Peptide Knowledge Base · Recovery
IGF-1 LR3: what it is, what the evidence says, and its real status
A long-acting IGF-1 analog used in bodybuilding circles for muscle and recovery, potent, banned in sport, and research-only.
Short version: a potent long-acting IGF-1 analog from the bodybuilding world. Powerful growth signaling means real risk, it is WADA-banned and research-only. Education and caution, never an offer.
Can you actually get it?
Plain-English verdict: Education only.
Regulatory status: Research-only · WADA-banned · Education only.
Not offered, education and caution only. IGF-1 LR3 is a research-only growth-factor analog, prohibited in tested sport (WADA S2), with theoretical growth-promotion risk. Not FDA-approved, not available.
How does IGF-1 LR3 work?
A modified, long-acting form of insulin-like growth factor 1 that sustains anabolic and proliferative signaling in tissue.
What it does — and what it does not do
What it does: Drives muscle growth and recovery signaling; used illicitly in performance circles.
What it does not do: It is not approved, not safe to obtain, and not appropriate for anyone, its growth signaling is the risk.
How honest is the evidence?
Evidence grade D — research-only; potent growth signaling; human safety uncharacterized. Read our grading methodology for what each grade means.
What we still don't know: Long-term cancer-risk and metabolic effects of sustained IGF signaling are the central uncharacterized concerns.
WADA status: Banned (S2).
How it is taken
Not offered; education only.
Who should not take it
Theoretical growth-promotion / cancer risk; WADA S2 banned; not characterized for safe human use.
Sources
IGF-1 / IGF-1 LR3 growth-factor literature; WADA Prohibited List
Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. We keep two signals separate and never collapse them: whether you can get something, and what the rule currently says. See the live FDA Peptide Tracker or the knowledge base.
Last reviewed 2026-08-11 · Peptós.LIFE · Not medical advice.