IGF-1 DES vs Adipotide
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- IGF-1 DES (also written DES(1-3)IGF-1) is a truncated form of IGF-1 missing the first three amino acids of the N-terminus. This structural change dramatically reduces its affinity for IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs), meaning a far greater fraction remains in its free, active form. IGF-1 DES is estimated to be 10x more potent than standard IGF-1 LR3 at the receptor level locally, making it particularly effective for site-specific muscle growth when injected intramuscularly.
- Adipotide (FTPP) is a chimeric proapoptotic peptide that selectively targets and destroys blood vessels feeding white adipose tissue. It binds prohibitin on the vasculature of fat tissue, delivering a proapoptotic sequence that induces cell death in fat-specific blood vessels, causing targeted fat tissue regression.
- Half-Life
- ~20–30 minutes (very short — designed for local action)
- Estimated 2-4 hours
- Admin Route
- IM, SubQ
- Subcutaneous, Intravenous (research)
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 20–50 mcg per injection site
- Not established for humans; primate studies used 0.1-1 mg/kg
- Frequency
- Once daily, post-workout
- Daily for 4 weeks (research protocol)
- Key Benefits
- Estimated 10x greater potency at the receptor vs IGF-1 LR3 locally
- Minimal IGFBP binding — nearly all active upon injection
- Highly localized muscle growth effect when injected intramuscularly
- Activates satellite cells for muscle fiber hyperplasia potential
- Synergistic with GH peptides in post-workout anabolic protocols
- Shorter half-life reduces systemic exposure vs IGF-1 LR3
- Useful for site-specific muscle development
- Targeted reduction of white adipose tissue
- Promotes fat vasculature apoptosis without systemic toxicity
- Demonstrated significant fat loss in primate studies
- Potential for visceral and subcutaneous fat reduction
- Novel non-hormonal mechanism distinct from GLP-1 agonists
- Explored for obesity and metabolic syndrome
- Side Effects
- Hypoglycemia (most significant risk — especially post-workout)
- Localized muscle swelling at injection site
- Potential for jaw/organ growth (acromegalic effects) with prolonged high-dose use
- Carpal tunnel syndrome with high doses
- +1 more
- Renal toxicity observed in primate studies (transient, dose-dependent)
- Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances in research
- Weight regain upon cessation
- Limited human data; side effect profile largely from animal studies
- Stacks With
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