Peptide Profile
IGF-2
Insulin-like Growth Factor 2 · IGF-II
Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2) is a naturally occurring peptide growth factor structurally homologous to IGF-1 that plays a central role in embryonic development and remains expressed in adult skeletal muscle, where it…
- Half-life
- ~10-20 minutes
- 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-2 is
About IGF-2
Binds IGF-1R and insulin receptor variant A; promotes anabolic signaling in muscle and fat; activates PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway; different receptor binding profile than IGF-1
Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2) is a naturally occurring peptide growth factor structurally homologous to IGF-1 that plays a central role in embryonic development and remains expressed in adult skeletal muscle, where it functions as an autocrine regulator of myoblast differentiation and myocyte maturation downstream of MyoD activation. IGF-2 binds both the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R), which mediates PI3K/Akt anabolic signaling, and the mannose-6-phosphate/IGF-2 receptor (M6P/IGF-2R), which targets bound ligand for lysosomal degradation rather than intracellular signal transduction; the balance between these receptor populations influences net downstream anabolic signaling. Preclinical and cell biology research demonstrates that autocrine IGF-2 signaling through IGF-1R is required for normal myocyte maturation, and that TGF-β-mediated suppression of IGF-2 autocrine pathways impairs skeletal muscle differentiation, establishing IGF-2 as a functionally important endogenous anabolic signal in muscle regeneration. IGF-2 has no FDA-approved applications in performance enhancement or muscle anabolism; exogenous administration as a research compound is investigational and no human clinical trials have established safety or efficacy for these uses.
IGF-2 Benefits & Research Areas
Research Signals
Commonly researched in the context of
Population research notes
These signals reflect research interest areas, not treatment indications.
IGF-2 half-life calculator
Compound & timing
Model: single-dose, first-order (single-compartment) estimate. Real clearance is multi-compartment and varies by individual and route.
What the evidence says about IGF-2
Research Evidence
based on 6 studies · most recent 2026
Regulatory Status
- Availability Status
- Research Only
- FDA Status
- Not Evaluated
Endogenous growth factor. No FDA-approved exogenous IGF-2 drug product. No NDA or IND for IGF-2 as primary active ingredient. Research use only.
Regulatory status reflects publicly available information and may change. This is not legal or medical advice.
Research Sources
6 sources cited · 1 moderate · 5 weak
1 Case series · 2 Reviews · 1 Animal · 2 In vitros
IGF-2-mediated hypoglycemia in a patient with a phyllodes tumor of the breast: a rare presentation of non-islet cell tumor hypoglycemia.
Endocrinol Diabetes Metab Case Rep · 2026
# Summary Research found that a phyllodes tumor of the breast caused non-islet cell tumor hypoglycemia (NICTH) through IGF-2 secretion, with the diagnosis aided by an elevated IGF-2:IGF-1 ratio rather than absolute IGF-2 levels alone. This study demonstrated that surgical tumor resection completely resolved the patient's recurrent hypoglycemia, confirming IGF-2-mediated NICTH as the underlying cause.
Proteomics and ex vivo plaque culture identify the insulin-like growth factor axis as a potential regulator of matrix remodelling in carotid plaques.
Atherosclerosis · 2026
# Summary Research found that the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling axis, particularly involving IGF-1, IGF-2, and their associated binding proteins, may play a regulatory role in atherosclerotic plaque stability by modulating matrix remodeling proteins. This study demonstrated through proteomics analysis and ex vivo culture that IGF-1 signaling was associated with a more stable plaque phenotype, characterized by decreased matrix-degrading enzymes and increased structural collagen.
TGF-β inhibits muscle differentiation by blocking autocrine signaling pathways initiated by IGF-II
Molecular Endocrinology · 2011
Research in mouse and human primary myoblast cultures found that TGF-beta inhibited skeletal muscle differentiation primarily by suppressing IGF-II autocrine signaling, and that exogenous IGF-I or IGF-II restored muscle protein expression and myotube formation despite TGF-beta, identifying IGF-II pathway activation as a strategy to counteract muscle-wasting conditions.
Show 3 more sources ↓
Autocrine growth factor signaling by insulin-like growth factor-II mediates MyoD-stimulated myocyte maturation
Journal of Biological Chemistry · 2003
Research in cell culture models identified IGF-II as an early autocrine signal induced by the myogenic transcription factor MyoD, with IGF-II production essential for myocyte fusion and terminal differentiation into myotubes, establishing IGF-II as a key endogenous regulator of skeletal muscle development at the cellular level.
The IGF signaling axis in thyroid cancer: biological complexity and therapeutic challenges.
Endocr Connect · 2026
# Summary Research found that dysregulation of the IGF signaling axis, particularly involving IGF-2 and its receptor (IGF-1R), plays an important role in thyroid cancer progression, dedifferentiation, and resistance to radioiodine treatment. This study demonstrated that an IGF-2/IR-A-dominant autocrine circuit is associated with aggressive and treatment-refractory thyroid cancer, though clinical translation of IGF-axis targeting has been limited due to signaling redundancy and adaptive resistance, necessitating combination therapeutic approaches.
Paraneoplastic hypoglycemia as the initial presentation of a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor.
Ir J Med Sci · 2026
IGF-2 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.
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-2
Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2) is a naturally occurring peptide growth factor structurally homologous to IGF-1 that plays a central role in embryonic development and remains expressed in adult skeletal muscle, where it functions as an autocrine regulator of myoblast differentiation and myocyte maturation downstream of MyoD activation. IGF-2 binds both the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R), which mediates PI3K/Akt anabolic signaling, and the mannose-6-phosphate/IGF-2 receptor (M6P/IGF-2R), which targets bound ligand for lysosomal degradation rather than intracellular signal transduction; the balance between these receptor populations influences net downstream anabolic signaling.
muscle growth, fat metabolism, tissue development, Recovery.
Research on IGF-2 primarily documents effects related to muscle growth and fat metabolism and tissue development and Recovery. These are areas covered in preclinical and clinical literature — individual response varies and effects depend on context of use.
For IGF-2, its FDA status is not evaluated by the FDA, and it is designated for research use only. Regulatory status reflects publicly available information and may change. This is not legal or medical advice.
# Summary Research found that a phyllodes tumor of the breast caused non-islet cell tumor hypoglycemia (NICTH) through IGF-2 secretion, with the diagnosis aided by an elevated IGF-2:IGF-1 ratio rather than absolute IGF-2 levels alone. This study demonstrated that surgical tumor resection completely resolved the patient's recurrent hypoglycemia, confirming IGF-2-mediated NICTH as the underlying cause.
How to get IGF-2
Where to buy IGF-2
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Tools & Guides
Reconstitution Calculator
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How to Reconstitute Peptides
Step-by-step guide: BAC water, vial prep, and storage after mixing.
Peptide Dosage Guide
Key factors that determine dosing in clinical practice.
Peptide Storage Guide
How to store lyophilized and reconstituted peptides.