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Growth Factors & IGF

IGF-1 DES

Also known as IGF-1 DES(1-3) · DES(1-3) IGF-1 · Des(1-3)IGF-1 · IGF-1 DES (1-3)

PreliminaryInjection (subcutaneous)Injection (intramuscular / local site)Injection (intravenous, in research settings)Not approved by the FDA for any therapeutic use; human safety and effectiveness have not been established, and it is generally handled as a research-use-only substance. IGF-1 analogs such as IGF-1 DES were not nominated for the FDA's 503A bulk drug substances list and have not been recognized as legitimately compoundable; the FDA has described compounded IGF-1 analogs as ineligible for the usual 503A compounding exemptions. The FDA's April 2026 action removed 12 specific peptides (including BPC-157, KPV, TB-500, and MOTs-C) from the interim 503A Category 2 list following withdrawn nominations and scheduled them for Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee review; IGF-1 DES was not part of that action and remains off the 503A bulks list. For athletes, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibits IGF-1 and its analogs under the S2 (peptide hormones, growth factors, and related substances) class, both in and out of competition.

IGF-1 DES is a naturally occurring truncated form and synthetic analog of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) that is missing the first three N-terminal amino acids, leaving a 67-residue peptide instead of IGF-1's 70. Removing those residues sharply reduces its binding to IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs), so less of the peptide is sequestered in circulation; in animal studies this is associated with roughly 10-fold greater in vivo potency than native IGF-1, alongside a very short duration of action. Like IGF-1, it signals through the IGF-1 receptor and downstream pathways such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK/ERK that influence cell proliferation, differentiation, and growth. Most data come from cell-culture and animal experiments (for example, myoblast and satellite-cell models) rather than controlled human trials, so its evidence base is largely preclinical. It is not an FDA-approved drug, and human safety and effectiveness have not been established.

Studied / used for

  • Investigated in cell-culture models for muscle (myoblast/satellite-cell) proliferation and differentiation
  • Studied preclinically as a more bioavailable, IGFBP-independent activator of IGF-1 receptor signaling
  • Investigated in animal models for localized/tissue growth effects of IGF-1 pathway activation
  • Used as a research tool to probe IGF-1 receptor and downstream PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK signaling

Commonly reported side effects

  • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) commonly reported, attributed to insulin-receptor cross-activation
  • Reports of joint or muscle pain
  • Reports of fluid retention/edema and changes in sodium handling
  • Reports of low phosphate (hypophosphatemia), an effect described for the IGF-1 class
  • Concerns reported about unwanted tissue or organ growth with prolonged use; controlled human safety data for the DES analog are lacking, and much of this profile is extrapolated from IGF-1 (mecasermin) and anecdotal use
Preliminary. Mostly early or animal studies. This reflects the strength of the research base, not effectiveness or a recommendation.

Not medical advice.

This is an educational reference. Peptalk does not recommend, prescribe, endorse, or rate any compound, and provides no dosing information. Do not start, stop, or change any peptide, hormone, supplement, or therapy based on this page. All clinical decisions must be made with your licensed healthcare provider.

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