IGF-1 DES
Des(1-3) Insulin-like Growth Factor-1
This peptide has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is sold as a research chemical and has no regulatory status for human use.
A shortened form of IGF-1 (a natural growth-promoting hormone) that is roughly 10 times more potent than the full-length version because it avoids the body's normal controls on this hormone. No human clinical trials have been conducted, so its safety and effects in people are unknown.
This entry is a cited research summary, not an established treatment reference. Dosing language is included as source context, not as medical instruction.
Safety Summary
All listed effects are extrapolated from full-length IGF-1 (mecasermin/Increlex) data. No human safety data exists for the Des(1-3) variant. Human safety data specific to Des(1-3) IGF-1 were not identified in the source set. All side effect information is derived from vendor/community reports and extrapolation from general IGF-1 biology, not from controlled clinical safety studies. Hypoglycemia is the primary acute concern due to IGF-1 pathway effects on glucose metabolism, reported across multiple sources. Hand cramping and stiffness was reported in a single online communities 90-day review that included a GH stack, so attribution to Des(1-3) specifically is uncertain. Organ growth is a theoretical extrapolation from GH/IGF-1 excess biology (acromegaly), listed by vendor sources but with no case reports specific to Des(1-3) IGF-1. Theoretical long-term cancer promotion risk exists due to IGF-1's well-established role in cell proliferation and anti-apoptosis (PMC7564605; PMID 12466191).
Clinical check-in
If real-world use or exposure is being considered, review potential interactions, contraindications, and monitoring needs with a licensed clinician rather than relying on summary copy alone.
Sources: [1-7]