IGF-1 DES vs IGF-1 LR3
IGF-1 DES (IGF-1 analog (truncated des(1-3) IGF-1 variant)) and IGF-1 LR3 (IGF-1 analog (Long R3 IGF-1 variant)) are documented as co-studied in the PeptiDex library. This page puts the two entries side by side on class, molecular weight, half-life, origin, mechanism and studied research areas — every value taken from the entry it belongs to.
Why these two are co-studied
Cross-referenced for research context — not a usage or combination recommendation.
At a glance
| Attribute | IGF-1 DES | IGF-1 LR3 |
|---|---|---|
| Compound class | IGF-1 analog (truncated des(1-3) IGF-1 variant) | IGF-1 analog (Long R3 IGF-1 variant) |
| Research category | Growth & GH-Axis | Growth & GH-Axis |
| Length (amino acids) | 67 amino acids | 83 amino acids |
| Molecular weight | Approximately 7372 g/mol | Approximately 9111 g/mol |
| Half-life | Very short in circulation (minutes), reflecting IGF-1's rapid clearance when not bound to IGFBPs | Substantially longer than native IGF-1; reported on the order of many hours (approximately 20-30 hours) due to reduced IGFBP binding |
| Origin | IGF-1 DES (DES(1-3)IGF-1) is a naturally occurring and synthetically produced truncated variant of insulin-like growth factor 1, lacking the first three N-terminal amino acids (Gly-Pro-Glu) of the 70-residue mature IGF-1. | IGF-1 LR3 (Long R3 IGF-1) is a synthetic analog of insulin-like growth factor 1 with an arginine substituted for glutamate at position 3 and a 13-amino-acid N-terminal extension, giving an 83-residue peptide. It was originally developed for cell-culture applications. |
“Not documented” means the PeptiDex entry records no value for that field. Nothing on this page is estimated, and no figure is carried over from one compound to the other.
How IGF-1 DES works
IGF-1 DES is an agonist of the IGF-1 receptor, activating the same anabolic and proliferative signaling as native IGF-1. The removal of the N-terminal tripeptide markedly reduces its binding to IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs), so a larger fraction remains free and it is reported to be more potent locally than full-length IGF-1. Its reduced IGFBP binding also contributes to a shorter systemic half-life.
How IGF-1 LR3 works
IGF-1 LR3 is an agonist of the IGF-1 receptor, driving the same anabolic and proliferative signaling as native IGF-1. The Arg3 substitution and N-terminal extension sharply reduce its affinity for IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs), leaving more peptide free and biologically active and greatly extending its functional half-life relative to native IGF-1.
Mechanistic descriptions reflect published research-literature understanding and are quoted from each compound's own entry. Much peptide research is preclinical (in-vitro or animal-model); mechanism in humans may differ and is not established for many compounds.
Where each one appears in the literature
The research contexts each entry documents. Listing a research area is not a claim of efficacy or a therapeutic indication, and the two lists are not scored against each other.
IGF-1 DES
IGF-1 LR3
What sets each apart
IGF-1 DES
IGF-1 DES differs from native and LR3 IGF-1 by its N-terminal truncation (des 1-3), which lowers IGFBP binding and increases local potency but with a short systemic half-life, unlike the long-acting LR3 variant.
IGF-1 LR3
IGF-1 LR3 is engineered for a long half-life via Arg3 substitution and an N-terminal extension that minimize IGFBP binding, contrasting with the short-acting, truncated IGF-1 DES.
Frequently asked questions
How does IGF-1 DES differ from IGF-1 LR3?
Both are IGF-1 analogs with reduced binding to IGF-binding proteins, but they differ sharply in duration: IGF-1 DES has a very short half-life (~20-30 minutes) and is studied for localized, short-acting effects, while IGF-1 LR3 has an extended half-life (~20-30 hours) supporting systemic, less-frequent dosing.
What is IGF-1 DES?
IGF-1 DES, or DES(1-3) IGF-1, is a truncated analog of insulin-like growth factor-1 that lacks the first three N-terminal amino acids (Gly-Pro-Glu), leaving a 67-amino-acid peptide. It is an IGF-1 receptor agonist studied for its markedly higher per-unit potency than native IGF-1.
Why is IGF-1 DES more potent than native IGF-1?
Removing the first three N-terminal residues sharply reduces the peptide's affinity for IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs), leaving more free peptide available to activate the IGF-1 receptor. The research literature reports this yields roughly a 10-fold increase in in-vivo potency per unit dose.
How does IGF-1 LR3 differ from IGF-1 DES?
Both reduce IGFBP binding, but IGF-1 LR3's modifications give it a long half-life (~20-30 hours) versus IGF-1 DES's ~20-30 minutes. LR3 is studied for sustained systemic IGF-1 receptor activation, whereas DES is studied for short, localized action.
What is IGF-1 LR3?
IGF-1 LR3 (Long R3 IGF-1) is an 83-amino-acid analog of insulin-like growth factor-1 with an arginine substituted at position 3 and a 13-amino-acid N-terminal extension. It is an IGF-1 receptor agonist engineered for very low IGF-binding-protein affinity and greatly extended stability.
Why does IGF-1 LR3 have such an extended half-life?
The Arg3 substitution plus the N-terminal extension sharply lower its affinity for IGF-binding proteins while improving metabolic stability, so the peptide circulates far longer than native IGF-1. The research literature reports it is roughly three times more potent than native IGF-1.
Answers are the ones published on each compound's own PeptiDex entry. They are educational summaries of research-literature context and are not medical advice.