Encyclopedia · Experimental Research

IGF-1 DES

Evidence review

Evidence grade D

Evidence is primarily from animal and laboratory studies; human efficacy and an established dose are absent.

Reviewed Aug 10, 2026 5 linked authoritative sources

IGF-1 DES, or des(1–3)IGF-I, is a truncated 67-amino-acid analogue missing the first three amino acids of native IGF-1. It is not mecasermin and has no FDA-approved product, indication, or dose.

What IGF-1 DES is

IGF-1 DES, or des(1–3)IGF-I, is a truncated 67-amino-acid analogue missing the first three amino acids of native IGF-1.[1] It is not mecasermin and has no FDA-approved product, indication, or dose.

The evidence is laboratory and animal research

Biochemical work found that IGF-binding proteins inhibited native IGF-I and IGF-II differently from des(1–3)IGF-I.[2] Animal research found more potent and prolonged glucose-lowering effects for IGF-I variants with poor binding-protein affinity.[3] These findings do not establish muscle gain, recovery, fat loss, anti-aging benefit, or a safe human dose.

Human safety is undefined

No controlled human safety program or regulator-reviewed adverse-reaction table exists for IGF-1 DES. Hypoglycemia is biologically plausible and appeared strongly in animal work, while product identity, sterility, immune response, abnormal tissue growth, interactions, pregnancy use, and long-term effects remain unresolved.

The Increlex label documents serious risks for mecasermin, including hypoglycemia and neoplasia warnings, but those product-specific data cannot be converted into incidence estimates for DES.[4]

Regulatory and sport status

IGF-1 DES is unapproved in the United States. The narrow approval of mecasermin for specified pediatric growth failure does not extend to DES.[4] IGF-1 analogues are prohibited in tested sport.[5] Teloryx does not publish a DES dose, cycle, stack, or reconstitution recipe.

Evidence review

Sources and evidence

Citation numbers in the article link to the exact regulator records, trial registrations, and publications reviewed.

  1. International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell BiologyDes(1–3)IGF-I: a truncated form of IGF-I (1996)
  2. Biochemical JournalIGF-binding proteins and des(1–3)IGF-I biological activity (1989)
  3. Journal of EndocrinologyHypoglycaemic action of IGF-I variants in pigs and marmoset monkeys (1997)
  4. DailyMedIncrelex (mecasermin) official prescribing information (2025)
  5. World Anti-Doping Agency2026 Prohibited List (2026)