DES
Truncated IGF-1 missing first 3 amino acids. In animal and cell studies, 2-3x more potent than IGF-I for glucose lowering, attributed to weak IGFBP binding.
Regulatory status (as of Sept 2026)
Not FDA-approved. WADA-prohibited (IGF-1 analogues).
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
IGF-1 DES is a compound studied only in animals and lab experiments so far. Truncated IGF-1 missing first 3 amino acids.
| Half-life | Not established in published research detailsNo published PK data found (des(1-3)IGF-I clears more rapidly than IGF-I in pigs/marmosets, but no published t1/2 value was found) |
|---|---|
| How it's given in studies | Intramuscular (site-specific) |
| Research stage | Preclinical (animal) |
| Dosing | Published research: No published human dosing detailsMarmosets 42-270 µg/kg IV bolus; pigs 20-50 µg/kg IV bolus (Tomas 1997).Community-reportedCommunity-reported: 50–150 mcg (site-specific), intramuscular (site-specific) |
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 shortened form of the growth factor IGF-1 that is less held back by the proteins that normally bind IGF-1. Binds the IGF-1 receptor but binds poorly to IGF-binding proteins. In pigs and marmosets, IGF-I variants with poor IGF-binding-protein affinity, including des(1-3)IGF-I, had more potent and prolonged hypoglycaemic action than native IGF-I (Tomas 1997).
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, IGF-1 DES is typically run at 50–150 mcg — intramuscular (site-specific). 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| IGF-1 DES | No published PK data found (des(1-3)IGF-I clears more rapidly than IGF-I in pigs/marmosets, but no published t1/2 value was found) | Intramuscular (site-specific) | Preclinical (animal) |
| ACE-031 | ~12 days | Subcutaneous injection | Discontinued |
| Follistatin 344 | Unknown | Subcutaneous injection | Preclinical (animal) |
| IGF-1 LR3 | No published PK data found | Subcutaneous or intramuscular | Preclinical (animal) |
| MGF (Mechano Growth Factor) | No published PK data found | Intramuscular (site-specific) | Preclinical (animal) |
Values reflect figures reported in published research. Compare any peptides side-by-side →
This peptide belongs to the Muscle category. View All Muscle Peptides
Growth Hormone
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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.