MGF
Mechano Growth Factor · IGF-1 Splice Variant
Non-pegylated IGF-1 splice variant produced locally in muscle tissue following mechanical stress. Has a very short half-life compared to PEG-MGF, requiring more frequent administration or localized injection.
Overview
Non-pegylated IGF-1 splice variant produced locally in muscle tissue following mechanical stress. Has a very short half-life compared to PEG-MGF, requiring more frequent administration or localized injection.
Activates muscle satellite stem cells via receptor binding, stimulating MAPK/ERK signaling. Enhances protein synthesis and promotes muscle fiber repair. The E-peptide domain exhibits distinct activity from mature IGF-1.
Research indications
What the compound has been studied for, grouped by body system. Effect size is the reported magnitude where it was measured — not a recommendation.
Primary mechanism activating dormant muscle satellite cells which fuse to damaged fibers.
Short half-life means effects are concentrated at injection site.
Naturally upregulated after mechanical stress; supplementation enhances repair processes.
Animal studies suggest improved tendon injury outcomes when applied locally.
Research indicates potential for bone healing via osteoblast regulation.
A large effect in a weak study and a small effect in a strong one are different things. Effect size is never evidence of use in people.
- Class
- IGF-1Ec splice variant C-terminal peptide
- Chain length
- 24 residues
- Molecular weight
- 2888 Da
- Half-life
- ~6 min
- Typical dose
- 100-300mcg per injection
- Frequency
- Daily, immediately post-workout
- Cycle length
- 8-12 weeks
- Storage
- Refrigerate at 2-8°C; use within 30 days
Molecular data
- Type
- IGF-1Ec splice variant C-terminal peptide
- Molecular weight
- 2888 Da
- Chain length
- 24 residues
- Half-life
- 6 min
Dosing reference
Doses reported in the literature and by suppliers. These are a record of what has been used in research — reference, never instruction.
| Context | Route | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Protocol | IM into target muscle | 100-300mcg | Daily, post-workout |
| Progressive Titration | IM bilateral | 100mcg → 300mcg | Daily, increasing weekly |
| Localized Recovery | IM into worked muscle groups | 200-300mcg | Immediately post-workout |
Interactions
Same active peptide with different half-lives. Combining is redundant; choose one based on protocol preference.
Both target IGF-1 pathways; combining risks receptor overstimulation.
Complementary mechanisms. BPC-157 promotes angiogenesis; MGF activates satellite cells.
TB-500 reduces inflammation and promotes cell migration; MGF activates muscle stem cells.
Quality checklist
- ✓White or off-white fluffy cake appearance
- ✓Crystal clear solution after reconstitution
- ✓Certificate of Analysis with HPLC purity >98%
- !Minor clumping that dissolves with gentle swirling
- ×Collapsed or discolored powder
- ×Persistent cloudiness or visible particles
What to expect
Safety
- Injection site soreness
- Mild fatigue
- Any unusual growths, lumps, or rapid tissue changes
- Severe injection site reactions
- Persistent headaches or vision changes
- Signs of hypoglycemia
- Any history of cancer or neoplastic disease
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Uncontrolled diabetes
FAQ
Why is MGF injected directly into muscles post-workout?
MGF has a 5-7 minute half-life and activates satellite stem cells locally at the injection site. Post-workout timing is critical because muscles are primed for growth and recovery. Direct intramuscular injection confines effects to the trained muscle group you want to develop.
How is MGF different from PEG-MGF?
Standard MGF has a 5-7 minute half-life requiring daily injections. PEG-MGF (pegylated) lasts much longer (hours). Choose based on protocol preference: frequent localized doses (MGF) or fewer higher-dose injections (PEG-MGF). Effects are similar; administration differs.
Can MGF cause hypoglycemia?
Possibly, though less likely than IGF-1 LR3 due to MGF's very short half-life and localized action. However, the post-workout window and direct muscle injection make hypoglycemia unlikely. Still monitor early use and consume carbs post-injection as a precaution.
How long do I need to use MGF to see muscle growth?
Week 1-2 shows reduced soreness in targeted muscles. Week 4-8 shows noticeable improvements in trained muscle size and recovery capacity. Most users run 8-12 week cycles with equal off-time. Structural gains from satellite cell activation may persist after discontinuation.