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.
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
Weekly Briefing
Regulatory updates + new study breakdowns.
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