IGF-1 LR3

Growth factor analog · Also known as Long R3 IGF-1, Long Arg3 IGF-1

What is IGF-1 LR3?

A modified version of insulin-like growth factor 1 with a longer half-life and greater potency than native IGF-1. It promotes muscle growth, recovery, and nutrient uptake.

IGF-1 LR3 is an 83-amino-acid synthetic analog of human IGF-1. It has an arginine substituted at position 3 and 13 additional amino acids at the N-terminus, reducing its affinity for IGF-binding proteins and making it roughly three times more potent than native IGF-1.

Key takeaway: IGF-1 LR3 is a long-acting growth factor analog roughly three times more potent than native IGF-1, primarily studied for muscle hypertrophy and tissue repair.

Benefits & evidence

Muscle growth Moderate confidence
Recovery Moderate confidence
Fat metabolism Preliminary confidence

How it works

IGF-1 LR3 binds to the IGF-1 receptor on cell surfaces, activating the PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling cascades. These pathways promote protein synthesis, inhibit protein degradation, and stimulate satellite cell proliferation in muscle tissue.

Because its structural modifications reduce binding to IGF-binding proteins, more of the peptide remains free and active in circulation. This gives it a half-life of 20 to 30 hours compared to about 15 minutes for native IGF-1.

Dosing information

Typical dosing protocol
Starting dose

20-50 mcg/day

Weeks 1-2
Maintenance dose

50-100 mcg/day

4-6 week cycles

Typically administered subcutaneously. Cycle length is important due to IGF-1 receptor desensitization.

Side effects

Most side effects tend to improve as your body adjusts.

Hypoglycemia Moderate
Joint pain Common
Water retention Common
Organ growth Rare

Research (10 studies)

Coronary vascular growth matches IGF-1-stimulated cardiac growth in fetal sheep. FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology · 2020
IGF-1 LR3 does not promote growth in late-gestation growth-restricted fetal sheep. American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism · 2025