Structure · schematic
Peptide chain of 24 amino acids · IGF / Insulinanalog
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
- MGF (mechano growth factor) is a splice variant of the IGF-1 gene (IGF-1 Ec) expressed mainly after mechanical muscle loading.
- Its characteristic C-terminal E-peptide is discussed as a separate signal thought to promote the activation and proliferation of muscle satellite cells.
- The pegylated form (PEG-MGF) is intended to extend the very short half-life of the native peptide.
- The precise receptor of the E-peptide has not been conclusively identified.
Research status
- MGF has been investigated mainly in preclinical models and cell-culture studies in the context of muscle regeneration and satellite-cell activation.
- Studies describe the effect of the MGF-E peptide on myoblastic cells and altered IGF-1 Ec expression in diseased muscle tissue.
- Controlled human studies on exogenous administration of synthetic MGF or PEG-MGF are lacking.
- The safety and efficacy profile in humans is not established.
Evidence level
Cited studies
Known risks
- 01No controlled human studies — safety profile not established
- 02Growth-factor activity: theoretical risk of promoting tumours
- 03Possible hypoglycaemia via IGF signalling
- 04WADA ban, ADBG/DmMV relevance
- 05Product quality cannot be verified from unapproved sources
Frequently asked questions
What is MGF?
MGF (mechano growth factor) is a splice variant of the IGF-1 gene (IGF-1 Ec) expressed mainly after mechanical muscle loading.
What type of peptide is MGF?
MGF belongs to the IGF / insulin analog class.
Is MGF legal in Germany?
MGF 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).
Where can I buy MGF?
Peptica sells nothing and names no sources. MGF is "not approved" in Germany; obtaining unapproved substances outside clinical studies is illegal and carries quality and safety risks.
Is MGF banned in sport (WADA)?
Yes. MGF is on the WADA Prohibited List and is therefore banned in competitive sport.
What are the known risks of MGF?
Documented risks include: No controlled human studies — safety profile not established; Growth-factor activity: theoretical risk of promoting tumours. This is not a complete safety assessment and not medical advice — see the risks section for the full list.
How well researched is MGF?
The evidence is classified as “preclinical”. 2 studies are cited on this page.
Which peptides are related to MGF?
Closely related entries: IGF-1, IGF-1 LR3. A direct side-by-side comparison is available via the compare function.
Related entries
Legal status
Germany
not approvedAustria
not approvedSwitzerland
not approvedEU
not approvedUSA
not approvedCanada
not approvedLegal status varies by country and can change. This is not legal advice.
Sources & methodology
- 2 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: 30 May 2026
Legal assessment
MGF/PEG-MGF is not approved as a medicine. As a growth factor of the IGF-1 family 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.
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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