IGF-1
Regulatory
Legal Status in 2026
No formal FDA approval; occupies a regulatory grey area in 2026.
This compound occupies a regulatory grey area in 2026. It is neither explicitly FDA-approved nor clearly illegal for personal use, but it lacks formal clinical approval and may not be legally sold for human use in all contexts. Proceed with caution: source quality is variable, and regulatory status can change. Always consult a physician.
About
About IGF-1
Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is the primary mediator of GH anabolic effects and is produced mainly in the liver. Recombinant IGF-1 (mecasermin) is FDA-approved for severe primary IGF-1 deficiency. In optimization medicine, lr3-IGF-1 (a longer-acting analog) is used off-label for muscle growth, recovery, and neuroprotection. It is a potent anabolic compound requiring careful titration.
Science
Mechanism of Action
Binds IGF-1 receptors on muscle, bone, and neural tissue, activating PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways to promote protein synthesis, cell survival, glucose uptake, and neural plasticity.
Dosing
Typical Protocol
20–80 mcg subcutaneous injection once daily post-workout; lr3-IGF-1 used at 20–100 mcg with longer activity window.
⚠ Protocol information is for educational purposes only. Dosing must be determined by a licensed physician based on individual health status and goals.
Evidence
Evidence Tier
Evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or large observational studies in humans. This is the gold standard — effects have been measured in controlled conditions and results are peer-reviewed and reproducible.
Availability
Provider availability
IGF-1 has no FDA approval for human use and is not available through licensed US prescribing or compounding channels, so Vial does not list providers for it.
This page evaluates compliance signals, not clinical outcomes. Consult a licensed physician before starting any therapy, medication, or treatment. Vial does not provide medical advice.