Orforglipron vs MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
GLP-1 / Weight Loss Agonists
OrforglipronAnabolic & IGF
MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)- Summary
- Orforglipron is an oral, once-daily small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Eli Lilly. Unlike injectable GLP-1 peptides, it is a non-peptide compound absorbed orally without food restrictions, representing a major convenience advancement. Phase 2 trials showed up to 9.4% weight loss at 36 weeks, and Phase 3 trials (ATTAIN program) are ongoing for obesity and type 2 diabetes.
- MGF (Mechano Growth Factor) is a splice variant of IGF-1 that is locally produced in muscle tissue in response to mechanical damage from exercise. It activates muscle satellite cells (stem cells) to proliferate and repair damaged fibers, making it specifically targeted at exercise-induced hypertrophy.
- Half-Life
- ~12 hours (once-daily oral dosing)
- Native MGF: minutes. PEG-MGF: ~3 days
- Admin Route
- Oral
- SubQ, IM
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 12 mg → 24 mg → 36 mg → 45 mg
- 200–400 mcg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- 1–2 times per week
- Key Benefits
- Oral pill — no injections required
- Once-daily dosing without food restrictions (unlike oral semaglutide)
- Up to 9.4% body weight reduction in Phase 2 at 36 weeks
- Significant HbA1c reduction in type 2 diabetes trials
- Small-molecule stability — no cold chain requirements
- Broadens access for injection-averse patients
- Potential class-defining convenience advantage over injectable GLP-1s
- Activates muscle satellite cells for repair and growth
- Accelerates recovery from muscle damage
- Synergistic with IGF-1 LR3 (different mechanisms)
- Promotes muscle hypertrophy specifically at exercised muscles
- Faster recovery between training sessions
- Potential for injury repair in connective tissue
- Side Effects
- Nausea (most common, dose-dependent)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- +2 more
- Muscle soreness (satellite cell activation)
- Injection site irritation
- Hypoglycemia risk (modest, less than IGF-1 LR3)
- Stacks With
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