IGF-1 DES · DOSSIER

IGF-1 DES

IGF-1 DES · DES(1-3)IGF-1 · Peptide · 67 AS
LEGAL DE · NOT APPROVEDEVIDENCE · PRECLINICAL2 STUDIESWADA · S2
FIG.01 — SIGNAL CHAIN
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Mechanism of action

What IGF-1 DES does in the body — step by step.

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IGF-1 DES is a truncated variant of insulin-like growth factor 1 lacking the first three N-terminal amino acids (DES(1-3)IGF-1).

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This truncation makes the molecule bind much more weakly to IGF binding proteins, allowing higher relative activity at the IGF-1 receptor in tissue.

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In cell models an increased potency relative to full-length IGF-1 has been described.

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Research status

How far along is the evidence?

PRECLINICALEARLY CLINICAL STUDIESCLINICALLY ESTABLISHED
IGF-1 DES has been characterised mainly in cell and animal models.
IGF-1 DES has been characterised mainly in cell and animal models.
Basic research describes the truncated form as a highly potent IGF variant with reduced binding-protein affinity.
Controlled human studies on exogenous use are lacking.
The safety and efficacy profile in humans is not established.
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Known risks

Without human data, safety statements are limited. What is known:

01
No controlled human studies — safety profile not established
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Hypoglycaemia risk via IGF/insulin signalling
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Theoretical risk of promoting growth of pre-existing tumours
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Tissue overgrowth/organ changes conceivable with overdose
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WADA ban, ADBG/DmMV relevance
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Cited studies

Chronological — links lead to the source.

1993
Insulin-like growth factors: putative muscle-derived trophic agents that promote motoneuron survival
PubMed 8301266 →
1996
Des(1-3)IGF-I: a truncated form of insulin-like growth factor-I
PubMed 8930132 →
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Frequently asked questions

What is IGF-1 DES?+

IGF-1 DES is a truncated variant of insulin-like growth factor 1 lacking the first three N-terminal amino acids (DES(1-3)IGF-1).

What type of peptide is IGF-1 DES?+

IGF-1 DES belongs to the IGF / insulin analog class.

What is IGF-1 DES used for?+

In research, IGF-1 DES has primarily been investigated in the context of: Muscle growth, Recovery. These are research findings (evidence: preclinical), not proven benefits in humans and not a usage recommendation.

Is IGF-1 DES legal in Germany?+

IGF-1 DES is not approved as a medicine in Germany. Obtaining it outside clinical studies is legally problematic. It is additionally relevant under the German Doping Agent Quantity Ordinance (DmMV).

Is IGF-1 DES FDA-approved / legal in the US?+

No. IGF-1 DES is not FDA-approved as a drug in the US; it is mostly sold as a research chemical and not for human consumption.

Is IGF-1 DES legal in Canada?+

No. IGF-1 DES is not authorized by Health Canada and not intended for human consumption.

Where can I buy IGF-1 DES?+

Peptica sells nothing and names no sources. IGF-1 DES is "not approved" in Germany; obtaining unapproved substances outside clinical studies is illegal and carries quality and safety risks.

What is the dosage of IGF-1 DES?+

Peptica publishes no dosing. There are no approved dosing guidelines for IGF-1 DES; figures circulating online stem from animal studies or anecdote, not from validated human protocols. This is not medical advice.

Is IGF-1 DES banned in sport (WADA)?+

Yes. IGF-1 DES is on the WADA Prohibited List and is therefore banned in competitive sport.

What are the known risks of IGF-1 DES?+

Documented risks include: No controlled human studies — safety profile not established; Hypoglycaemia risk via IGF/insulin signalling. 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 DES?+

The evidence is classified as “preclinical”. 2 studies are cited on this page.

What is the molecular weight of IGF-1 DES?+

IGF-1 DES has a molar mass of about 7371.8 Da, with a plasma half-life of very short (minutes).

Which peptides are related to IGF-1 DES?+

Closely related entries: IGF-1, IGF-1 LR3. A direct side-by-side comparison is available via the compare function.

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Dossier

Legal · Structure · Sources.

LEGAL STATUS BY REGION
Germanynot approved

IGF-1 DES is not approved as a medicine. As an IGF-1 variant it falls under the WADA Prohibited List (S2) and is doping-relevant (ADBG/DmMV). Obtaining it as a research chemical is illegal and carries considerable safety risks.

Legal status varies by country and can change. This is not legal advice.

SOURCES & EXTERNAL DATABASES

Methodology: Peptica compiles publicly available studies and regulatory information and assigns each statement an evidence level. Not medical advice. No warranty.

RELATED PEPTIDES & FURTHER READING
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Community notes

Note: These posts are user opinions and not medical advice. Posts containing dosages, therapeutic claims or purchase recommendations are removed. All entries are manually reviewed before publication.
This page is intended solely for factual, scientifically oriented information. No medical advice · no dosage or usage recommendations · no claims of efficacy · no substitute for medical consultation. Peptica sells no substances. Partner links are marked as advertising; Peptica may earn a commission. © 2026 Peptica · Issue 01