LESSON 2 OF 2
IGF-1, fragments and the evidence
By the end you can
- Describe IGF-1 LR3 and the GH fragments
- Read the evidence grade for each GH product
- Know the sport and regulatory flags
IGF-1 and GH fragments
IGF-1 LR3 is a modified, longer-lasting version of IGF-1, the hormone the liver makes in response to GH. It is mainly a cell-culture research tool.
HGH Fragment 176-191 and AOD-9604 are pieces from the tail end of growth hormone, studied for fat metabolism without GH's other effects. AOD-9604's human obesity trials did not meet their goals.
Evidence at a glance
Tesamorelin is the only GH product here with an approved branded drug (grade A). Sermorelin and GHRP-2 have older approvals or diagnostic use (B). AOD-9604 reached a phase 2b trial of about 500 adults, which missed its goals but still counts as a large controlled trial (B). CJC-1295 with DAC, ipamorelin and GHRP-6 have small human studies (C). CJC-1295 No DAC, IGF-1 LR3 and HGH Fragment 176-191 rest on animal or cell work (D), and so do all the GH blends.
Sport and regulation
GHRH analogs, GH-releasing peptides and growth factors like IGF-1 are banned at all times by the World Anti-Doping Agency, under its category S2. FDA advisers voted against allowing pharmacies to compound ipamorelin in 2024. Athletes are not research buyers, and these products should never be discussed with them.
- Grade A
Tesamorelin
- Grade B
Sermorelin
- Grade B
GHRP-2
- Grade C
CJC-1295 with DAC
- Grade C
Ipamorelin
- Grade C
GHRP-6
- Grade C
AOD-9604
- Grade D
CJC-1295 No DAC
- Grade D
IGF-1 LR3
- Grade D
HGH Fragment 176-191
- Grade D
GH blends
Key terms
- IGF-1 LR3
- A long-lasting lab version of insulin-like growth factor 1, used mainly in cell culture.
- HGH Fragment 176-191
- The tail-end piece of growth hormone, studied for fat metabolism.
- AOD-9604
- A modified GH tail fragment whose human obesity trials missed their goals.
- WADA S2
- The anti-doping category covering peptide hormones, growth factors and GH releasers.
Remember
- Tesamorelin is the only GH product with an approved branded drug.
- Every GH blend is grade D: the combination is unstudied.
- GH peptides are banned in sport, so athletes are never a fit.
WATCH TO LEARN MORE
GH–IGF-1 Axis Physiology Explained
Dr. Anurag Bajpai, pediatric endocrinologist
Walks through how growth hormone prompts the liver and tissues to make IGF-1 and how feedback keeps the system in balance.
From an outside channel, for background science. Partner rules still apply to everything you say. Watch on YouTube