What it is
IGF-1 DES(1-3) is a variant of IGF-1 missing the three amino acids at its start (Gly-Pro-Glu). The truncation sharply reduces binding to IGF-binding proteins, the blood proteins that bind and carry IGF-1, which makes the peptide more active locally but short-lived.
It is used as a research reagent rather than a clinical drug, with essentially no human trial data. In the PeptidesAI encyclopedia it is categorized under growth hormone.
How it's thought to work
IGF-1 DES(1-3) activates the IGF-1 receptor to drive protein synthesis and satellite cell activation, where satellite cells are the stem cells of muscle tissue. Because it binds IGF-binding proteins poorly, more of the peptide is free and active at the site of administration, but it is cleared rapidly, giving it a short half-life.
In cell culture, des(1-3)IGF-I has been reported to be about 10-fold more potent than IGF-1 at stimulating hypertrophy and proliferation, a consequence of its much reduced binding to IGF-binding proteins.
What the research says
IGF-1 biology is extensively studied, but DES(1-3) itself is a laboratory reagent with no clinical development program. It is not FDA-approved.
In pigs and marmoset monkeys, des(1-3)IGF-I lowered blood glucose 2- to 3-fold more strongly than IGF-1 and over a longer period.
Reported side effects
Reported side effects include hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), injection site reactions and headache. A theoretical concern is that growth-factor signaling could promote unwanted tissue growth. The animal glucose-lowering findings above are consistent with the hypoglycemia concern.
Reconstitution
IGF-1 DES (1-3) is supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder and is typically reconstituted with bacteriostatic (BAC) water before use. It commonly comes in 1 mg vials. The amount of peptide in the vial is fixed; the water added only changes how concentrated the solution is.
Worked example. A 1 mg vial is 1,000 mcg. Reconstituted with 2 mL of BAC water, that works out to 1,000 mcg ÷ 2 mL = 500 mcg/mL. On a U-100 insulin syringe, where each unit is 0.01 mL, each unit holds 500 × 0.01 = 5 mcg. Use the peptide reconstitution calculator to work out the concentration and units for any vial size and water volume.
Important notes
IGF-1 DES(1-3) is a growth factor with significant safety considerations, including hypoglycemia and a theoretical risk of tissue growth. It is not FDA-approved and is listed as prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Sources
- Des(1-3)IGF-I: a truncated form of insulin-like growth factor-I. Ballard FJ et al. International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, 1996. Review
- IGF-I variants which bind poorly to IGF-binding proteins show more potent and prolonged hypoglycaemic action than native IGF-I in pigs and marmoset monkeys. Tomas FM et al. Journal of Endocrinology, 1997. Preclinical
Frequently asked questions
These questions cover the same ground as the sections above, in a shorter format.
What is IGF-1 DES(1-3)?
An IGF-1 variant missing its first three amino acids, used as a research reagent with essentially no human trial data.
How is IGF-1 DES(1-3) thought to work?
It activates the IGF-1 receptor to drive protein synthesis and satellite cell activation; poor binding to IGF-binding proteins leaves more of it free at the site of administration, but it is cleared quickly.
What does the research on IGF-1 DES(1-3) say?
It is a laboratory reagent with no clinical development program; animal studies found it lowered blood glucose more strongly and for longer than IGF-1.
What are the reported side effects of IGF-1 DES(1-3)?
Hypoglycemia, injection site reactions and headache, plus a theoretical concern about unwanted tissue growth.
How much is one unit from a 1 mg IGF-1 DES (1-3) vial?
With 2 mL of BAC water, a 1 mg vial is 500 mcg/mL, so one unit on a U-100 syringe (0.01 mL) holds 5 mcg.
The full entry, plus the calculator
The PeptidesAI app has the complete encyclopedia entry for IGF-1 DES (1-3) — one of 70 compounds covered — plus the reconstitution calculator, a dose log and reminders. Free to download on iPhone.
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