IGF-1 LR3

Long R3 IGF-1 · LR3-IGF-1

Rank#999
Growth HormoneNot ApprovedAnimalResearchSubQIM

Popular for:Muscle protein synthesis, extended half-life IGF-1, anabolic

10

Total Studies

2

Human Studies

Animal

Evidence Level

Not Approved

FDA Status

Overview

IGF-1 LR3 (Long R3 Insulin-like Growth Factor-1) is a modified version of IGF-1 with an extended half-life of approximately 20-30 hours compared to minutes for native IGF-1. The modifications include an arginine substitution at position 3 and a 13-amino acid extension at the N-terminus, which reduce binding to IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs).

IGF-1 is a critical mediator of growth hormone's anabolic effects. While GH triggers IGF-1 production in the liver, IGF-1 LR3 provides direct IGF-1 receptor activation with enhanced potency and duration. It is one of the most potent anabolic research compounds available.

Mechanism of Action

IGF-1 LR3 binds to IGF-1 receptors throughout the body, activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway which promotes protein synthesis, cell proliferation, and anti-apoptotic signaling. Its reduced affinity for IGFBPs means more free IGF-1 LR3 is available to activate receptors compared to native IGF-1. This results in enhanced muscle protein synthesis, satellite cell activation, and nutrient partitioning.

Key Research Benefits

Extended half-life (20-30 hours vs minutes for native IGF-1)
Potent stimulator of muscle protein synthesis
Studied for muscle growth and recovery
Activates satellite cells for muscle repair
Nutrient partitioning effects (directs nutrients toward muscle)

Clinical Evidence Summary

Research Pipeline

Preclinical
Animal
Phase I
Phase II
Phase III
Approved

10

Total Studies

2

Human Studies

Not FDA-approved. Research compound. Related to FDA-approved mecasermin (Increlex) which is recombinant IGF-1 for growth failure. WADA prohibited substance. High regulatory scrutiny.

Key Studies / PubMed References

IGF-1 LR3 does not promote growth in late-gestation growth-restricted fetal sheep.

Review

White A, Stremming J, Wesolowski SR, et al. · American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism · 2025

PMID: 39679943

Revolutionary decellularized Alstroemeria stem-based nerve conduit integrated with GelMA and controlled IGF-1 LR3 release for enhanced rat sciatic nerve regeneration.

Animal Study

Yavuz E, Sağır MS, Ercan A, et al. · International journal of biological macromolecules · 2025

PMID: 41015370

Intranasal long R3 insulin-like growth factor-1 treatment promotes amyloid plaque remodeling in cerebral cortex but fails to preserve cognitive function in male 5XFAD mice.

In Vitro

Engel MG, Narayan S, Cui MH, et al. · Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD · 2025

PMID: 39610283

Attenuated glucose-stimulated insulin secretion during an acute IGF-1 LR3 infusion into fetal sheep does not persist in isolated islets.

Review

White A, Stremming J, Brown LD, et al. · Journal of developmental origins of health and disease · 2023

PMID: 37114757

Recombinant expression of IGF-1 and LR3 IGF-1 fused with xylanase in Pichia pastoris.

Review

Lu Z, Liu N, Huang H, et al. · Applied microbiology and biotechnology · 2023

PMID: 37261455

Side Effects & Safety

Hypoglycemia (IGF-1 has insulin-like effects)
Joint pain and swelling
Potential organ growth with prolonged use
Theoretical cancer concerns (promotes cell proliferation)
Jaw and hand growth at high doses

Known Interactions

No curated interaction entry is live for IGF-1 LR3 yet.

Until the interaction table is fully populated, use the interaction checker and related peptides below to explore adjacent compounds and likely research pairings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Research Disclaimer

This page is for research and educational purposes only. The information presented is based on published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. IGF-1 LR3 is not approved by the FDA for human therapeutic use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The studies referenced are linked to their original PubMed sources for verification.