PEPTIDESTAT
Research onlyGrowth hormoneSubcutaneousEvidence 2/5

IGF-1 DES

Also known as: DES(1-3) IGF-1

Removal of the N-terminal tripeptide sharply lowers IGF-binding-protein affinity while preserving IGF-1 receptor binding, leaving more free peptide to activate IGF-1R.

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IGF-1 DES
Drug class
Truncated IGF-1 analog
Primary targets
IGF-1R
Dose reference
No established human dose; research-only
Half-life
Very short; minutes in animal studies
Developer / origin
Sara, Carlsson-Skwirut et al. (Karolinska Institutet)
Reference year
1986
Evidence score
2/5 - Preclinical only
Evidence 2/5

Preclinical only

IGF-1 DES has a clear mechanism but evidence is limited to cell-culture and rodent studies, with no human therapeutic approval, validated dose, or human safety data.

Mostly animal, ex vivo, cell, or indirect evidence.

Evidence basis

  • Removal of N-terminal tripeptide reduces IGFBP affinity to ~1% of native IGF-1
  • ~10-fold greater mitogenic potency in binding-protein-containing cultures
  • Rat studies show improved nitrogen retention and muscle protein synthesis
  • No human trials, approval, or validated dosing

How to read this entry

Dose references and half-life values are pulled from trial protocols, labels, reviews, or published summaries where available. They are context for research and comparison, not a personal dosing recommendation.

Status matters: approved drugs have regulated indications; investigational compounds are still being studied; research-only peptides do not have established human dosing, safety, or efficacy for consumer use.

IGF-1 DES guides

Read the matching guide or adjacent research pages for more context.

IGF-1 DES Peptide: Truncated IGF-1, Mechanism and Research LimitsIGF-1 DES is a research-only truncated IGF-1 variant with reduced IGFBP binding, increased local potency and a very short half-life, studied only in cells and animals.Sermorelin: What the GHRH Analog Does — and What It Doesn'tSermorelin is a GHRH (growth-hormone-releasing hormone) analog — not a GLP-1, despite being searched alongside them. What it does to growth hormone, and where it stands legally.GHRP-2 Peptide: Pralmorelin, GH Secretagogue Science and SafetyGHRP-2, or pralmorelin, is a ghrelin-receptor growth hormone secretagogue approved in Japan only as a GH-deficiency diagnostic, not as a consumer therapeutic.HGH Fragment 176-191 Peptide: Lipolysis Claims and Honest EvidenceHGH Fragment 176-191 is the C-terminal lipolytic fragment of growth hormone with animal data, but no convincing human fat-loss evidence.

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A modified IGF-1 that binds IGF binding proteins far more weakly than native IGF-1, leaving it free to act as a potent, long-acting agonist at the IGF-1 receptor.

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Research & educational purposes only

The information on PeptideStat is for educational and research purposes only and is not medical advice. Many peptides discussed are research compounds not approved for human use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health decisions. Articles may contain affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.