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Growth Hormone Axis
A long-acting lab version of IGF-1, the hormone growth hormone works through.
Growth Hormone Axis
A selective growth-hormone secretagogue with a clean side-effect profile.
IGF-1 LR3 is not FDA-approved and rated 1/5 for evidence; Ipamorelin is not FDA-approved and rated 3/5. Ipamorelin has more human evidence behind it. Both are banned in sport by WADA. Both are used for growth hormone axis goals.
| Compare | IGF-1 LR3 A long-acting lab version of IGF-1, the hormone growth hormone works through. | Ipamorelin A selective growth-hormone secretagogue with a clean side-effect profile. |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Growth Hormone Axis | Growth Hormone Axis |
| Evidence | 1/5Developed as a cell-culture reagent. No human clinical trials of LR3. Human data exists only for the approved native IGF-1 drug (mecasermin), a different product. | 3/5Phase 2 human trials for postoperative ileus; GH-release effects are well documented in humans. |
| FDA status | Not FDA-approved | Not FDA-approved |
| WADA (sport) | Banned | Banned |
| Also known as | Long R3 IGF-1, Long Arg3 IGF-1, LR3-IGF-1 | NNC 26-0161 |
| How it works | Activates the IGF-1 receptor, which drives cell growth, protein building and glucose uptake. Because it largely escapes IGF-binding proteins, more of it stays free and active than with native IGF-1. | Ghrelin-receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist producing a short, pulsatile GH release. Often paired with a GHRH analog (CJC-1295, sermorelin) for a stronger combined pulse. |
| Half-life | Longer than native IGF-1 (often quoted as about 20–30 hours); not well studied in humans | About 2 hours |
| Commonly reported doses |
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| Route | Subcutaneous or intramuscular | Subcutaneous |
| Good once mixed | ~21 days in the fridge | ~30 days in the fridge |
| Top side effects |
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| Lowest research-listing price per mg | $41.99 (1 mg vial, 40% off) | $3.00 (10 mg vial, 40% off) |
| Latest lab purity | 99.03% (lot IGF0002) | 99.79% (lot IPA0002) |
Want a third? Add another peptide. Doses are commonly reported ranges, not recommendations.
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IGF-1 LR3 is not FDA-approved and rated 1/5 for evidence; Ipamorelin is not FDA-approved and rated 3/5. Ipamorelin has more human evidence behind it. Both are banned in sport by WADA. Both are used for growth hormone axis goals.
IGF-1 LR3: Not FDA-approved. Ipamorelin: Not FDA-approved. Regulations change, so confirm with the FDA.
IGF-1 LR3 is rated 1 out of 5: Developed as a cell-culture reagent. No human clinical trials of LR3. Human data exists only for the approved native IGF-1 drug (mecasermin), a different product. Ipamorelin is rated 3 out of 5: Phase 2 human trials for postoperative ileus; GH-release effects are well documented in humans. The scale is explained on our methodology page.
IGF-1 LR3 is banned by WADA, by name or as part of a named class. Ipamorelin is banned by WADA, by name or as part of a named class.