PeptideCompareIGF-1 DES — EU research guide.
IGF-1 DES (des(1-3)IGF-1) is a truncated form of IGF-1 lacking the first three N-terminal amino acids. It has ~10x higher potency than IGF-1 at the IGF-1R but does not bind IGF-binding proteins, giving it purely local activity.
What is IGF-1 DES?
IGF-1 DES is a naturally occurring variant of IGF-1 produced primarily in the brain and gut. Removal of the first three amino acids (Gly-Pro-Glu) dramatically reduces binding to IGFBPs (IGF-binding proteins), which normally sequester ~99% of circulating IGF-1. Without IGFBP binding, DES acts locally at the injection site rather than distributing systemically, making it a tool for studying local IGF-1R signalling.
What does the research show?
DES IGF-1 shows ~10x greater receptor binding potency than standard IGF-1 in vitro. Animal studies demonstrate local muscle hypertrophy, satellite cell activation and neuroprotective effects in brain injury models. The localised action profile distinguishes it from IGF-1 LR3 (systemic, long-acting). Research interest spans muscle biology, brain repair and cancer cell signalling.
EU legal status
Not approved anywhere. WADA-prohibited (S2). Available from EU research vendors for laboratory growth factor research only.
Molecular information
Pharmacokinetics
Potency retained over time
Each line is one storage condition: it starts at 100% and falls as potency is lost. Above the dashed 80% line the material is considered reliable — hover for exact values.
⚠ Computed from molecular properties (sequence length, cyclisation, residues prone to oxidation or deamidation, light sensitivity), per compound. Indicative only — not lab-measured per batch.
IGF-1 DES across EU suppliers
COA-verified EU vendors · Updated monthly
References
- The original characterisation of the truncated analogue: des(1-3)IGF-I lacks the N-terminal Gly-Pro-Glu tripeptide, binds IGF-binding proteins poorly and is roughly 10-fold more potent than native IGF-I at stimulating cultured cells. In diabetic rats it produced weight gain, nitrogen retention and increased muscle protein synthesis. Tomas FM, Knowles SE, Owens PC, et al. Biochem J. 1991;276(Pt 2):547–554. DOIPMC
- A second independent in vivo model: after 80% gut resection in rats, des(1-3)IGF-I matched high-dose native IGF-I on weight gain and nitrogen balance over the recovery period. The anabolic advantage of the analogue is consistent across catabolic rat models, but no human outcome data exist. Lemmey AB, Martin AA, Read LC, Tomas FM, Owens PC, Ballard FJ. Am J Physiol. 1991;260(2 Pt 1):E213–E219. DOIPubMed 1996625