GDF11
Growth Differentiation Factor 11, a protein that has been studied for rejuvenating effects on various tissues. Early reports that it declines with age are contested: Egerman et al. (2015) found a trend toward increased GDF11 with age in rats and humans and that earlier assays were not GDF11-specific.
Regulatory status (as of Sept 2026)
Not FDA-approved; no human trials.
See the FDA peptide regulatory tracker · Read our July 27, 2026 dispatch on the FDA PCAC peptide vote3 studies referenced · Last reviewed Oct 1, 2026 · Reviewed by The Peptide Dispatch Editorial Team · How we research & label content
GDF-11 is a compound studied only in animals and lab experiments so far. Growth Differentiation Factor 11, a protein that has been studied for rejuvenating effects on various tissues.
| Half-life | Not established in published research |
|---|---|
| How it's given in studies | Subcutaneous injection |
| Research stage | Preclinical (animal) |
| Dosing | Published research: No published human dosing detailsOnly rodent studies (recombinant protein, typically i.p. in mice); no human dosing.Community-reportedCommunity-reported: Research varies, subcutaneous injection |
Published-research dosing is what was given in the cited studies (species and units as reported). Community-reported dosing is what users describe, not from clinical studies. Neither is a recommendation. Not medical advice.
Where each point comes from: Clinicalhuman trials and FDA labels Lab / animalrodent, cell and ex vivo studies Community-reporteduser experience and commonly used protocols, not from clinical studies
In plain terms: It is a growth-factor protein once thought to rejuvenate aging tissue, but later studies disputed this. Proposed and disputed mechanism: a TGF-β superfamily member proposed to rejuvenate aged tissues through stem-cell activation. A 2015 study found that GDF11 increases with age and inhibits skeletal muscle regeneration (Egerman 2015), and later reviews describe the evidence as controversial (Harper 2016; Ma 2021).
How to read this: Each item below is an effect observed in research subjects in the cited studies — think of Dexter, our stand-in research subject. These are findings from the literature, not results you should expect, and not medical advice.
Community-reportedIn user communities, reported doses vary widely (subcutaneous injection). This is not a recommendation.
Community reports are anecdotal, vary widely in product quality and purity, and are not medical advice. Talk to a licensed provider.
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| Peptide | Half-Life | Route | Research Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDF-11 | Unknown | Subcutaneous injection | Preclinical (animal) |
| Epitalon | Unknown | Subcutaneous injection | Preclinical (animal) |
| FOXO4-DRI | Unknown | Subcutaneous injection | Preclinical (animal) |
| Humanin | Unknown | Subcutaneous injection | Preclinical (animal) |
| Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4) | Topical (not systemically relevant) | Topical | Cosmetic/topical |
Values reflect figures reported in published research. Compare any peptides side-by-side →
This peptide belongs to the Anti-Aging category. View All Anti-Aging Peptides
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Dosing, half-life figures, and mechanism descriptions on this page are compiled from peer-reviewed published research, with the species and study type stated where reported. Figures labeled “Dosing used in published research” describe what was given in those studies and do not constitute dosing recommendations for any human use. Each cited paper is listed with DOI and PubMed links in the References section above. Found an error? Contact us.