Elamipretide vs IGF-1 LR3

Head-to-head comparison of Elamipretide (Elamipretide (MTP-131, SS-31)) and IGF-1 LR3 (Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Long R3) — benefits, dosing, side effects, research data, and where to buy.

Research Score

PropertyElamipretideIGF-1 LR3
CategoryMuscle & PerformancePerformance
Full NameElamipretide (MTP-131, SS-31)Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Long R3
Molecular Weight639.8 Da9,117 Da
Half-Life1-4 hours~20-30 hours
Amino Acids483
Typical Dose0.01-0.25 mg/kg/day20-100 mcg
RouteSubcutaneous/IntravenousIM / SC
Purity≥98%
Studies Count120298
Research StatusClinicalPre-clinical

Elamipretide Benefits

  • mitochondrial protection
  • reduced oxidative stress
  • improved fatigue resistance
  • may support exercise tolerance

IGF-1 LR3 Benefits

  • Promotes muscle hyperplasia (new muscle cells)
  • Extended half-life vs native IGF-1
  • Enhanced protein synthesis
  • Improved nutrient partitioning
  • Anti-catabolic effects

Elamipretide Dosing

0.01-0.25 mg/kg/day SC (clinical research)|daily dosing in trials|alternative IV protocols in some studies

IGF-1 LR3 Dosing

Standard: 20-50 mcg IM post-workout|Advanced: 50-100 mcg IM or SC daily|Cycle: 4-6 weeks on, 4 weeks off

Elamipretide Side Effects

  • nausea
  • injection-site reactions
  • diarrhea
  • headache

IGF-1 LR3 Side Effects

  • Common: Hypoglycemia (dose-dependent), joint pain, water retention
  • Moderate: Gut growth concern (high doses), acromegaly-like symptoms
  • Serious: Theoretical cancer risk (prolonged high-dose use)

Research Overview

Elamipretide

Clinical and translational studies show elamipretide can improve mitochondrial function and some functional endpoints in mitochondrial disorders. Skeletal muscle research suggests benefits are driven by energy metabolism rather than direct muscle-building effects.

IGF-1 LR3

IGF-1 LR3 has extensive in vitro and animal data. Its role in muscle hyperplasia is well-documented. The extended half-life modification provides practical advantages over native IGF-1.

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Common Stacking Partners

Elamipretide stacks with:

creatinecoenzyme-q10protein

IGF-1 LR3 stacks with:

BPC-157TB-500CJC-1295
mitochondriafatigueenergy-metabolismperformanceMuscle GrowthAnti-agingPerformanceAnabolic