IGF-1 DES vs Elamipretide
Head-to-head comparison of IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) Insulin-like Growth Factor 1) and Elamipretide (Elamipretide (MTP-131, SS-31)) — benefits, dosing, side effects, research data, and where to buy.
Research Score
| Property | IGF-1 DES | Elamipretide |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Growth Hormone | Muscle & Performance |
| Full Name | Des(1-3) Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 | Elamipretide (MTP-131, SS-31) |
| Molecular Weight | 7365 Da | 639.8 Da |
| Half-Life | ~20-30 minutes | 1-4 hours |
| Amino Acids | 67 | 4 |
| Typical Dose | — | 0.01-0.25 mg/kg/day |
| Route | — | Subcutaneous/Intravenous |
| Purity | >98% | ≥98% |
| Studies Count | 65 | 120 |
| Research Status | Active Research | Clinical |
IGF-1 DES Benefits
- ✓Highly potent localized muscle growth, enhanced protein synthesis, satellite cell proliferation, does not bind to IGFBPs, rapid onset
Elamipretide Benefits
- ✓mitochondrial protection
- ✓reduced oxidative stress
- ✓improved fatigue resistance
- ✓may support exercise tolerance
IGF-1 DES Dosing
50-150 mcg per injection site bilaterally post-workout. 4-6 week cycles due to potency. Multiple daily injections in research.
Elamipretide Dosing
0.01-0.25 mg/kg/day SC (clinical research)|daily dosing in trials|alternative IV protocols in some studies
IGF-1 DES Side Effects
- ⚠Hypoglycemia (dose-dependent), localized swelling, shorter duration limits systemic exposure compared to IGF-1 LR3.
Elamipretide Side Effects
- ⚠nausea
- ⚠injection-site reactions
- ⚠diarrhea
- ⚠headache
Research Overview
IGF-1 DES
Missing first three amino acids (Gly-Pro-Glu) eliminates IGFBP binding, resulting in 100% bioavailable IGF-1R stimulation. Activates PI3K/Akt/mTOR for protein synthesis and satellite cell proliferation.
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.
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