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Four ways the molecule has been altered, and what each was for

Published 26 October 2026 · REVIVE LAB UAE Research Desk · 5 min read
Four engineered forms of IGF-1 have reached significant use or study. Des(1-3)IGF-1, a natural truncation, loses the first three residues and most binding-protein affinity. Long R3 IGF-1, a designed analogue, adds a 13-residue extension and an arginine at position 3 for the same purpose and became the culture-media standard. Pegylated IGF-1, reported around 2011, attaches polyethylene glycol to extend circulation and was studied for muscle disease. Mecasermin rinfabate, approved in 2005 and later withdrawn, complexed IGF-1 with IGFBP-3 to recreate the natural reservoir. Two strategies remove the binding proteins, two replace or mimic them.

Removing the binding proteins

Des(1-3) and LR3 both aim at more free ligand. The first is a natural form found in brain and colostrum; the second is its rational successor with a full-length chain. Both are more potent than native IGF-1 wherever binding proteins are present, have short half-lives in circulation, and are research reagents rather than medicines.

LR3 displaced des(1-3) in the culture market because it was easier to make and more stable.

Replacing or mimicking the reservoir

The opposite philosophy. Pegylation adds a large inert polymer that slows kidney clearance and keeps the molecule in circulation; it was pursued for conditions needing sustained IGF-1 exposure. Complexing IGF-1 with IGFBP-3 in a fixed ratio supplies the binding protein along with the ligand, so that the ternary complex forms and the half-life is physiological. The complex was approved for severe primary IGF-1 deficiency alongside plain mecasermin and withdrawn from the market after a patent dispute rather than for safety reasons.

Neither of these is in this catalogue.

What the set shows

That the binding proteins are the central design problem for this hormone. Every analogue is an answer to the question of how much free IGF-1 should reach receptors and for how long. The pack contains the answer called LR3.

IGF-1 LR3 is supplied by REVIVE LAB UAE for laboratory research use only, with identity and purity documented for the batch. It is not for human or veterinary use, and no dosing, administration or protocol guidance is provided.

What it costs

FormatStrengthPriceAvailability
IGF-1 LR3 Pack1 mgAED 650In stock

Delivery is AED 40 flat and free on orders over AED 700. Payment is cash on delivery anywhere in the UAE, or USDT (TRC20) in advance, which takes 5% off the order total.

Frequently asked

Removing the binding proteins?

Des(1-3) and LR3 both aim at more free ligand. The first is a natural form found in brain and colostrum; the second is its rational successor with a full-length chain. Both are more potent than native IGF-1 wherever binding proteins are present, have short half-lives in circulation, and are research reagents rather than medicines.

Does REVIVE LAB UAE provide dosing guidance?

No. REVIVE LAB UAE supplies research materials and provides no dosing, administration or protocol guidance of any kind. Every product is sold for laboratory research use only and is not for human or veterinary consumption.

How fast is delivery in the UAE?

Stock is held in Dubai. An order confirmed before 4 PM Dubai time is dispatched the same working day, reaching Dubai and Abu Dhabi the same day and the remaining emirates within 24 hours. Delivery is AED 40 flat and free over AED 700.

IGF-1 LR3 Pack — in stock, dispatched from Dubai
HPLC-verified, lot certificate on every carton, 24-hour delivery nationwide. Browse the catalogue → All peptides UAE

Related reading

→ IGF-1 LR3 Pack — 1 mg → Des(1-3)IGF-1 and IGF-1 LR3 → Mecasermin, and what LR3 is not

Supplied for laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary consumption. REVIVE LAB UAE provides no dosing, administration or protocol guidance.