GDF-11
GDF-11 is a TGF-beta superfamily growth factor. GDF-11 signals through activin type II receptors and ALK4/5, activating SMAD2/3, and shares roughly 90% sequence identity in its mature domain with myostatin — which is why early studies using non-selective reagents could not reliably distinguish the two.
For research use only.
Key Facts
- CAS
- —
- Molecular Weight (MW)
- —
- Half-life
- —
- FDA status
- Not Approved
- Administration Route
- subcutaneous
- Frequency
- —
- Last updated
- Aug 30, 2026
- Reviewed
- Aug 30, 2026
Research summary
Circulating member of the TGF-beta superfamily that became prominent in ageing research after parabiosis experiments, and whose reported rejuvenative effects have since been actively disputed. Not FDA-approved; no human trials.
Peptide Library's GDF-11 profile summarises 5 cited studies listed in the Science section, the compound's regulatory status, and research-protocol parameters reported for it. It is a research reference, not medical advice.
Protocol
- Dosage Range
- —
- Frequency
- —
- Cycle
- —
- Administration Route
- subcutaneous
- Reconstitution Guide
- —
Science
Mechanism of Action
GDF-11 signals through activin type II receptors and ALK4/5, activating SMAD2/3, and shares roughly 90% sequence identity in its mature domain with myostatin — which is why early studies using non-selective reagents could not reliably distinguish the two. Reports of age-related decline in circulating GDF-11 and of muscle and cardiac rejuvenation were subsequently contradicted by studies finding the opposite direction of effect. The literature remains genuinely unresolved and should be read with that in mind.
Studies
- GDF11: An emerging therapeutic target for liver diseases and fibrosis
- The regulatory effect of growth differentiation factor 11 on different cells
- Role of growth differentiation factor 11 in development, physiology and disease
- Growth differentiation factor 11 reprograms M2-like macrophages: Targeting immunometabolism for cancer therapy
- Growth Differentiation Factor 11 Attenuates Photoaging through Ferroptosis Pathway in SZ95 Sebocytes
Regulatory & research status
GDF-11 is not an FDA-approved product. It is sold for laboratory research and has no approved medical use.
| FDA status | Not Approved |
|---|---|
| Research status | Research-only compound; no approval pathway listed |
| Availability | Research-Only |
| WADA (sport) | Unknown / Not Listed |
| Library classification | Research-Only |
Benefits
—
Potential Side Effects
No side effects listed yet for this entry.
Storage & stability
Lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptide powder is far more stable than the reconstituted solution. Keep sealed vials cold, dry and away from light; long-term storage is typically frozen, with short-term refrigeration for vials in use.
Once reconstituted in bacteriostatic water, keep the solution refrigerated, avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles and agitation, and label the vial with the reconstitution date and concentration. Discard any solution that turns cloudy or shows particulates.
Degradation rates differ by sequence: peptides containing methionine, cysteine, asparagine or glutamine are more prone to oxidation and deamidation, so shelf life after reconstitution is compound-specific rather than universal.
Read the full guide: how to store peptides before and after reconstitution →
Source: Manning MC, Chou DK, Murphy BM, Payne RW, Katayama DS. Stability of protein pharmaceuticals: an update. Pharm Res. 2010;27(4):544–575. (PMID 20143256). General guidance for research handling; not product-specific instructions.
GDF-11: frequently asked questions
What is GDF-11?
Circulating member of the TGF-beta superfamily that became prominent in ageing research after parabiosis experiments, and whose reported rejuvenative effects have since been actively disputed. Not FDA-approved; no human trials.
How does GDF-11 work?
GDF-11 signals through activin type II receptors and ALK4/5, activating SMAD2/3, and shares roughly 90% sequence identity in its mature domain with myostatin — which is why early studies using non-selective reagents could not reliably distinguish the two. Reports of age-related decline in circulating GDF-11 and of muscle and cardiac rejuvenation were subsequently contradicted by studies finding the opposite direction of effect.
Is GDF-11 FDA approved?
No. GDF-11 is not approved by the FDA for any indication and is categorised as research-only. It has not been reviewed for safety or efficacy as a medicine, and published research should be read as investigation rather than established use.
What peptides are similar to GDF-11?
Compounds most often compared with GDF-11 include Follistatin-344, ACE-031, MGF and AICAR. They are grouped by shared mechanism or research area rather than by equivalence, and their regulatory status and evidence base differ.
References
- GDF11: An emerging therapeutic target for liver diseases and fibrosis — J Cell Mol Med, 2024External reference
- The regulatory effect of growth differentiation factor 11 on different cells — Front Immunol, 2023External reference
- Role of growth differentiation factor 11 in development, physiology and disease — Oncotarget, 2017External reference
- Growth differentiation factor 11 reprograms M2-like macrophages: Targeting immunometabolism for cancer therapy — World J Gastroenterol, 2026External reference
- Growth Differentiation Factor 11 Attenuates Photoaging through Ferroptosis Pathway in SZ95 Sebocytes — Am J Pathol, 2025External reference
Related research, comparisons & guides
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Compiled by Peptide Library Editorial · Reviewed Aug 30, 2026 · Updated Aug 30, 2026 · Version 1
This GDF-11 profile is compiled from published literature (5 cited studies linked above), public regulatory records and chemical registries. It describes what research reports; it is not medical advice, and nothing here is a dosing recommendation for humans. Peptide Library does not sell peptides. Editorial policy · How profiles are compiled · Report an error
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