Named with IGF-1 under S2, and the analytical problem of telling an analogue from the natural hormone

Published 26 October 2026 · REVIVE LAB UAE Research Desk · 5 min read
Class S2 of the WADA prohibited list names insulin-like growth factor 1 and its analogues, with Long R3 IGF-1 and des(1-3) IGF-1 given as examples, prohibited at all times. Detecting LR3 differs from detecting recombinant IGF-1: recombinant IGF-1 is identical to the natural hormone and must be inferred from levels and ratios, whereas LR3 has a sequence and a mass that do not occur in the body, so finding it is direct. Anti-doping laboratories detect it by liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry, targeting the analogue or its characteristic proteolytic fragments. Immunoassays for IGF-1 recognise the analogue variably and are not used for this purpose.

The listing

IGF-1 sits in the peptide hormone and growth factor class alongside growth hormone and its releasing factors. The analogues are named so that there is no argument about whether a modified molecule is covered. The class is prohibited in and out of competition. Mecasermin, as an approved IGF-1, is also prohibited without a therapeutic exemption.

Thymosin beta-4 and its derivatives appear in the same class.

The detection chemistry

The 13-residue extension and the arginine at position 3 give LR3 a tryptic fragment pattern different from IGF-1. After extraction from plasma or urine and digestion, the extension-containing fragment is a marker found only if the analogue is present. The intact analogue at about 9,111 daltons can also be detected directly on high-resolution instruments. The window depends on clearance, which for a binding-protein-resistant molecule is short.

Immunoassays raised against IGF-1 bind LR3 to a degree that varies with the antibody epitope, which makes them unsuitable for confirming the analogue specifically and is also why clinical IGF-1 results in anyone exposed to it would be uninterpretable.

Why it is here

Because the regulatory status of the molecule and the analytical facts behind its detection are part of what is established about it. This page states them; it is not advice.

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

The listing?

IGF-1 sits in the peptide hormone and growth factor class alongside growth hormone and its releasing factors. The analogues are named so that there is no argument about whether a modified molecule is covered. The class is prohibited in and out of competition. Mecasermin, as an approved IGF-1, is also prohibited without a therapeutic exemption.

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

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