GHRP-6 vs IGF-DES

Ghrelin receptor agonist; stimulates pituitary GH release and increases appetite via hypothalamic ghrelin pathways

A hexapeptide that strongly stimulates growth hormone release while also increasing appetite. Commonly used for muscle gain and recovery.

N-terminal truncation eliminates IGFBP binding, leaving nearly all circulating IGF-DES unbound and active. Results in substantially higher tissue IGF-1R activation versus native IGF-1 at equivalent doses. Activates PI3K/Akt/mTOR for muscle hypertrophy and satellite cell proliferation.

A truncated form of IGF-1 with the first 3 amino acids removed. Does not bind IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs), resulting in dramatically higher free active concentration at tissue level. Considered highly anabolic with limited systemic safety data in humans.