IGF-1 DES
Evidence: B/C — Meaningful Human EvidenceGH Axis / Body Composition
Evidence Snapshot
What this grade covers
A for chemical identity; B/C for cell and animal pharmacology showing reduced IGF-binding-protein affinity and increased potency; E for human therapeutic efficacy, approval, or performance/bodybuilding use.
Regulatory Context
No FDA-approved drug product containing Des(1-3)-IGF-I was identified. It is not mecasermin and does not carry mecasermin's approval.
Research Takeaway
IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3)-IGF-I) is native IGF-I lacking its first three N-terminal amino acids, resulting in markedly reduced binding to several IGF-binding proteins compared with native IGF-I.
Evidence boundary: Identity and IGFBP-affinity behavior are established in cell/tissue systems; this does not establish human therapeutic effect.
See all 5 evidence claims →Quick Summary
IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3)-IGF-I) is native IGF-I with its first three N-terminal amino acids removed, which reduces binding to several IGF-binding proteins and increases bioactive potency in cell and animal studies. It is a distinct molecule from Long R3 IGF-I, native IGF-I/mecasermin, MGF, and PEG-MGF, and no verified controlled human administration trial was identified.
Mechanism & Research Overview
Removing the first three N-terminal amino acids of IGF-I substantially lowers its affinity for several IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs). Because IGFBPs normally sequester most circulating IGF-I, this reduced binding increases the proportion of bioactive, receptor-available peptide in cell and animal models, producing more potent IGF-I-receptor signaling per unit dose than native IGF-I in those settings.
Evidence Claims
Individual scientific statements drawn from the sources cited below, each shown with the specific evidence boundary that statement does not establish.
Supported
IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3)-IGF-I) is native IGF-I lacking its first three N-terminal amino acids, resulting in markedly reduced binding to several IGF-binding proteins compared with native IGF-I.
Does not establish
Evidence boundary: Identity and IGFBP-affinity behavior are established in cell/tissue systems; this does not establish human therapeutic effect.
Sources: des-(1-3)-IGF-I, an insulin-like growth factor analog used to mimic a potential IGF-II autocrine loop, promotes the differentiation of human colon-carcinoma cells; Uptake of circulating insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) into cerebrospinal fluid appears to be independent of the IGF receptors as well as IGF-binding proteins
Supported
In cell and organ-culture models, Des(1-3)-IGF-I showed increased potency relative to native IGF-I, consistent with its reduced IGFBP sequestration.
Does not establish
Evidence boundary: Cell/organ-culture potency differences do not establish human efficacy, tissue selectivity, or safety.
Sources: Des (1-3) IGF-I potently enhances differentiated cell growth in olfactory bulb organ culture
Supported
Des(1-3)-IGF-I has been used in cancer-cell research as a tool to study IGF/IGF-receptor mitogenic signaling, including promoting differentiation of human colon-carcinoma cells.
Does not establish
Evidence boundary: This is mechanistic cancer-cell-biology context, not a finding of benefit, and does not quantify human cancer risk.
Supported
Des(1-3)-IGF-I is not mecasermin, not Long R3 IGF-I, not MGF, and not PEG-MGF; evidence for those molecules must not be transferred to Des(1-3)-IGF-I.
Does not establish
Evidence boundary: This is an identity-separation statement based on structural distinctness, not a claim about relative efficacy or safety.
Supported
No FDA-approved drug product containing Des(1-3)-IGF-I, and no verified controlled human administration trial, was identified in the sources reviewed.
Does not establish
Evidence boundary: Absence of identified evidence is not proof of ineffectiveness or unsafety; it precludes a claim of established human efficacy or safety.
Safety & Evidence Limitations
Considerations reported in the sources cited on this page — not a complete list of every possible risk, and not medical advice.
Safety Consideration
Cell and animal findings do not establish human efficacy, dosing, or safety.Safety Consideration
These are structurally distinct molecules with separate evidence bases; evidence must not be transferred between them.Safety Consideration
Cell studies used Des(1-3)-IGF-I as a tool to study IGF/IGF-receptor mitogenic (including cancer-relevant) signaling; this is mechanistic context, not evidence of human cancer risk or benefit.Safety Consideration
No bodybuilding, performance, or self-administration regimen is supported by the cited evidence.
Research Areas Being Studied
Research areas discussed on this page reflect the GH Axis / Body Composition category and the sources cited below.
Findings Reported in Studies
Educational summary only — reported in cited studies, not a claim of proven benefit.
No Human Study Findings Listed Yet
See preclinical, regulatory, and review sources below.
Study Tables by Evidence Type
No Sources Listed Yet
Human, preclinical, regulatory, and review sources will appear here as they are added.
Anecdotal Reported Patterns — Not Medical Advice
Anecdotal Reported Patterns — Not Medical Advice
Reported dosing patterns are included for educational context only. They are self-reported, unverified, not medical advice, and not instructions for human use. Community-submitted patterns are not yet available in this Phase 1 prototype; this section is a placeholder reserved for moderated, aggregated community data.
Lab Markers to Discuss With a Clinician
Educational topics only — not self-monitoring instructions.
FAQ
Disclaimer
Educational information only. This page summarizes published research and does not provide medical advice, a recommendation, or instructions for human use.
Educational use only. This content is provided for informational and research-summary purposes only. It is not medical advice, not a treatment recommendation, not a dosing guide, and not a substitute for care from a licensed medical professional. Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent, or mitigate disease. Reported dosing patterns, when shown elsewhere on the site, must be labeled either as Study / Trial Dosing or Anecdotal Reported Patterns — Not Medical Advice. Community reports are self-reported, unverified, and not scientific proof.
Community-reported experiences, once enabled, must be displayed only as moderated, anonymized, or aggregated data. They are anecdotal, self-reported, unverified, and should never be presented as proof of safety, efficacy, or expected results.
Content status: Content pending review. Last updated .
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