Description
IGF-1 LR3 (Long R3 Insulin-like Growth Factor-1) is a potent, engineered analog of the naturally occurring Insulin-like Growth Factor-1. It has been structurally modified to have a significantly extended half-life and reduced binding to inhibitory proteins in the bloodstream, resulting in a much more potent and prolonged anabolic, hyperplastic (causing cell proliferation), and recovery-enhancing effect compared to endogenous IGF-1.
Mechanism of Action
The mechanism of action for IGF-1 LR3 mirrors that of natural IGF-1 but with greater intensity and duration. It primarily binds to the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) on cell surfaces, triggering powerful intracellular signaling cascades. This promotes intense nutrient uptake (especially glucose and amino acids) into muscle cells, stimulates protein synthesis, inhibits protein breakdown, and induces cellular hyperplasia—an increase in the actual number of muscle cells. Unlike endogenous IGF-1 which acts mostly in an endocrine/paracrine manner, the systemic administration of IGF-1 LR3 allows it to exert powerful effects directly at the injection site (local growth) and throughout the body.
Clinical Application and Dosage
IGF-1 LR3 is a research peptide with no approved clinical application in humans. In performance and experimental contexts, it is used for its profound ability to promote muscle growth, accelerate recovery from injury and training, and significantly enhance fat loss by improving insulin sensitivity and nutrient partitioning.
Dosing of IGF-1 LR3 is highly potent and must be approached with caution. Common research protocols use doses between 20 mcg and 80 mcg per day. It is often administered via subcutaneous injection, with some users employing intramuscular injections post-workout for potential localized effects. A 1000 mcg vial of IGF-1 LR3 provides multiple doses. It is critical to reconstitute it with a specific acetic acid solution (or bacteriostatic water with acetic acid) to maintain stability and prevent degradation, and it must be stored refrigerated.
Treatment Protocol and Monitoring
Cycles with IGF-1 LR3 are typically short, ranging from 4 to 6 weeks, due to its potency, cost, and potential for causing hypoglycemia and organ growth. It is often used post-workout to shuttle nutrients into trained muscles. Rigorous monitoring is essential. Users must monitor for signs of severe hypoglycemia (shakiness, sweating, confusion) and are advised to consume a carbohydrate source around the time of injection. Long-term protocols require monitoring of blood glucose and IGF-1 levels.
Pharmacological Profile
The key pharmacological feature of IGF-1 LR3 is its extended half-life of 20-30 hours, achieved by the “Long R3” modification which reduces protein binding. This allows for once-daily administration. It is a fragile peptide that requires careful reconstitution and storage. Its potency is significantly higher than natural IGF-1, leading to more pronounced systemic and local effects.
Common Side Effects
The use of IGF-1 LR3 is associated with significant and potentially serious side effects due to its powerful metabolic and growth-promoting activity. The most common include:
- Hypoglycemia: A profound and potentially dangerous drop in blood sugar levels is the most immediate risk, requiring careful nutrient timing.
- Local and Systemic Growth: Can cause noticeable growth at the injection site (e.g., enlarged muscle bellies) and undesirable growth of internal organs (organomegaly) with prolonged use.
- Headaches and Lethargy: Often related to blood sugar fluctuations.
- Increased Cancer Risk: A major theoretical concern, as IGF-1 is a potent mitogen that can potentially stimulate the growth of existing malignancies.
- Joint Pain and Swelling: Due to rapid connective tissue growth and fluid retention.
- Numbness and Tingling (Carpal Tunnel): Caused by soft tissue growth compressing nerves.
- Water Retention: Common due to its effects on nutrient and fluid uptake into cells.
Due to its potent mitogenic effects and impact on blood sugar, IGF-1 LR3 is considered a high-risk research compound. It is contraindicated for individuals with a history of cancer, diabetes, or cardiovascular/kidney disease.
You can buy IGF-1 LR3 made by Apoxar in bulk in Canada via our website. Navigate to the “Purchase” tab and fill the contact form with details of your wholesale order. Please note: we do not sell single packs or ship directly to consumers, Apoxar is a wholesale fitness medication manufacturer and we work exclusively with our approved distributors.

