Muscle & Growth Hormone
IGF-1 DES
DES(1-3) IGF-1 · short-acting variant
What it is
IGF-1 DES is a truncated form of IGF-1 missing the first three amino acids. This makes it ~10x more potent at IGF-1 receptors locally but with a very short half-life (~30 minutes). Often injected directly into the muscle worked that day for site-specific hypertrophy.
How it works
Same anabolic mechanism as IGF-1 LR3 but acts locally at the injection site rather than systemically. Used by advanced bodybuilders to grow lagging muscle groups.
Benefits
- Localized muscle hypertrophy
- Site-specific recovery
- Stronger pumps
Timeline
- Within hours
- Pump enhancement at injection site.
- Week 4–6
- Visible localized hypertrophy.
- Week 6–8
- End of cycle.
Dosing & titration
Standard dose20–75 mcg per muscle group, post-workout
Cycle length4–6 weeks ON, 4 weeks OFF
When to titrate upStart low, never exceed 100 mcg per site — safety margin gets thin.
Side effects & risks
- Hypoglycemia at high doses
- Localized soreness/swelling
- Same cancer-risk concerns as IGF-1 LR3
Niche advanced bodybuilding tool. Most users will get more with IGF-1 LR3 systemically.
Typical price
$200–$400/mo1 mg vial; harder to source than LR3.
Studies
- Search PubMed for IGF-1 DES — PubMed searchLive PubMed search
Educational reference only. Not medical advice.