IGF-1 DES
Also known as: DES(1-3)IGF-1, Truncated IGF-1
IGF-1 DES (also called DES(1-3)IGF-1 or Truncated IGF-1) is a truncated IGF-1 analog. IGF-1 DES(1-3) is native IGF-1 with the first three N-terminal residues removed. That truncation eliminates the region required for high-affinity binding to IGF binding proteins while leaving receptor binding largely intact, so a much greater proportion of the peptide circulates free and available to the IGF-1 receptor.
For research use only.
Key Facts
- CAS
- —
- Molecular Weight (MW)
- —
- Half-life
- —
- FDA status
- Not Approved
- Administration Route
- Subcutaneous
- Frequency
- Research-dependent
- Last updated
- Aug 30, 2026
- Reviewed
- Aug 30, 2026
- Targets
- IGF-1 receptor
Research summary
IGF-1 lacking the first three amino acids, with reduced IGFBP binding and higher local potency in research models. Not FDA-approved. WADA S2.
Peptide Library's IGF-1 DES 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
- Not established as a drug
- Frequency
- Research-dependent
- Cycle
- —
- Administration Route
- Subcutaneous
- Reconstitution Guide
- —
- Injection Sites
- AbdomenThigh
- Timing Notes
- Educational catalog only — not medical advice
Sequence & molecular data
| Appearance | White lyophilized powder |
|---|---|
| Formulation | Lyophilized Powder |
Identifiers link to the public PubChem, FDA Substance Registration (UNII), ChEMBL and DrugBank records for the same entity.
Science
Mechanism of Action
IGF-1 DES(1-3) is native IGF-1 with the first three N-terminal residues removed. That truncation eliminates the region required for high-affinity binding to IGF binding proteins while leaving receptor binding largely intact, so a much greater proportion of the peptide circulates free and available to the IGF-1 receptor. In tissue and animal muscle studies this produces greater local potency than equimolar native IGF-1. Because the effect depends on escaping binding-protein control rather than on any change in receptor pharmacology, it is used mainly as a local research tool. It has no approved use and no human safety data.
Origin
Synthetic truncated IGF-1.
Targets
Studies
- Functional characterization of des-IGF-1 action at excitatory synapses in the CA1 region of rat hippocampus
- Differential effects of des IGF-1 on Erks, AKT-1 and P70 S6K activation in mouse skeletal and cardiac muscle
- Prenatal (1-3)IGF-1 Treatment Is Ineffective and Behaviorally Detrimental in a Rat Model of Cortical Malformation
- The effects of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, IGF-2, and des-IGF-1 on neuronal loss after hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in adult rats: evidence for a role for IGF binding proteins
- Effects of IGF-1, truncated IGF-1 and the tripeptide Gly-Pro-Glu on acetylcholine release from parietal cortex of rat brain
Regulatory & research status
IGF-1 DES is not an FDA-approved product. It is sold for laboratory research and has no approved medical use.
| FDA status | Not Approved |
|---|---|
| Availability | Research-Only |
| WADA (sport) | Banned in Sport |
| Library classification | Research-Only |
Benefits
Potential Side Effects
Side Effects
- Hypoglycemia risk
- Unknown human safety
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.
IGF-1 DES: frequently asked questions
What is IGF-1 DES?
IGF-1 lacking the first three amino acids, with reduced IGFBP binding and higher local potency in research models. Not FDA-approved. WADA S2.
How does IGF-1 DES work?
IGF-1 DES(1-3) is native IGF-1 with the first three N-terminal residues removed. That truncation eliminates the region required for high-affinity binding to IGF binding proteins while leaving receptor binding largely intact, so a much greater proportion of the peptide circulates free and available to the IGF-1 receptor.
Is IGF-1 DES FDA approved?
No. IGF-1 DES 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.
Is IGF-1 DES banned in sport?
IGF-1 DES is recorded here as prohibited in sport. Athletes subject to anti-doping rules should check the current WADA Prohibited List directly, since it is revised annually and classifications change.
What peptides are similar to IGF-1 DES?
Compounds most often compared with IGF-1 DES include IGF-1 (overview), Mecasermin, IGF-1 LR3 and MGF. They are grouped by shared mechanism or research area rather than by equivalence, and their regulatory status and evidence base differ.
References
- WADA Prohibited List 2026External reference
- Functional characterization of des-IGF-1 action at excitatory synapses in the CA1 region of rat hippocampus — J Neurophysiol, 2005External reference
- Differential effects of des IGF-1 on Erks, AKT-1 and P70 S6K activation in mouse skeletal and cardiac muscle — Mol Cell Biochem, 2002External reference
- Prenatal (1-3)IGF-1 Treatment Is Ineffective and Behaviorally Detrimental in a Rat Model of Cortical Malformation — Brain Behav, 2026External reference
- The effects of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, IGF-2, and des-IGF-1 on neuronal loss after hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in adult rats: evidence for a role for IGF binding proteins — Endocrinology, 1996External reference
- Effects of IGF-1, truncated IGF-1 and the tripeptide Gly-Pro-Glu on acetylcholine release from parietal cortex of rat brain — Neuroreport, 1993External 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 IGF-1 DES 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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