IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3)IGF-1) is a truncated form of insulin-like growth factor 1, missing the first three N-terminal amino acids (Gly-Pro-Glu). This modification dramatically reduces binding to IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs), resulting in approximately 10-fold greater potency than native IGF-1 at the IGF-1 receptor in certain tissue contexts. It occurs naturally in the brain as a product of post-translational processing. It is used exclusively in research and is banned by WADA. No clinical trials have been conducted.
Category: Growth Factor. Evidence rating: D (animal/preclinical only).
Clinical status: Preclinical only. No human clinical trials.
Des(1-3)IGF-1 binds the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) with similar affinity to native IGF-1, but has markedly reduced binding to the six IGF binding proteins (IGFBP-1 through IGFBP-6). Since IGFBPs normally sequester 95-99% of circulating IGF-1, the truncated form has a much higher free/bioactive…
Safety considerations: No human safety data available; Theoretical risk of hypoglycemia (IGF-1 receptor activation lowers blood glucose); Increased risk of uncontrolled cell proliferation compared to native IGF-1 due to reduced IGFBP regulation.
Reviewed by the PeptideAtlas Editorial Team. Last reviewed: 2026-07-06.
Related peptides: IGF-1 LR3, Follistatin 344, MGF.
Compare: IGF-1 DES vs IGF-1 LR3, IGF-1 DES vs Follistatin 344, IGF-1 DES vs MGF.
IGF-1 DES is missing the first three amino acids (Gly-Pro-Glu) of native IGF-1. This small change dramatically reduces binding to IGF binding proteins, meaning more of the peptide is free and biologically active. It is approximately 10 times more potent than native IGF-1 in cell culture assays.
There is no human safety data. The reduced IGFBP binding that makes it more potent also removes a natural safety mechanism — IGFBPs serve as a buffer to prevent excessive IGF-1 signaling. This makes IGF-1 DES theoretically riskier than native IGF-1.
IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1) is a truncated form of IGF-1 lacking the first three amino acids, making it significantly more potent due to reduced binding protein affinity.
IGF-1 DES has been studied for: Enhanced IGF-1 activity, Muscle hyperplasia, Localized tissue growth, Recovery support. Truncated IGF-1 variant; 10x more potent than intact IGF-1 due to reduced IGFBP binding.
Binds IGF-1 receptors with full affinity but has dramatically reduced binding to IGFBPs, resulting in higher free/active IGF-1 signaling at target tissues.