IGF-1 (Native)
low riskAlso: Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 · Somatomedin C · IGF1
Reference entry for native IGF-1 — the primary mediator of growth hormone's anabolic and tissue-repair effects. Produced primarily by the liver in response to GH. Half-life ~15 hours when bound to IGFBPs. The target axis for multiple peptide classes (GHRPs, GHRH analogs, IGF-1 analogs).
Reported Benefits
Growth and tissue repair
Well-characterized mediator of GH effects. Mecasermin (recombinant IGF-1) FDA-approved for growth failure.
Mechanism of Action
Binds IGF-1R (type 1 IGF receptor); activates PI3K-Akt-mTOR and MAPK pathways; mediates GH effects on muscle, bone, and organ growth; central to tissue repair signaling.
Key Clinical Studies
Ranke & Elmlinger (1997)
Review · Review
Comprehensive characterization of IGF-1 receptor pharmacology and clinical effects
Mecasermin: The Approved IGF-1 Drug
Recombinant IGF-1 (mecasermin/Increlex) is FDA-approved for short stature due to primary IGF-1 deficiency. This approval establishes the pharmacological basis for IGF-1 axis manipulation as a legitimate therapeutic approach.
Long R3 IGF-1 and other analogs are engineered to improve on native IGF-1’s pharmacokinetics.
✦ Sponsored
Stop Guessing About Your Health. Start Optimizing It.
Advanced diagnostics and licensed medical providers delivering personalized longevity care to uncover root causes, optimize health, and track progress virtually or in person.
Learn More →
Regulatory Status
Research OnlyRecombinant IGF-1 (Increlex) FDA approved for IGF-1 deficiency
Safety Profile
Side Effects
- •Hypoglycemia (clinical doses)
- •Jaw/soft tissue growth (acromegalic effects)
- •Carcinogenic risk (IGF-1R is oncogenic)
Contraindications
- •Active malignancy
- •Diabetic retinopathy
- •Closed epiphyses with growth intent
Drug Interactions
- •Insulin (severe hypoglycemia risk)
Primary Uses
Related Peptides
Planning a protocol?
Use the AI Stack Builder to generate a phased schedule, compatibility analysis, and monitoring checklist.
Weekly Briefing
Regulatory updates + new study breakdowns.
For Practitioners
Do you prescribe IGF-1 (Native)?
Get in front of patients who've already researched this protocol and are ready to consult. Featured listings from $199/mo.
Get Listed →