New — Free Peptide Starter Guide (2026): 13 chapters, 34 cited studies

Get it free
ToolsCompareARA-290 vs IGF-1 LR3

ARA-290 vs IGF-1 LR3

Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.

Immune SupportRecovery & Repair
ARA-290
Anabolic & IGF
IGF-1 LR3
Summary
ARA-290 is a synthetic 11-amino acid peptide derived from the helix B region of erythropoietin (EPO). Unlike EPO, it selectively activates the innate repair receptor (IRR) without stimulating hematopoiesis, providing tissue protection, anti-inflammation, and neuropathy relief.
IGF-1 LR3 is a synthetic analog of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 with an extended half-life. It is one of the most potent anabolic peptides available, directly stimulating muscle cell hyperplasia and hypertrophy, and is the downstream mediator of many of GH's anabolic effects.
Half-Life
~2–4 hours (SC administration)
20–30 hours
Admin Route
SubQ
SubQ, IM
Research
Typical Dose
4 mg (fixed dose)
40–80 mcg
Frequency
Once daily
Once daily or split twice daily
Key Benefits
  • Reduces neuropathic pain from small fiber neuropathy
  • Anti-inflammatory without immune suppression
  • Tissue protection after ischemia/reperfusion injury
  • Promotes nerve fiber regeneration
  • Improves symptoms of sarcoidosis-associated neuropathy
  • May reduce insulin resistance and improve metabolic health
  • Shown to improve autonomic neuropathy symptoms
  • Direct muscle hypertrophy via IGF-1R stimulation
  • Muscle hyperplasia (new fiber formation) — unique among peptides
  • Rapid gains in lean muscle mass
  • Accelerated recovery from training and injury
  • Increased nutrient uptake by muscle cells
  • Fat oxidation enhancement
  • Bone density improvement
  • Cartilage and connective tissue repair
Side Effects
  • Injection site reactions
  • Mild fatigue at initiation
  • Transient warm sensation post-injection
  • Rare: mild headache
  • Hypoglycemia (significant risk — insulin-like activity)
  • Acromegaly-like effects with excessive long-term use
  • Jaw and hand swelling
  • Organ hypertrophy with extreme doses
  • +2 more
Stacks With