IGF-1 DES
Quick summary
A shortened form of IGF-1 that is missing its first three amino acids. Research focus: IGF-1 receptor signaling and muscle cell models. This page leads with SRP's low-and-slow starting dose.
Overview
A shortened form of IGF-1 that is missing its first three amino acids. This lowers its binding to IGF-binding proteins and increases its activity in cell assays.
Looking for research material? Simple Research Peptides lists IGF-1 DES 1mg for laboratory research use.
Mechanism
Removing the first three amino acids weakens binding to IGF-binding proteins and boosts local IGF-1 receptor activity.
Research areas
- IGF-1 receptor signaling
- muscle cell models
Storage & reconstitution
Supplied as a freeze-dried (lyophilized) powder in a sealed vial. Unopened vials are generally kept cold and away from light. Labs usually reconstitute it with bacteriostatic or sterile water, letting the liquid run down the vial wall and swirling gently instead of shaking. The solution is then kept refrigerated.
Recommended starting dose (low and slow)
| Starting dose | Low end of the studied range: 50 mcg. |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Pending - to be added by SRP |
| Reconstitution | Examples: 1 mg vial + 1 mL water = 1 mg/mL. |
Studied higher doses
Studies have used doses up to the amounts below. Higher doses can be dangerous. Whether a person can reach them safely depends on height, weight, activity level, training and pre-existing conditions. We recommend following the lower starting dose above, and contacting SRP with any questions.
| Highest amount reported in studies | Top of the studied range: 100 mcg. These are range tops, not verified ceilings. |
|---|
Route and timing
Route: Subcutaneous injection after reconstitution is the route most often described in research protocols.
Timing: Pending - to be added by SRP
Cycle length and repeat
Pending - to be added by SRP
Half-life
Approximate, for Bobby's review: Not well characterized in published research.
Side effects
Pending - to be added by SRP
Suggested bloodwork and monitoring
Draft, for Bobby's review: CBC and comprehensive metabolic panel (kidney and liver function, electrolytes) before starting and again after a few weeks; IGF-1, fasting glucose and HbA1c.
Cautions
Pending - to be added by SRP
Reconstitution calculator
Math aid only. It converts the numbers you enter; it is not dosing advice. For research use only. Prefilled with this page's vial size, reconstitution and low-and-slow starting dose where known; change any value.
Frequently asked questions
What is IGF-1 DES studied for?
In research it is studied for IGF-1 receptor signaling and muscle cell models. Removing the first three amino acids weakens binding to IGF-binding proteins and boosts local IGF-1 receptor activity.
How is IGF-1 DES given in research?
Subcutaneous injection after reconstitution is the route most often described in research protocols. SRP has not yet published a frequency for this compound.
What amount should a researcher start with?
This page lists SRP's low-and-slow starting dose in the Recommended starting dose section. Higher amounts that appear in studies are listed separately with their safety context. Start with the lower dose and contact SRP with any questions.
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Last updated: October 19, 2026