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Comparison

IGF-1 LR3 vs IGF-1 DES

IGF-1 LR3 vs IGF-1 DES: long-acting systemic vs short-acting local IGF-1 variants. Side effect profiles differ.

The verdict

Two IGF-1 variants tuned for different reach. LR3 is the long-acting, systemic form, it stays active for hours and works body-wide. DES is the truncated variant that acts more locally and clears faster, which in theory means less systemic exposure. If you want a broad anabolic signal and accept the longer systemic footprint, LR3. If you'd rather keep the action more local and short-lived, DES. Both carry a real side effect profile and thin human safety data, so neither is a casual compound.

№ 024
IGF-1 LR3
GH-axisEvidence: Limited

IGF-1 LR3 is a long-acting form of insulin-like growth factor 1. Used for muscle anabolism, but human safety data is thin and the side effect profile (low blood sugar, organ growth concerns) is real. Treat carefully, short cycles only.

Onset
65
Documentation
75
Side intensity
82
Popularity
70
№ 039
IGF-1 DES
GH-axisEvidence: Limited

IGF-1 DES is a shorter version of IGF-1 LR3. It works more locally (near the injection site) and clears faster, which (in theory) means less systemic side effect exposure than LR3. Used by lifters for site-specific muscle anabolism.

Onset
65
Documentation
75
Side intensity
64
Popularity
55
Side-by-side
Field
Left
Right
Category
GH-axis
GH-axis
Half-life
~20-30 hours
~30 minutes
Route
Subcutaneous
Subcutaneous, often site-specific
Schedule
Daily
Daily, post-workout
Cycle length
4 weeks max, well-spaced breaks
4 weeks max
Dose
30-60 mcg sub-q daily, post-workout, with carbs nearby to manage hypoglycemia.
30-150 mcg sub-q post-workout. Often injected near the trained muscle.
FDA
Mecasermin (Increlex) approved 2005 for severe primary IGF-1 deficiency. IGF-1 LR3 specifically (research analog) is NOT FDA approved.
Not FDA approved. Mecasermin (Increlex) covers IGF-1 generally; DES variant specifically is not approved.
WADA
Banned (S2)
Banned (S2)
Natty?
Not natty
Not natty
Prescribed
Increlex prescribed by pediatric endocrinology for IGF-1 deficiency. IGF-1 LR3 is not prescribed.
Not prescribed in conventional medicine.
Top side effects
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), eat carbs near dose; Localized growth at injection site; Theoretical: visceral organ growth at chronic high doses
Hypoglycemia risk (less than LR3 but real); Localized growth at injection site; Headache

Which one should you pick?

Pick IGF-1 LR3 if experienced users who already have gh-axis baseline or short, focused anabolism cycles.

Pick IGF-1 DES if users wanting localized muscle anabolism without lr3-level systemic exposure or site-specific injection users.

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Full entry
№ 024 IGF-1 LR3 →
Full entry
№ 039 IGF-1 DES →