Head to head
MGF against PEG-MGF
The same IGF-1 splice variant fragment with and without a polyethylene glycol chain, which is the entire difference vendors charge for. Both records are cells and animals, MGF has at least one failed replication, and no human study of either exists.
Column A
MGFMechano Growth Factor (IGF-1Ec E-peptide)
A 24 amino acid fragment of a load-induced IGF-1 splice variant, sold for local muscle repair. The published record is cell and animal work, including at least one failed replication, with no human study of any design and a half-life of minutes.
Column B
PEG-MGFPegylated Mechano Growth Factor
A pegylated version of an IGF-1 splice variant studied in animals for muscle repair and satellite cell activation after damage.
Side by side, on the facts we can check
| Attribute | MGF | PEG-MGF |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Muscle & Performance | Muscle & Performance |
| FDA status | Not approved | Not FDA-approved |
| Half-life | Minutes (native peptide) | Extended by pegylation |
| Molecular weight | Not verified (24 amino acid E-domain peptide) | ~2,500 Da (peptide core) |
| Mechanism | Proposed activation of muscle satellite cell proliferation through a receptor distinct from IGF-1R. | Activates muscle satellite cells and supports repair after mechanical damage; pegylation extends its short natural half-life. |
| Human studies cited | 0 | 1 |
| Legal status, US | Not approved; sold 'for research use only' | Not approved; research use only |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between MGF and PEG-MGF?
MGF: A 24 amino acid fragment of a load-induced IGF-1 splice variant, sold for local muscle repair. The published record is cell and animal work, including at least one failed replication, with no human study of any design and a half-life of minutes. PEG-MGF: A pegylated version of an IGF-1 splice variant studied in animals for muscle repair and satellite cell activation after damage.
Which has stronger research evidence, MGF or PEG-MGF?
This database does not grade compounds. It counts what was run in people: 0 of the 3 studies cited on the MGF profile were human work, against 1 of 3 for PEG-MGF. Those counts are of our own citation lists and understate any larger literature, and neither is a recommendation.
Are MGF and PEG-MGF FDA-approved?
MGF: Not approved. PEG-MGF: Not FDA-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.