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

Get it free
ToolsCompareIGF-1 DES vs SLU-PP-332

IGF-1 DES vs SLU-PP-332

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

Anabolic & IGF
IGF-1 DES
Recovery & RepairFat Loss & Metabolic
SLU-PP-332
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.
SLU-PP-332 is a small molecule exercise mimetic that activates estrogen-related receptors ERRalpha and ERRdelta (ERRa/d), transcription factors that drive oxidative metabolism programs. In animal studies it significantly enhanced endurance capacity and metabolic fitness without exercise, mimicking many of the cardiovascular and metabolic adaptations of aerobic training.
Half-Life
~20–30 minutes (very short — designed for local action)
Not established in humans; rodent pharmacokinetics suggest hours
Admin Route
IM, SubQ
Oral (research), Subcutaneous (research)
Research
Typical Dose
20–50 mcg per injection site
Not established for humans; rodent studies used ~100 mg/kg/day
Frequency
Once daily, post-workout
Once daily in rodent studies
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
  • Significant enhancement of aerobic endurance capacity
  • Increases mitochondrial density and oxidative metabolism in muscle
  • Promotes beneficial shift toward oxidative muscle fiber phenotype
  • Improves cardiac efficiency and cardiovascular fitness markers
  • Potential for obesity, metabolic syndrome, and heart failure treatment
  • Exercise mimetic for populations unable to exercise (disability, frailty, disease)
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
  • Limited human data; all studies are preclinical (rodent)
  • Unknown cardiovascular effects with long-term or high-dose use in humans
  • Potential hormonal interactions via ERR pathway (ERRs modulate estrogen-related signaling)
  • Off-target effects not fully characterized
Stacks With