The Peptide AppThe Peptide App

The Peptide AppField Guide · Healing SeriesField Specimen

Healing Category

IGF-1 DES

THE AMPLIFIER

Des(1-3) IGF-1, IGF-1 DES 1-3

IGF-1 DES is a shortened version of IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1) that's about 10x more potent than regular IGF-1. The "DES" means it's missing the first 3 amino acids, which makes it bind more effectively to receptors and work faster. It's particularly popular for site-specific injections to target lagging muscle groups, as it acts locally rather than systemically.

IGF-1 DES
IGF-1 DES
IGF-1 DES

IGF-1 DES Evidence Snapshot

How these guides are reviewed
Regulatory status
Not FDA approved · research use only
Dosing guidance
Reviewed by our clinical team
Linked evidence
1 research sources
Content updated
Aug 28, 2026

Dose and schedule recommendations shown below come from The Peptide App Clinical Team. Research links are provided so readers can inspect the supporting evidence directly. Review the sources.

Quick Answers About IGF-1 DES

Is IGF-1 DES FDA approved?

No. This profile records IGF-1 DES as not FDA approved and for research use only.

More context

Review the regulatory and source details on this page for the current context.

What dose does The Peptide App Clinical Team recommend for IGF-1 DES?

Dose: 20-50 mcg per injection site.

More context

Schedule: daily. Cycle: Pre or post-workout, 4-6 week cycles. This is clinical-team guidance for reference and does not replace individualized instructions from a licensed clinician.

What research supports this IGF-1 DES guide?

This guide links to 1 curated or current research sources.

More context

Open the research section to inspect the source titles, publication details, study types, and available abstracts directly.

Review the IGF-1 DES research sources

The N-terminal truncation

The des(1-3) designation identifies the removal of Gly-Pro-Glu, the first three amino acids of the original IGF-1 chain. Research descriptions have reported this truncated form in biological tissue as well as studying it experimentally. It is a specific change at the beginning of the chain, rather than a generic name for every modified form of IGF-1.

[Des(1-3)IGF-I structural account, 1996](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8930132/)

Who is this for

Bodybuilders targeting specific muscle groups
Athletes seeking localized growth
Those who want faster-acting IGF effects
Experienced users of growth factors

Further listening

1 recording

Research-Market Price Snapshot

A compact market signal for this profile. The dedicated pricing page owns vendor, vial-size, and price-per-mg comparisons.

Updated Oct 5, 2026

Vendors
8
Listings
8
Observed range
$59–$185
Compare all IGF-1 DES prices →

Market evidence

IGF-1 DES product testing and COAs

Current certificates are on file for 3 of 14 vendors tracked in the IGF-1 DES market. Research on this page describes the molecule. Vendor certificates concern particular market samples or batches; they do not change the research evidence or establish clinical safety, sterility, or suitability for use.

IGF-1 DES Research

Live research temporarily unavailable

The live research feed did not return papers for this page. The curated references below remain available for crawlable source context.

The clinic network

Want a clinician's view on IGF-1 DES?

Request a free connection to a peptide clinic, by telehealth or in person. A licensed clinician decides whether any treatment is right for you. What peptide therapy involves

Find a peptide clinic

Related Peptides

MOTS-c

THE METABOLIC MESSENGER
BGood
Metabolic Modulator · Mitochondrial SupportMetabolic · Metabolic ModulatorDose5 mg↻Cycle8-12 weeks on, 4 weeks off◷Kicks inMetabolic improvements may be measurable...

Exercise in a peptide. Boost metabolism without the treadmill

from $1.20/mg · 225 vendorsNº 003 / 006

Selank

THE ANXIETY REDUCER
AHigh
Nootropic · Anxiety ManagementCognitive · NootropicDose400 mcg↻Cycle6 weeks on, 6 weeks off◷Kicks inAnti-anxiety effects often noticed within...

Calms anxiety while improving focus and cognitive function for balanced mood.

from $1.95/mg · 145 vendorsNº 004 / 006

BPC-157

THE HEALER
AHigh
Accelerated Healing · Neurological SupportHealing · Accelerated HealingDose250 mcg↻Cycle4-8 weeks on, then equal break◷Kicks inRecovery improvements often noticed within...

Accelerates healing of tendons, ligaments, gut, and muscles throughout your body.

from $1/mg · 244 vendorsNº 001 / 006

Thymosin Alpha-1

THE IMMUNE SUPERCHARGER
AHigh
Accelerated Healing · Anti-InflammatoryHealing · Accelerated HealingDose1 mg↻CycleNo clinically established cycle for this...◷Kicks inImmune enhancement often measurable within...

Strengthens immunity by maturing T-cells, used for infections and cancer support

from $3.80/mg · 106 vendorsNº 006 / 006

Melanotan II

THE TANNING PEPTIDE
CModerate
Skin Pigmentation · Sexual & Reproductive HealthMetabolic · Skin PigmentationDose250 mcg↻CycleLoading phase: daily for 2-3 weeks....◷Kicks inTanning typically visible within 1-2 weeks.

Develop a natural-looking tan with minimal sun exposure

from $1.30/mg · 115 vendorsNº 002 / 006

TB-500

THE REGENERATOR
BGood
Accelerated Healing · Anti-InflammatoryHealing · Accelerated HealingDose1.5 mg↻Cycle4-8 weeks on, 4 weeks off◷Kicks inHealing improvements often noticed within...

Promotes new blood vessel growth and reduces inflammation for stubborn injuries.

from $2.60/mg · 165 vendorsNº 005 / 006

Read the research in more depth