IGF-1 LR3
Modified Growth Factor Analog | Muscle Growth
IGF-1 LR3 is a synthetic 83-amino acid analog of insulin-like growth factor-1 that has never been approved for human use. The N-terminal extension and R3 substitution reduce binding protein interaction, maintaining elevated free circulating levels with ~3x greater potency than native IGF-1.
Mechanism of Action
Functions as a full IGF-1 receptor agonist activating PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK/ERK pathways. The modifications prevent protein sequestration, maintaining elevated free circulating levels for extended anabolic effects.
Key Benefits
- Approximately 3x more potent than native IGF-1
- Promotes muscle hypertrophy and hyperplasia in animal models
- 15-20% lean mass gains observed in 4-week rat studies
- Anti-catabolic effects preserve muscle during cachexia
- 20-30 hour half-life for sustained effects
Muscle Growth
- Hypertrophy
15-20% lean mass gains in 4 weeks through satellite cell activation (rat studies).
- Anti-Catabolic
Cancer cachexia rats maintained 30% more muscle versus placebo.
- Hyperplasia
Creates new muscle fibers via satellite cell differentiation.
Tissue Repair
- Wound Healing
Accelerated wound healing in animal models.
- Ligament/Tendon Recovery
Enhanced connective tissue repair.
Metabolic
- Nutrient Partitioning
Directs nutrients toward muscle tissue.
- Fat Loss
Enhanced lipolysis through IGF-1 pathway.
Subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. CRITICAL: Consume 30-60g fast carbohydrates immediately after injection to prevent hypoglycemia. Never inject before sleep.
| Goal | Dose | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner Protocol | 20-30mcg | Once daily post-workout | SubQ/IM |
| Intermediate | 40-60mcg | Once daily | SubQ/IM |
| Advanced | 80-100mcg | Once or split AM/PM | SubQ/IM |
| Women's Protocol | 10-20mcg | Once daily | SubQ/IM |
Reconstitution Instructions
- IGF-1 LR3 lyophilized powder
- 0.6% acetic acid OR bacteriostatic water
- Insulin syringes (29-32 gauge)
- Alcohol swabs
- 1 Equilibrate to room temperature (15-30 min)
- 2 Sanitize rubber stopper with alcohol
- 3 Calculate concentration (e.g., 1mg in 2mL = 500mcg/mL)
- 4 Inject diluent slowly along vial wall
- 5 Gently swirl - never shake vigorously
- 6 Allow 2-5 minutes for complete dissolution
- 7 Store immediately at 2-8°C protected from light
- 8 Acetic acid reconstitution: stable 1 year
- 9 BAC water reconstitution: use within 7 days
Creates excessive IGF-1 levels; avoid combination.
Both stimulate GH/IGF-1 axis; use caution with combination.
May compound metabolic effects through GH stimulation.
Synergistic hypoglycemic effects can be life-threatening.
Complementary healing mechanisms.
Different repair pathway activation.
Amplified effects with increased risks.
May mitigate insulin resistance.
Additive neurotrophic pathway effects.
Increased muscle pump and fullness; possible hypoglycemia if carbs inadequate
Enhanced recovery, strength gains, visible fullness, potential water retention
Maximum effects; receptor desensitization approaching; joint stiffness common
Pump loss over 1-2 weeks; strength/size gains may persist with training
Common Side Effects
- Hypoglycemia (lasting up to 30 hours) - CRITICAL
- Water retention
- Joint stiffness
- Muscle soreness
- Increased pump during workouts
Stop Signs - Discontinue if:
- Severe or recurring hypoglycemia despite carbohydrate intake
- Unusual growths, lumps, or rapid mole changes
- Severe joint pain or carpal tunnel symptoms
- Persistent nausea, headaches, or vision changes
- Signs of organ enlargement
- Extreme fatigue or mental fog
Contraindications
- NEVER approved for human use - research chemical only
- Cancer history or undiagnosed growths
- May cause organ hypertrophy (heart, intestines)
- WADA prohibited - causes failed drug tests
Good Signs
- HPLC purity >95%
- Mass spectrometry confirmation
- Cold storage maintained (-20°C lyophilized)
- Certificate of analysis from reputable source
Warning Signs
- Research chemical status - never approved for human use
- Zero human clinical trials exist
- Species-specific responses vary significantly
Bad Signs
- Severe hypoglycemia risk - life-threatening low blood sugar lasting 20-30 hours
- Cancer proliferation concern - UK Biobank links elevated IGF-1 to multiple cancers
- Black market quality varies - oxidized and degraded forms common
- Rat Muscle Hypertrophy Study - Florini et al.(1996)
2.5mg/kg/day for 4 weeks showed 2.5x greater anabolic response compared to native IGF-1. Satellite cell activation and protein synthesis increased 50%.
- Fetal Sheep Metabolic Study(2000)
Acute infusion suppressed insulin secretion by 66%. Study halted early due to 4 animal deaths from hypoglycemia.
- Cancer Cachexia Rat Model(1998)
0.3mg/kg/day for 14 days showed 30% lean mass preservation during cachexia.
- UK Biobank Cancer Association(2023)
Elevated IGF-1 associated with multiple cancers including thyroid, colorectal, breast, prostate, melanoma.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.