Is Ghrelin FDA approved?

Ghrelin is not evaluated or approved by the FDA. It is discussed for research and educational purposes only, not as medical guidance.

Is IGF-1 LR3 FDA approved?

IGF-1 LR3 is not evaluated or approved by the FDA. It is discussed for research and educational purposes only, not as medical guidance.

How is Ghrelin administered in research settings?

In research settings, Ghrelin is typically administered via the subcutaneous or intravenous routes. PeptideBase does not provide dosing or administration instructions.

How is IGF-1 LR3 administered in research settings?

In research settings, IGF-1 LR3 is typically administered via the subcutaneous or intramuscular routes. PeptideBase does not provide dosing or administration instructions.

Home›Research›Compare›Ghrelin vs IGF-1 LR3

Peptide Comparison

Ghrelin vs IGF-1 LR3

Q: What is the difference between Ghrelin and IGF-1 LR3?

Ghrelin: Must be acylated at Ser3 (by GOAT enzyme) for GHSR-1a binding. Receptor activation in the pituitary stimulates GH release; hypothalamic action via NPY/AgRP neurons increases appetite and reduces energy expenditure. IGF-1 LR3: Long-acting analog of IGF-1 that binds to IGF-1 receptors, promoting muscle protein synthesis, cellular growth, and recovery.

Both are GH / IGF Axis peptides.

Ghrelin

acyl ghrelin

PerformanceNot EvaluatedResearch Only

Half-life: ~24 min (initial), ~146 min (terminal)

3 providers listed

Full Ghrelin profile →

IGF-1 LR3

IGF1 LR3

PerformanceNot EvaluatedResearch Only

Half-life: 20–30 hours

71 providers listed

Full IGF-1 LR3 profile →

Bottom line

Ghrelin has published research citations on file; IGF-1 LR3 does not yet — the main evidence gap between them.

Quick Verdict

Ghrelin

Half-life

~24 min (initial), ~146 min (terminal)

IGF-1 LR3

Half-life

20–30 hours

Which One Should You Choose?

Your goal	Better option
Has published research citations	Ghrelin
Less frequent dosing (longer half-life)	IGF-1 LR3
More provider options (3 vs 71)	IGF-1 LR3

Research summary only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified provider before making any decisions.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Ghrelin

IGF-1 LR3

Mechanism Family

GH / IGF Axis

Half-life

~24 min (initial), ~146 min (terminal)

20–30 hours

FDA Status

not evaluated

Admin Routes

subcutaneous, intravenous

subcutaneous, intramuscular

Availability

Research Only

Providers

3 listed

71 listed

Avail. Notes

—

Modified IGF-1 analog (N-terminal extension + Arg3) with extended half-life. Distinct from approved mecasermin (Increlex). Not FDA-approved. WADA prohibited. Research chemical only.

Research Evidence

Ghrelin

RCT · 5 key studies · most recent 2026

IGF-1 LR3

No citations on file

Research Citations

Ghrelin

RCT2026 · Alcohol Clin Exp Res (Hoboken)

A Secondary, Subgroup Analysis of Alcohol Cue-Exposure Craving in Response to Pharmacological Inhibition of t…

RCT2023 · Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle

Pilot clinical trial of macimorelin to assess safety and efficacy in patients with cancer cachexia

RCT2020 · Growth Hormone & IGF Research

Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of macimorelin in healthy adults: Results of a s…

RCT2007 · Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab

Constant intravenous ghrelin infusion in healthy young men: clinical pharmacokinetics and metabolic effects

+1 more

IGF-1 LR3

No citations on file.

About Ghrelin

Must be acylated at Ser3 (by GOAT enzyme) for GHSR-1a binding. Receptor activation in the pituitary stimulates GH release; hypothalamic action via NPY/AgRP neurons increases appetite and reduces energy expenditure.

Research Areas

GH stimulationappetite stimulationmetabolic regulationmuscle preservation

About IGF-1 LR3

Long-acting analog of IGF-1 that binds to IGF-1 receptors, promoting muscle protein synthesis, cellular growth, and recovery. Suppresses myostatin activity and has a significantly extended half-life compared to native IGF-1 due to reduced binding protein affinity.

Research Areas

amplified IGF-1 receptor stimulation vs native IGF-1extended biological half-life (~20–30 hours) via reduced IGFBP bindingin vitro and animal anabolic signaling — no human clinical dataresearch reagent classification — not characterized for human use

Safety Profile

Information below reflects published research data only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified provider before use.

Ghrelin

Absolute Contraindications

Under clinical review

Being verified by our medical team before we display contraindications for this peptide.

IGF-1 LR3

Absolute Contraindications

Under clinical review

Being verified by our medical team before we display contraindications for this peptide.

Find Providers

Where to source these peptides

Providers offering

Ghrelin

3 listed

Browse directory →

Providers offering

IGF-1 LR3

71 listed

Browse directory →

PeptideBase lists providers for educational research purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before obtaining or using any peptide.

More GH / IGF Axis Comparisons

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Educational research tools — not medical advice.