Growth
IGF-1 LR3
Healing
0
Amino acids
Molecular weight
Peptide
Type
IGF-1 LR3 (Long R3 Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1) is a synthetic 83-amino-acid analog of IGF-1, engineered with an arginine substitution at position three and a 13-amino-acid N-terminal extension. These modifications dramatically reduce binding to insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins (IGFBPs), extending its half-life to 20–30 hours and increasing potency approximately threefold over native IGF-1. It is used in preclinical research and by performance-focused communities for its anabolic, anti-catabolic, and tissue-regenerative properties.
Top researched benefits
Overview of IGF-1 LR3
IGF-1 LR3 binds and activates the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R), a transmembrane tyrosine kinase, triggering downstream PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling to drive protein synthesis and cellular hypertrophy, and MAPK/ERK signaling to promote cellular proliferation and differentiation. Its reduced IGFBP affinity means a greater free fraction remains biologically active, amplifying receptor engagement compared to native IGF-1.
muscle growth
- 15-20% lean mass gains in 4 weeks through satellite cell activation (rat studies).
- Cancer cachexia rats maintained 30% more muscle versus placebo.
- Creates new muscle fibers via satellite cell differentiation.
tissue repair
- Accelerated wound healing in animal models.
- Enhanced connective tissue repair.
metabolic
- Directs nutrients toward muscle tissue.
- Enhanced lipolysis through IGF-1 pathway.
Typical Dose
20–100mcg per injection
Frequency
once daily
Cycle Duration
4–6 weeks on, followed by an equal off period
Storage
Lyophilized: refrigerate at 2–8°C for up to 1 month, or freeze at -20°C for up to 12 months. Reconstituted: store at 2–8°C and use within 28 days; do not freeze the reconstituted solution.
No visual available
Due to this peptide having no amino acids, there is no molecular chain to display.
Chemical Makeup
Key benefits
Promotes skeletal muscle hypertrophy and hyperplasia by activating satellite cells and stimulating the formation of new muscle fibers
Increases nitrogen retention and protein synthesis via mTOR pathway activation, supporting lean mass gains beyond those achievable with native IGF-1
Accelerates recovery from muscle damage and connective tissue injury by upregulating fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix remodeling
Enhances glucose and amino acid uptake preferentially in muscle tissue, improving nutrient partitioning and reducing fat accumulation
Community interest
This peptide is still gaining traction in the community.
IGF-1 Receptor Agonist | Muscle Growth & Recovery
This overview is informational and based on aggregated descriptions from studies and user reports.
Was it helpful?YesNoIGF-1 LR3 Molecular Information
View the scientifc details of IGF-1 LR3.
Molecular Weight
9117.6DaChain Length
0Amino AcidsType
PeptideIGF-1 LR3 Protocols
Subcutaneous injection is the primary delivery route for IGF-1 LR3 and offers near-complete bioavailability. Unlike native IGF-1, IGF-1 LR3's structural modification at position 3 (glutamic acid to arginine) reduces IGFBP binding affinity approximately 600-fold, so the injected dose circulates as free, bioactive peptide for 20–30 hours rather than being sequestered — enabling reliable once-daily dosing that native IGF-1 cannot achieve.
| Goal | Dosage | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Establish tolerance and initiate anabolic signaling in new users while minimizing hypoglycemia risk | 20 | 1 day range | SubQ |
| Support lean muscle growth and cell proliferation through sustained IGF-1R activation over a structured cycle | 50 | 1 day range | SubQ |
| Maximize IGF-1R-driven myocyte proliferation and satellite cell activation under supervised conditions | 100 | 1 day range | SubQ |
| Promote lipolysis and preserve lean mass during a caloric deficit through enhanced nutrient partitioning | 40 | 1 day range | SubQ |
| Accelerate muscle and connective tissue repair after injury or intense training by elevating IGF-1 receptor signaling | 30 | 1 day range | SubQ |
| Restore age-related decline in IGF-1 signaling to support cellular regeneration, skin elasticity, and systemic tissue maintenance | 20 | 1 day range | SubQ |
Reconstitution Instructions
Materials needed:
Steps to reconstitute
- Remove the plastic cap from the IGF-1 LR3 vial and wipe the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab; allow to air dry for 30 seconds
- Draw 2 mL of bacteriostatic water (BAC water) into a separate insulin syringe — this yields 500 mcg/mL from a 1 mg vial (every 10 units on the syringe = 50 mcg)
- Insert the syringe needle through the rubber stopper and inject the BAC water slowly down the inner glass wall of the vial — do not aim the stream directly onto the powder
- Once all BAC water is added, gently swirl the vial in a circular motion until the powder fully dissolves into a clear solution — do not shake or vortex
- If powder does not dissolve within 5 minutes, allow the vial to sit at room temperature and swirl again; never apply heat
- Label the vial with the reconstitution date and concentration, then refrigerate at 2–8°C (35–46°F); use within 28–30 days and do not re-freeze
- To draw a dose, wipe the vial stopper with a fresh alcohol swab, insert a new insulin syringe, invert the vial, and withdraw the calculated volume
- Select an injection site (abdomen 2 inches from navel, outer thigh, or deltoid); clean with an alcohol swab and allow to air dry
- Pinch approximately 1 inch of skin, insert the needle at a 45–90 degree angle, and inject slowly and steadily
- Withdraw the needle, apply light pressure with a clean swab for 10 seconds, and record the site used to rotate systematically with each injection
IGF-1 LR3 Cycle
The IGF-1 LR3 Cycle section explains how long a typical cycle lasts and what to expect during each phase. Over time, your body can become less responsive with continuous use.
Taking breaks between cycles may help maintain effectiveness and support better overall results.
- Week 1-2
- Increased muscle pump and fullness; possible hypoglycemia if carbs inadequate
- Week 2-4
- Enhanced recovery, strength gains, visible fullness, potential water retention
- Week 4-6
- Maximum effects; receptor desensitization approaching; joint stiffness common
- Week 0-0
- Pump loss over 1-2 weeks; strength/size gains may persist with training
Dosing tools
IGF-1 LR3 Peptide Dosage Calculator
Calculate peptide doses with our visual syringe guide.
mg
Enter the total amount of peptide in the vial in milligrams (as stated on the label).
The dose you want to inject per administration, in mcg or mg.
1,000 mcg = 1 mg
1 mL
2 mL
3 mL
5 mL
Custom
Volume of bacteriostatic water you add to reconstitute the powder. Use BAC water for preservation.
Injection Results
Based on your vial and dilution inputs.
IGF-1 LR3
SINGLE COMPOUNDVolume per injection
0.05
mL
Concentration
10.00
mg/mL
Doses per vial
20
doses
Total injections per vial
20 injections
How it works
Based on a 10 mg IGF-1 LR3 vial diluted with 1 mL of bacteriostatic water, each 500 mcg injection equals 0.05 mL.
1mL / 100 units
5 units
0.050 mL
Reference Guide
Dosing Cycle
- Peptide
- IGF-1 LR3
- Dosing
- 20–100mcg per injection
- Dosing Frequency
- once daily
- Cycle Duration
- 4–6 weeks on, followed by an equal off period
- Storage
- Lyophilized: refrigerate at 2–8°C for up to 1 month, or freeze at -20°C for up to 12 months. Reconstituted: store at 2–8°C and use within 28 days; do not freeze the reconstituted solution.
Note: Triple agonist; microdose for fewer side effects
Reconstitution Tips
- Use bacteriostatic water (BAC) — contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol for preservation
- Inject water slowly — aim down the vial wall, not directly onto powder
- Never shake — gently swirl or roll the vial until dissolved
- Store properly — refrigerate at 2-8°C after reconstitution
- Use within 28 days — most reconstituted peptides remain stable for about 4 weeks
- Keep sterile — always clean vial tops with alcohol before drawing
Peptide Interactions
Research suggestions of IGF-1 LR3 interactions with other common peptides and substances.
Side effects
Monitor: Be careful when combining IGF-1 LR3 with Cerebrolysin, MK-677.
Contraindications
NEVER approved for human use - research chemical only
Cancer history or undiagnosed growths
May cause organ hypertrophy (heart, intestines)
WADA prohibited - causes failed drug tests
Stop signs
Severe or recurring hypoglycemia despite carbohydrate intake
Unusual growths, lumps, or rapid mole changes
Severe joint pain or carpal tunnel symptoms
Persistent nausea, headaches, or vision changes
Signs of organ enlargement
Extreme fatigue or mental fog
Bad signs
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Frequently asked questions
What is a peptide dosage calculator?
A peptide dosage calculator is a free tool that converts your vial size, bacteriostatic water volume, and target dose into an exact syringe draw volume. Instead of doing the reconstitution math by hand, you enter three inputs and instantly get the concentration of your solution and how many milliliters or syringeunits to draw. This calculator works for single peptide compounds and multi-peptide blends.
How do I calculate peptide dosage from a vial?
To calculate your peptide dose, divide the total peptide content of your vial in micrograms by the volume of bacteriostatic water you added in milliliters. This gives you your solution concentration in mcg/mL. Then divide your target dose by that concentration to get your draw volume. For example, a 5mg (5,000 mcg) vial reconstituted with 2mL of BAC water gives a concentration of 2,500 mcg/mL. A 250 mcg dose would require drawing 0.1mL. This calculator automates all of those steps instantly.
How much Bacteriostatic water should I add to a peptide vial?
Most people add 2mL to 3mL of bacteriostatic water per vial, but the right amount depends on the dose you want to draw and the syringe size you are using. Adding 1mL to a 5mg vial gives you a concentration of 5,000 mcg/mL, making each dose very small in volume. Adding 2mL gives you 2,500 mcg/mL, which is easier to measure on a standard insulin syringe. A general guideline is to choose a volume that puts your typical dose somewhere between 10 and 30 units on a U-100 syringe. Use the calculator above to test different water volumes and find what works for your dose.
How are peptides different from proteins?
Both are made of amino acids, but peptides are much smaller than proteins. Because of their tiny size, peptides can act like tiny messengers in the body, sending specific signals to your cells to tell them exactly what to do.
IGF-1 LR3Research References
IGF-1 LR3 is a preclinical compound
IGF-1 LR3
IGF-1 LR3 is a preclinical compound
Rat Muscle Hypertrophy Study - Florini et al.
2.5mg/kg/day for 4 weeks showed 2.5x greater anabolic response compared to native IGF-1. Satellite cell activation and protein synthesis increased 50%.
1996
Fetal Sheep Metabolic Study
Acute infusion suppressed insulin secretion by 66%. Study halted early due to 4 animal deaths from hypoglycemia.
2000
Cancer Cachexia Rat Model
0.3mg/kg/day for 14 days showed 30% lean mass preservation during cachexia.
1998
UK Biobank Cancer Association
Elevated IGF-1 associated with multiple cancers including thyroid, colorectal, breast, prostate, melanoma.
2023
Calculate peptide dosages
Learning how to calculate a peptide dose? Use our beginner-friendly peptide dosage, blend, and accumulation calculators. Enter vial size, reconstitution volume, and target dose to get exact draw volumes instantly. No guesswork, just clear guidance that helps prevent common mistakes.
