LR3

IGF-1 LR3

Muscle Growth Hormone Preclinical (animal)

Long-acting analog of IGF-1 with extended half-life due to amino acid substitutions. Studied in animal and cell models; no human muscle data.

Regulatory status (as of Sept 2026)

Not FDA-approved; prohibited by WADA as an IGF-1 analogue.

See the FDA peptide regulatory tracker · Read our July 27, 2026 dispatch on the FDA PCAC peptide vote
Educational summary. Every effect described below is drawn from the cited published research and describes what was observed in research subjects — not a promise of results, a dose recommendation, or an endorsement for human use. Many peptides are not FDA-approved. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before making any health decision. Full disclaimer.

3 studies referenced · Last reviewed Oct 1, 2026 · Reviewed by The Peptide Dispatch Editorial Team · How we research & label content

TL;DR — IGF-1 LR3 at a Glance

IGF-1 LR3 is a compound studied only in animals and lab experiments so far. Long-acting analog of IGF-1 with extended half-life due to amino acid substitutions.

Half-lifeNot established in published research
How it's given in studiesSubcutaneous or intramuscular
Research stagePreclinical (animal)
Dosing
Published research: No published human dosing
detailsRat i.v. bolus 2.6 µg/kg (distribution study); rat i.v. infusion 125 µg/kg/h (hemodynamics); s.c. injections in lactating mice; in vitro bovine follicle culture
Community-reportedCommunity-reported: 20–100 mcg, subcutaneous or intramuscular

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

How It Works

In plain terms: It is a modified form of the growth factor IGF-1 that is less held back by the proteins that normally bind IGF-1. IGF-1 analogue that binds the IGF-1 receptor but binds poorly to IGF-binding proteins, which is proposed to increase its bioavailability. In rats it cleared from the blood faster than IGF-I and was preferentially delivered to the intestine (Shoubridge 2003).

Effects Reported in Research

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.

  • Lab / animalIGF-1 analog studied in animal and cell models; no human muscle data

What Users Report (Community, Not Clinical)

Commonly reported protocol

Community-reportedCommonly reported doses range from 20 to 100 mcg (subcutaneous or intramuscular). This is not a recommendation.

What users report

  • Community-reportedMuscle growth
  • Community-reportedFat loss
  • Community-reportedRecovery enhancement
  • Community-reportedHyperplasia potential

Side effects users report

  • Community-reportedJoint pain
  • Community-reportedCancer concerns

Side effects reported in studies are listed separately below.

Community reports are anecdotal, vary widely in product quality and purity, and are not medical advice. Talk to a licensed provider.

Side Effects and Safety Notes

  • No human safety data
  • Lab / animalHypotension observed with i.v. infusion in rats
  • Hypoglycemia expected from IGF-1 receptor agonism (mechanistic)
  • Lab / animalIntestinal growth reported in rats

References

  1. Preferential intestinal delivery of long[Arg3] insulin-like growth factor (LR3IGF-I) over IGF-I in preweaning and adult rats
    Shoubridge CA, Read LC. Endocrinology. 2003. PMID: 12697696.
    Study type: Rat i.v. distribution study, 2.6 µg/kg.
    DOI: 10.1210/en.2002-220643 · PubMed
  2. Effects of insulin-like growth factor-I and LR3IGF-I on regional blood flow in normal rats
    Gillespie CM, Merkel AL, Martin AA. The Journal of endocrinology. 1997. PMID: 9415069.
    Study type: Rat i.v. infusion 125 µg/kg/h.
    DOI: 10.1677/joe.0.1550351 · PubMed
  3. Enhancement of maternal lactation performance during prolonged lactation in the mouse by mouse GH and long-R3-IGF-I is linked to changes in mammary signaling and gene expression
    Hadsell DL, Parlow AF, Torres D, George J, Olea W. The Journal of endocrinology. 2008. PMID: 18577570.
    Study type: Mouse s.c..
    DOI: 10.1677/JOE-07-0556 · PubMed

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How IGF-1 LR3 Compares

PeptideHalf-LifeRouteResearch Status
IGF-1 LR3No published PK data foundSubcutaneous or intramuscularPreclinical (animal)
ACE-031~12 daysSubcutaneous injectionDiscontinued
Follistatin 344UnknownSubcutaneous injectionPreclinical (animal)
IGF-1 DESNo 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)
MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)No published PK data foundIntramuscular (site-specific)Preclinical (animal)

Values reflect figures reported in published research. Compare any peptides side-by-side →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is IGF-1 LR3?
Long-acting analog of IGF-1 with extended half-life due to amino acid substitutions. Studied in animal and cell models; no human muscle data.
How does IGF-1 LR3 work?
In plain terms: It is a modified form of the growth factor IGF-1 that is less held back by the proteins that normally bind IGF-1. IGF-1 analogue that binds the IGF-1 receptor but binds poorly to IGF-binding proteins, which is proposed to increase its bioavailability. In rats it cleared from the blood faster than IGF-I and was preferentially delivered to the intestine (Shoubridge 2003).
What is the research status of IGF-1 LR3?
IGF-1 LR3 is at the following stage in the published literature: Preclinical (animal). All information is for research and educational purposes only.
What is the half-life of IGF-1 LR3?
Reported half-life: No published PK data found.
How is IGF-1 LR3 administered in research?
Reported administration route in the literature: Subcutaneous or intramuscular. This is not a recommendation for human use.

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Category

This peptide belongs to the Muscle category. View All Muscle Peptides

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Growth Hormone

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Sources & Methodology

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.

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