IGF-1 LR3: The Long-Acting Anabolic Growth Factor

Active Substance: Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 ($\text{LR}3$ variant)

Manufacturer: Deus Medical

Pack: 1 Vial x 1 mg

Form: Injectable

What Is IGF-1 LR3?

$\text{IGF-1 LR3}$ (Long ¹$\text{R}3$ Insulin-like Growth Factor 1) is a synthetic, long-acting analog of the naturally occurring human ²$\text{IGF-1}$ peptide.³ It is modified to have an extended half-life and greater systemic effect compared to standard $\text{IGF-1}$.

The $\text{LR}3$ modification prevents the peptide from binding strongly to the majority of its plasma binding proteins ($\text{IGFBPs}$). This dramatically extends its activity from minutes to hours, allowing it to circulate throughout the body for much longer, binding to receptors and stimulating powerful anabolic effects.

Core Performance Benefits

• Sustained Anabolic Action: ⁴$\text{IGF-1 LR3}$ is used to stimulate cell growth, muscle recovery, and fat burning over a prolonged period.⁵ The long half-life provides sustained anabolic signaling throughout the day.

• Muscle Growth and Recovery: It enhances protein synthesis and inhibits protein degradation, leading to the growth of more muscle tissue and significantly faster recovery times post-workout.

• Fat Loss: ⁶$\text{IGF-1 LR3}$ aids in dissolving fat deposits and improving metabolism, contributing to overall body recomposition.⁷

• Hyperplasia Potential: Research suggests $\text{IGF-1}$ may stimulate muscle cell hyperplasia (creating new muscle fibers) rather than just hypertrophy (enlarging existing fibers), potentially offering long-term growth capacity.

 Usage and Dosage Protocols

$\text{IGF-1 LR3}$ is typically administered infrequently due to its extended half-life.

• Administration: Typically administered via subcutaneous injection.

• Dosage: Dosages vary widely, but common usage ranges from $20 \text{ mcg}$ to $100 \text{ mcg}$ daily. Doses are often dependent on the user's experience and specific goals.

• Timing: Due to the risk of hypoglycemia, $\text{IGF-1 LR3}$ is often dosed either upon waking or immediately post-workout, ensuring adequate carbohydrate intake follows the injection.

• Duration: Cycles typically last between 4 to 8 weeks.

 Side Effects and Warnings

$\text{IGF-1 LR3}$ is a potent growth factor; its misuse can have serious health effects, mimicking those of excessive growth hormone.

• Hypoglycemia Risk: The most common acute side effect is hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), as $\text{IGF-1}$ is structurally similar to insulin. Users must consume fast-acting carbohydrates around dosing time.

• Excessive Growth: Abuse can lead to potential organ growth enlargement ($\text{acromegaly}$), nerve impingement (e.g., joint pain or carpal tunnel syndrome), and potential harm to the heart and joints due to excessive stimulation.

• Cancer Risk: Due to its ability to stimulate cell division, chronic elevation of ⁸$\text{IGF-1}$ is linked to a potential increase in the risk of certain cancers.⁹

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What makes the $\text{LR}3$ variant long-acting compared to standard $\text{IGF-1}$?

The ¹⁰$\text{LR}3$ modification (Long ¹¹$\text{R}3$ substitution) dramatically reduces the peptide's affinity for $\text{IGFBP}$s (Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Proteins).¹² These binding proteins usually neutralize $\text{IGF-1}$ rapidly. By minimizing binding, $\text{IGF-1 LR3}$ remains active in the bloodstream for up to 20–30 hours, allowing for once-daily dosing.

2. Is it better to inject $\text{IGF-1 LR3}$ subcutaneously or intramuscularly?

$\text{IGF-1 LR3}$ is primarily injected subcutaneously (into the fat layer, often in the abdomen) when the goal is a systemic anabolic effect ($\text{i.e.,}$ better muscle growth and recovery across the whole body). Intramuscular injection is sometimes preferred with the $\text{IGF-1 DES}$ variant for targeted, localized growth.

3. Does $\text{IGF-1 LR3}$ require Post Cycle Therapy (PCT)?

No. $\text{IGF-1 LR3}$ is a growth factor peptide. It does not interfere with the $\text{HPTA}$ (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular Axis) and therefore does not suppress the body's natural production of testosterone. Standard $\text{PCT}$ protocols are not required after $\text{IGF-1 LR3}$ use.

4. Why is the risk of organ growth enlargement associated with $\text{IGF-1}$?

$\text{IGF-1}$ is a master anabolic hormone that stimulates cell growth and division in nearly all tissue types.¹³ While this is beneficial for muscle, abuse can cause undesirable growth in organs (e.g., the heart) or bone structure (e.g., hands, feet, jaw), leading to the condition known as acromegaly, a key warning against ¹⁴$\text{IGF-1}$ abuse.¹⁵