IGF-1 DES
IGF-1 DES (DES(1-3)IGF-1) is a truncated IGF-1 lacking the first three N-terminal amino acids. This removal further lowers IGFBP binding and, in some tissues, makes it more potent than native IGF-1 while giving a very short half-life. It is a laboratory reagent; physique use is anecdotal with no controlled human data.
01 Overview
By deleting the N-terminal tripeptide, DES(1-3)IGF-1 largely escapes inhibition by IGFBPs and is reported to be several-fold more potent than intact IGF-1 in some assays. Its half-life is very short, so any effect is local and transient.
Non-medical users inject it near worked muscles hoping for a localised hyperplastic/hypertrophic effect, but this is entirely anecdotal. As with all IGF-1 analogues the principal safety concerns are hypoglycaemia and the mitogenic potential of sustained IGF-1 receptor activation.
02 Mechanism
Binds and activates the IGF-1 receptor with reduced IGFBP inhibition; the DES(1-3) truncation increases free-peptide potency at the receptor, driving local PI3K/Akt anabolic and proliferative signalling.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anecdotal (non-medical) | 20–50 mcg/day | SubQ | Often injected peri-workout near target muscle; no clinical basis. |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local muscle-cell proliferationHigh local IGF-1R activation promotes myoblast proliferation in vitro; human localised-growth claims are unverified. | Preclinical | ||
| Acute pump / nutrient uptakeUsers report transient localised fullness; not clinically demonstrated. | Anecdotal |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HypoglycaemiaInsulin-like glucose lowering, though the short half-life limits duration. | Moderate | Common | Anecdotal | |
| Theoretical tumour promotionMitogenic IGF-1 signalling could promote existing neoplasia. | Severe | Unknown, mechanistic concern | Preclinical | |
| Injection-site reactionsLocal irritation, redness or lumps. | Mild | Common | Anecdotal |