Head to head
IGF-1 LR3 against IGF-1 DES
Two engineered IGF-1 variants that solve the binding protein problem in opposite ways, one by resisting the binding proteins for hours and one by evading them for minutes at roughly ten times the potency. The published record for both is cells and animals, with no human study of any design.
Column A
IGF-1 LR3Long R3 Insulin-like Growth Factor 1
A long-acting analogue of IGF-1 studied in animal models for muscle growth and tissue repair.
Column B
IGF-1 DESDes(1-3)IGF-1
IGF-1 missing its first three amino acids, which stops binding proteins from holding it and makes it roughly ten times more potent but cleared in minutes. The published record is cell and animal work, with no human study of any design.
Side by side, on the facts we can check
| Attribute | IGF-1 LR3 | IGF-1 DES |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Growth Hormone | Muscle & Performance |
| FDA status | Not FDA-approved | Not approved |
| Half-life | ~20-30 hours | Minutes |
| Molecular weight | 9,111 Da | 7,371 Da (67 amino acids: IGF-1 without its N-terminal Gly-Pro-Glu) |
| Mechanism | Activates the IGF-1 receptor, driving cellular growth, proliferation, and protein synthesis; reduced binding-protein affinity prolongs activity. | IGF-1 receptor agonism with escape from IGFBP sequestration, producing rapid local activity. |
| Human studies cited | 0 | 0 |
| Legal status, US | Not approved; research use only | Not approved; sold 'for research use only' |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between IGF-1 LR3 and IGF-1 DES?
IGF-1 LR3: A long-acting analogue of IGF-1 studied in animal models for muscle growth and tissue repair. IGF-1 DES: IGF-1 missing its first three amino acids, which stops binding proteins from holding it and makes it roughly ten times more potent but cleared in minutes. The published record is cell and animal work, with no human study of any design.
Which has stronger research evidence, IGF-1 LR3 or IGF-1 DES?
This database does not grade compounds. It counts what was run in people: 0 of the 3 studies cited on the IGF-1 LR3 profile were human work, against 0 of 2 for IGF-1 DES. Those counts are of our own citation lists and understate any larger literature, and neither is a recommendation.
Are IGF-1 LR3 and IGF-1 DES FDA-approved?
IGF-1 LR3: Not FDA-approved. IGF-1 DES: Not approved.
Reviewed Sep 2026. This page sets two published records side by side. It is educational, it is not medical advice, and it contains no dosing protocols or recommendations for personal use.