What is the difference between IGF-1 LR3 and Ipamorelin?

IGF-1 LR3: Long-acting analog of IGF-1 that binds to IGF-1 receptors, promoting muscle protein synthesis, cellular growth, and recovery. Ipamorelin: Ipamorelin binds to the ghrelin receptor (GHSR-1a) and stimulates dose-dependent GH release with a clean hormonal profile.

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 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.

How is Ipamorelin administered in research settings?

In research settings, Ipamorelin is typically administered via the subcutaneous route. PeptideBase does not provide dosing or administration instructions.

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

Peptide Comparison

IGF-1 LR3 vs Ipamorelin

Name: IGF-1 LR3 vs Ipamorelin — Per-mg Price Comparison
Creator: PeptideBase
License: https://peptidebase.io/terms

Both are GH / IGF Axis peptides.

IGF-1 LR3

IGF1 LR3

PerformanceNot EvaluatedResearch Only

Half-life: 20–30 hours

71 providers listed

Full IGF-1 LR3 profile →

Ipamorelin

NNC 26-0161

PerformanceUnder clinical reviewResearch Only

Half-life: 2 hours

463 providers listed

Full Ipamorelin profile →

Bottom line

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

Quick Verdict

IGF-1 LR3

Half-life

20–30 hours

Ipamorelin

Half-life

2 hours

Which One Should You Choose?

Your goal	Better option
Has published research citations	Ipamorelin
Less frequent dosing (longer half-life)	IGF-1 LR3
More provider options (71 vs 463)	Ipamorelin

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

Side-by-Side Comparison

IGF-1 LR3

Ipamorelin

Mechanism Family

GH / IGF Axis

Half-life

20–30 hours

2 hours

FDA Status

not evaluated

Under clinical review

Admin Routes

subcutaneous, intramuscular

subcutaneous

Availability

Research Only

Providers

71 listed

463 listed

FDA Update

—

Under clinical review

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.

Selective GH secretagogue pentapeptide. Phase 2 by Helsinn (postoperative ileus) discontinued for lack of efficacy. No FDA approval. Not on FDA 503A bulks list. Research chemical.

Research Evidence

IGF-1 LR3

No citations on file

Ipamorelin

RCT · 5 key studies · most recent 2026

Research Citations

IGF-1 LR3

No citations on file.

Ipamorelin

RCT2014 · International Journal of Colorectal Disease

Prospective, randomized, controlled, proof-of-concept study of the Ghrelin mimetic ipamorelin for the managem…

Animal2000 · J Endocrinol

GH secretagogues increase bone mineral content in adult female rats

Review2026 · Int J Mol Sci

Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications…

Review2026 · JBJS Rev

Injectable Peptides in Sports Medicine: A Structured Narrative Review of Evidence, Safety, and Antidoping Imp…

+1 more

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

About Ipamorelin

Ipamorelin binds to the ghrelin receptor (GHSR-1a) and stimulates dose-dependent GH release with a clean hormonal profile. Unlike GHRP-6 or hexarelin, it does not significantly stimulate appetite-related pathways or cortisol secretion at standard research doses. This selectivity makes it a frequently studied peptide for protocols where hormonal side-effect profiles are a consideration.

Research Areas

selective GH release without cortisol or prolactin co-stimulationpulsatile GH secretion — synergistic with CJC-1295 in combination protocolslean mass support and fat metabolism via GH/IGF-1 axis modulationsubcutaneous injection 100–300 mcg; minimal receptor desensitization vs other GHRPs

Safety Profile

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

IGF-1 LR3

Absolute Contraindications

Under clinical review

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

Ipamorelin

Absolute Contraindications

Under clinical review

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

Suggested Monitoring

IGF-1Fasting glucoseHbA1cInsulin

Research protocols routinely measure IGF-1 to track GH axis activity before and during use. Fasting glucose and insulin are monitored because GH elevation can reduce insulin sensitivity over time.

Regulatory Notes

global — WADA

This compound falls under WADA Prohibited List category S2 (Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics), prohibited at all times for competing athletes.

source

Used Together?

Ipamorelin

CJC-1295
Research suggests Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 may produce enhanced growth hormone release effects when combined. CJC-1295 provides sustained GHRH receptor stimulation while Ipamorelin provides pulsatile ghrelin receptor stimulation — complementary pathways studied in GH secretion research.
Sermorelin
Research suggests Sermorelin and Ipamorelin may produce complementary growth hormone release effects when combined. Sermorelin acts as a GHRH analogue via pituitary receptors, while Ipamorelin acts via ghrelin receptors — dual-pathway stimulation studied in GH optimization research.
GLP-1 agonists
Research notes metabolic pathway overlap between growth hormone-releasing peptides and GLP-1 agonists. Both compound classes influence metabolic signaling; limited research has studied their combined effects. Consult your prescriber before combining.

Price (per mg)

IGF-1 LR3

Not enough vendor pricing yet.

Ipamorelin

$6.48/mg

$4.88 – $8.05 range

51 vendors

View price index →Find providers →

Find Providers

Where to source these peptides

Providers offering

IGF-1 LR3

71 listed

Browse directory →

Providers offering

Ipamorelin

463 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.

Cite this page

Data last updated August 26, 2026

Free to reference and republish with attribution to PeptideBase. Choose a format:

PeptideBase. (2026). IGF-1 LR3 vs Ipamorelin — Per-mg Price Comparison. Retrieved September 11, 2026, from https://peptidebase.io/peptides/compare/igf-1-lr3/ipamorelin

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