Ipamorelin vs IGF-1 DES
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Growth Hormone Peptides
IpamorelinAnabolic & IGF
IGF-1 DES- Summary
- Ipamorelin is a selective GHRP (growth hormone releasing peptide) and one of the cleanest GH secretagogues available. It selectively stimulates GH release without significantly raising cortisol, prolactin, or appetite — making it ideal for long-term use and anti-aging protocols.
- 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.
- Half-Life
- 2 hours
- ~20–30 minutes (very short — designed for local action)
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- IM, SubQ
- Research
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- —
- Typical Dose
- 100–300 mcg
- 20–50 mcg per injection site
- Frequency
- Once to twice daily
- Once daily, post-workout
- Key Benefits
- Increases lean muscle mass
- Enhances fat loss
- Improves recovery time
- Strengthens bones and joints
- Better sleep quality and REM sleep
- Enhanced skin elasticity
- Minimal impact on hunger or cortisol
- No cortisol or prolactin spike
- Clean GH release suitable for long-term protocols
- 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
- Side Effects
- Injection site irritation
- Temporary water retention (mild)
- Possible hunger increase (milder than GHRP-6)
- Numbness or tingling in extremities (rare)
- 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
- Stacks With
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