Recovery & Repair · IGF-1 analog · Compounded 503A
IGF-1 DES(1-3): a truncated IGF-1 for localized repair.
IGF-1 DES(1-3) is a truncated form of insulin-like growth factor 1 that is missing the first three amino acids. The deletion dramatically lowers its binding to IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) — making it more potent locally and less subject to systemic IGFBP regulation. It is studied as a research-stage option for localized muscle and tendon repair.
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What IGF-1 DES is
IGF-1 DES(1-3) is a naturally occurring proteolytic fragment of IGF-1 first isolated from bovine colostrum and human brain tissue. It is identical to full-length IGF-1 except for the deletion of the first three N-terminal residues.
That deletion reduces its affinity for IGF binding proteins (which normally sequester IGF-1 in circulation) by approximately ten-fold, while preserving IGF-1 receptor activation. The result is a more potent local signal per molecule.
It is investigational. It is not FDA-approved. U.S. use is off-label, compounded by licensed 503A pharmacies under physician prescription.
How it works
IGF-1 DES binds the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) and activates the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway — the central anabolic signaling cascade for muscle protein synthesis, satellite cell activation, and tissue repair.
Because it largely escapes IGFBP binding, more of the injected dose reaches the IGF-1R at the local injection site — making it of interest for site-specific repair (tendon, ligament, localized muscle).
Systemic IGF-1 elevation is shorter and lower than with full-length IGF-1 LR3, which has implications both for efficacy and for safety screening.
What patients use it for
Localized tissue repair
Studied for site-specific repair of injured muscle, tendon, or ligament when injected locally.
Satellite cell activation
IGF-1R activation supports satellite cell proliferation — a core mechanism of muscle repair.
Shorter systemic exposure
Shorter half-life than IGF-1 LR3 reduces sustained systemic IGF-1 elevation.
Evidence summary
Animal studies show robust local anabolic effect when IGF-1 DES is injected into specific muscle groups.
Human clinical evidence for muscle/tendon repair is limited; most published human IGF-1 trials use full-length IGF-1 or IGF-1 LR3.
Mechanistic rationale is strong; outcome evidence is preclinical-to-early.
Dosing and clinical context
General clinical context only. Kindr Health physicians determine the appropriate dose and protocol for each patient based on history and labs. This is not a prescription or dosing recommendation.
No FDA-approved human dosing exists. Compounded protocols typically use low-microgram subcutaneous dosing localized to a target site.
Cycles of 4–8 weeks with rest periods are common in clinical practice.
Your kindr physician determines if a trial is appropriate based on injury, baseline labs (IGF-1), and goals.
Safety and contraindications
IGF-1 elevation is a relative contraindication in patients with active cancer, pre-cancerous conditions, or unscreened nodules. Pre-treatment IGF-1 and clinical screening are mandatory.
Hypoglycemia risk exists (IGF-1 has insulin-like activity); attention to timing with meals is required.
Not for use in pregnancy, breastfeeding, or active malignancy.
Who it's typically considered for
- Adults with localized recoverable musculoskeletal injury (under physician supervision)
- Patients with normal-to-low IGF-1 and clean cancer screening
- Patients not appropriate for full-length IGF-1 LR3 systemic protocols
Frequently asked questions
IGF-1 DES vs IGF-1 LR3?
LR3 is engineered for a long systemic half-life and broad anabolic effect. DES is shorter-acting and used for localized site-specific work.
Is it FDA-approved?
No. U.S. use is investigational and compounded.
Does it raise systemic IGF-1?
Less than LR3 because of its shorter half-life — but any IGF-1 analog can raise systemic IGF-1 transiently. Baseline labs are required.
How is it administered?
Subcutaneous injection, often localized to a target area under physician direction.
Is it safe?
Within appropriately screened patients and physician supervision, it has a manageable safety profile. It is contraindicated in active cancer.
Sources
- Ballard FJ et al. Des(1-3)IGF-I: a truncated form of insulin-like growth factor I with greater biological potency. Biochem J (1987). — pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3593259
- Bagley CJ et al. A key functional role for the insulin-like growth factor 1 N-terminal pentapeptide. Biochem J (1989). — pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2476126
- Tomas FM et al. Anabolic effects of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and an IGF-I variant in normal female rats. J Endocrinol (1993). — pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8429303
Considering IGF-1 DES?
A Kindr Health physician reviews every longevity intake — peptides are prescribed only when medically indicated based on your history and labs. There is no charge for the initial review.
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Medically reviewed by Kindr Health Clinical Team
Kindr Health Inc. — Editorial & Clinical Team (physician-supervised)
NPI 1609792902 · Last reviewed: July 3, 2026
Last reviewed July 3, 2026. Compounded medications are prepared by FDA-registered 503A pharmacies and are not FDA-approved drug products. Prescriptions require a clinical evaluation; a Kindr Health physician determines eligibility. Not for use in pregnancy. This page provides educational information and is not medical advice.