PEG-MGF vs AICAR
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- PEG-MGF (Pegylated Mechano Growth Factor) is a modified form of MGF (Mechano Growth Factor) where polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains have been attached to extend its half-life from minutes to days. Native MGF is released locally in muscle in response to mechanical stress and quickly degrades. PEGylation allows systemic administration with sustained circulation, enabling whole-body muscle repair and anabolic signaling rather than the purely local effect of native MGF.
- AICAR is a cell-permeable AMP analog that activates AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) — the master metabolic switch that triggers fat burning, mitochondrial biogenesis, and adaptations normally only achieved through exercise. It has been called the 'exercise in a pill' compound.
- Half-Life
- ~3 days (due to PEGylation)
- ~2–3 hours
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- SubQ, IV
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 200–400 mcg
- 25–50 mg
- Frequency
- 2–3x per week
- 3–5 times per week
- Key Benefits
- Extended half-life (~3 days) vs native MGF (minutes)
- Systemic muscle satellite cell activation via subcutaneous injection
- Promotes muscle fiber repair and hypertrophy throughout the body
- Enhanced recovery from intense training or muscle injury
- Synergistic with IGF-1 LR3 and growth hormone peptides
- Useful in sarcopenia, post-injury recovery, and athletic performance
- Single injection provides multi-day anabolic signaling
- AMPK activation mimics aerobic exercise adaptations
- Increased fat oxidation and endurance
- Mitochondrial biogenesis (PGC-1alpha)
- Improved insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Potential cardiac protection during ischemia
- Synergistic with actual exercise training
- Reduces hepatic glucose production
- Side Effects
- Water retention and localized swelling
- Potential hypoglycemia at high doses
- Theoretical cancer growth risk (growth factor)
- Injection site reactions
- +1 more
- Hypoglycemia risk
- Lactic acidosis at high doses (animal data)
- Injection site irritation
- Stacks With
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