Peptide Profile
IGF-1
Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 · Somatomedin C · native IGF-1
IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1; somatomedin C) is an endogenous 70-amino-acid polypeptide produced primarily in the liver in response to growth hormone signaling, functioning as the principal mediator of GH anabolic effects…
- Routes
- subcutaneous, intramuscular
Educational research information — not medical advice. Review primary sources and consult a qualified professional before any decision.
Educational research tools — not medical advice.
What IGF-1 is
About IGF-1
Binds IGF-1R with high affinity, activating PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways promoting protein synthesis, satellite cell activation, and glucose uptake. Much shorter half-life (~15 min) than the LR3 analog (~20-30 hr) due to binding protein interactions.
IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1; somatomedin C) is an endogenous 70-amino-acid polypeptide produced primarily in the liver in response to growth hormone signaling, functioning as the principal mediator of GH anabolic effects through its receptor (IGF-1R) expressed in virtually all tissues, with roles in muscle protein synthesis, bone growth, and cellular proliferation. IGF-1 activates IGF-1R tyrosine kinase to stimulate PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK signaling cascades, promoting protein synthesis, cell survival, and glucose uptake in muscle and bone; endogenous IGF-1 levels peak during puberty and decline with age, and GH-stimulating interventions exert many of their effects by elevating circulating IGF-1. The FDA-approved recombinant form, mecasermin (Increlex), is indicated for primary IGF-1 deficiency in children with GH receptor insensitivity syndrome, with multicenter controlled clinical trials demonstrating significant height velocity improvements in this rare pediatric population; this approved indication is specific to a defined hormonal insufficiency condition and is distinct from performance-enhancing or anti-aging uses of exogenous IGF-1. Research-grade IGF-1 is available as a compounded or gray-market compound used outside its approved indication; it is not approved for adult use or performance applications, and risks associated with IGF-1 excess — including effects on glucose homeostasis, potential oncogenic cell signaling, and acromegaly-related comorbidities — are relevant safety considerations for any off-label use.
IGF-1 Benefits & Research Areas
What the evidence says about IGF-1
Research Evidence
based on 6 studies · most recent 2026
Regulatory Status
- Availability Status
- Research Only
- FDA Status
- FDA Approved
- Effective Date
- August 30, 2005
- Source
- View FDA source →
FDA-approved: Increlex (mecasermin, recombinant human IGF-1), Drugs@FDA application 021839.
Regulatory status reflects publicly available information and may change. This is not legal or medical advice.
Research Sources
6 sources cited · 1 strong · 5 moderate
6 Cohorts
Long-term treatment with recombinant insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I in children with severe IGF-I deficiency due to growth hormone insensitivity
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism · 2007
Research in a 12-year study of 76 children with severe IGF-I deficiency found that recombinant IGF-I therapy increased height velocity from a baseline of 2.8 cm/year to 8.0 cm/year during the first treatment year, with sustained anabolic effects maintained above baseline for up to 8 years, establishing IGF-I as a primary growth and anabolic mediator.
Efficient in vivo removal of solubility tag to improve the bacterial production of soluble, bioactive human IGF-1.
World J Microbiol Biotechnol · 2026
Efficient in vivo removal of solubility tag to improve the bacterial production of soluble, bioactive human IGF-1.
World J Microbiol Biotechnol · 2026
# Research Summary Research found that simultaneous expression of TEV protease and a solubility-tagged human IGF-1 fusion protein in bacterial strains enabled efficient in vivo removal of the solubility tag while maintaining the hormone's bioactivity. This study demonstrated that the resulting tag-free IGF-1 retained activity comparable to commercial forms while potentially simplifying purification and reducing production costs.
Show 3 more sources ↓
Speckle-tracking echocardiography reveals the synergistic impact of GH/IGF-1 excess and metabolic dysregulation on cardiac dysfunction in acromegaly.
Pituitary · 2026
# Summary Research found that in acromegaly patients, elevated IGF-1 levels directly drive subclinical cardiac dysfunction, with this effect significantly amplified by concurrent metabolic dysregulation (elevated BMI and triglyceride-glucose levels). This study demonstrated that patients achieving biochemical remission showed improved cardiac structure and function, supporting the use of speckle-tracking echocardiography for early detection and risk stratification of cardiac involvement in this condition.
The biomarkers uCTX-II, CS846 and IGF-1 are associated with clinical and ultrasound scores in haemophilic arthropathy: a cross-sectional study.
Rheumatol Int · 2026
# Summary This study demonstrated that IGF-1 showed a negative correlation with joint damage severity in patients with severe hemophilia, meaning lower IGF-1 levels were associated with greater clinical and ultrasound evidence of joint deterioration. Researchers identified IGF-1 as a candidate biomarker for assessing hemophilic arthropathy severity, alongside uCTX-II and CS846, though they noted that longitudinal studies are needed to confirm its clinical utility.
Pharmacokinetic studies of recombinant human insulin-like growth factor I (rhIGF-I)/rhIGF-binding protein-3 complex administered to patients with growth hormone insensitivity syndrome
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism · 2006
Research in a pharmacokinetic study found that a single subcutaneous injection of rhIGF-I/rhIGFBP-3 complex effectively raised circulating IGF-I levels into the normal range for a sustained 24-hour period in adolescents with growth hormone insensitivity syndrome, demonstrating improved pharmacokinetic profile compared with rhIGF-I alone.
IGF-1 Side Effects & Safety Considerations
Research-use compound with limited human data. Evidence strength varies — see the Evidence section.
Absolute contraindications
Under clinical review
Being verified by our medical team before we display contraindications for this peptide.
Common monitoring markers in research protocols
Under clinical review
Being verified by our medical team before we display monitoring guidance for this peptide.
Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health decisions. This information is educational only and does not constitute medical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions — IGF-1
IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1; somatomedin C) is an endogenous 70-amino-acid polypeptide produced primarily in the liver in response to growth hormone signaling, functioning as the principal mediator of GH anabolic effects through its receptor (IGF-1R) expressed in virtually all tissues, with roles in muscle protein synthesis, bone growth, and cellular proliferation. IGF-1 activates IGF-1R tyrosine kinase to stimulate PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK signaling cascades, promoting protein synthesis, cell survival, and glucose uptake in muscle and bone; endogenous IGF-1 levels peak during puberty and decline with age, and GH-stimulating interventions exert many of their effects by elevating circulating IGF-1.
muscle growth, Recovery, fat metabolism, tissue repair, GH axis.
Research on IGF-1 primarily documents effects related to muscle growth and Recovery and fat metabolism and tissue repair and GH axis. These are areas covered in preclinical and clinical literature — individual response varies and effects depend on context of use.
For IGF-1, its FDA status is FDA-approved, and it is designated for research use only. Regulatory status reflects publicly available information and may change. This is not legal or medical advice.
17 providers in the directory currently offer IGF-1.
IGF-1 is tracked across 2 research vendors on PeptideBase, with per-mg prices ranging $64.77–$94.92. This reflects research-use vendor pricing, not clinical or prescription costs.
Research in a 12-year study of 76 children with severe IGF-I deficiency found that recombinant IGF-I therapy increased height velocity from a baseline of 2.8 cm/year to 8.0 cm/year during the first treatment year, with sustained anabolic effects maintained above baseline for up to 8 years, establishing IGF-I as a primary growth and anabolic mediator.
How to get IGF-1
Market Pricing
2 vendorsPrice per mg varies by quantity, vendor type, and formulation. Research use only.
Data verified July 2026 · IGF-1 price intelligence
Where to buy IGF-1
17 providersTelehealth Platforms
1 providerClinics
7 providers22 Health & Hormone
Altamonte Springs, United StatesView →THENEWMD
Memphis, United StatesView →RevitalyzeMD
Knoxville, United StatesView →R2 Medical Clinic Denver
Denver, United StatesView →Progressive Medical Center
Atlanta, United StatesView →Angel Longevity Medical Center
Los Angeles, United StatesView →Peptides
United StatesView →
Blood Testing Labs
2 providersQuestions to ask your provider
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