SingleGrowth Hormone

IGF-1 DES 1mg

A truncated, high-affinity IGF-1 variant lacking three N-terminal residues, investigated for potent localized cellular hypertrophy.

Mechanism

By lacking the N-terminal tripeptide, it evades IGF-binding protein sequestration and directly stimulates the IGF-1 receptor, activating downstream PI3K/Akt cellular growth pathways with high local potency.

Dosing

Standard experimental protocols describe a conservative starting level of 20 mcg administered subcutaneously once daily.

Reconstitution

Reconstituting a 1 mg vial with 2.0 mL of bacteriostatic water produces a solution concentration of 500 mcg/mL (5 mcg per 0.01 mL unit).

Storage

Store the unmixed lyophilized powder in a refrigerated or frozen dark environment, and maintain the reconstituted liquid at 2–8°C for use within 28 days.

Mix & measure IGF-1 DES 1mg

Pre-filled with this protocol's recommended BAC water and documented starting dose — edit any field to run your own numbers.

Mix & measure IGF-1 DES 1mg

Vial strength → BAC water → target dose

Vial strength

BAC water

Target dose

Concentration0.500mg/mL

Draw volume0.040mL

On the syringe4.00units

Total doses in vial: 50.0

100u80u60u40u20u0

U-100 syringe: 100 units = 1 mL

Reconstitution math only — not dosing advice. U-100 syringe: 100 units = 1 mL. Advanced calculator →

Dosing Chart

Phase / Day(s)	Dose & Frequency	Volume (U-100 units / mL)
Conservative	20 mcg once daily	4 units (0.04 mL)
Common research range	40 mcg once daily	8 units (0.08 mL)
Upper reference	50 mcg once daily	10 units (0.10 mL)
Cycle duration	4–6 weeks on, followed by equal break	Discontinue after cycle

Reconstitution Steps

1
Disinfect the rubber stoppers of both the IGF-1 DES vial and the bacteriostatic water vial using sterile alcohol pads and permit them to air-dry.
2
Draw 2.0 mL of bacteriostatic water using a sterile reconstitution syringe.
3
Insert the needle into the IGF-1 DES vial, aiming the stream toward the glass wall to let the diluent gently trickle down without disturbing the cake.
4
Swirl the vial with smooth, circular motions until the lyophilized powder fully clears into solution; do not agitate or shake.
5
Record the date of mixing on the vial label and place it immediately into cold storage between 2°C and 8°C.

Supplies Needed

Peptide Vial

Lyophilized IGF-1 DES cake (1 mg) intended for reconstitution and laboratory assay.

Insulin Syringes (U-100)

Calibrated micro-volume syringes (100 units = 1 mL) utilized to measure microgram doses accurately.

Bacteriostatic Water

Preserved sterile diluent (2.0 mL) required to achieve a stable 500 mcg/mL target concentration.

Alcohol Swabs

70% isopropyl wipes used to sterilize vial septums and experimental injection sites.

Why researchers study it

Localized tissue hypertrophy

Enhanced local receptor potency

Satellite cell and repair cascade activation

These describe what is being studied, not proven benefits, approved uses, or promised results.

Overview

IGF-1 DES, formally designated as des(1-3)IGF-I, is an engineered truncation of insulin-like growth factor 1 that lacks the native N-terminal Gly-Pro-Glu tripeptide sequence. In systemic physiology, endogenous IGF-1 remains largely sequestered by circulating IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs), which regulate its biological availability. The targeted removal of this terminal sequence significantly impairs IGFBP binding, leaving the peptide fully bioavailable to engage the IGF-1 receptor directly. Because it evades binding protein capture, experimental models report that IGF-1 DES displays up to tenfold greater in vitro potency compared to the intact peptide. However, this lack of protein chaperoning also yields an exceptionally brief half-life of approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Consequently, laboratory research predominantly focuses on localized, site-specific tissue hypertrophy and accelerated repair signaling rather than long-term systemic hormone delivery. All current scientific literature surrounding IGF-1 DES remains strictly preclinical, utilizing cell cultures and rodent paradigms. It lacks approval from the FDA for therapeutic human administration and is strictly utilized for biochemical and preclinical laboratory experimentation.

References

1.Ballard et al., Int J Biochem Cell Biol, 1996 — Des(1-3)IGF-I truncated variant structure and tenfold potency over intact IGF-1
2.Lemmey et al., Growth Factors, 1994 — Examination of binding-protein-resistant IGF analogs and selective gut tissue trophic effects
3.Fruchtman et al., Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol, 2002 — Pituitary IGF-1 receptor interaction and binding protein escape mechanisms
4.DailyMed, Increlex Prescribing Information — Mecasermin reference labeling establishing regulatory status and hypoglycemia parameters