overdose: bone growth, organ enlargement
- 03Potentially proliferative effect on tumour tissue — oncological risk discussed in the literature
- 04Hypotension, tachycardia, headache with too-rapid absorption
- 05Increased intracranial pressure described in isolated cases
- 06No safety data for non-medical use scenarios
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.
Is IGF-1 legal in Germany?
IGF-1 is prescription-only in Germany and may only be obtained with a medical prescription.
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.
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.
Related entries
Legal status
Germany
prescription-onlyAustria
prescription-onlySwitzerland
prescription-onlyEU
approved medicineUSA
unclassifiedCanada
unclassifiedLegal status varies by country and can change. This is not legal advice.
Sources & methodology
- 3 peer-reviewed studies cited, linked to PubMed where available.
- Molecular data verified against PubChem and primary literature.
- Editorial standard: no dosage guidance, no sources, evidence level stated explicitly.
Last editorially reviewed: 28 May 2026
Legal assessment
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.
Important notice
This site is intended solely for factual, scientifically oriented information about peptides. It does not constitute medical advice, does not replace a consultation with a doctor and contains no recommendations for use in humans.
This site does not sell any substances and names no sources for unapproved substances. For medical questions, please consult qualified medical professionals.
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