IGF-1 LR3 Research Spray | Long Arg3 Insulin-Like Growth Factor
Captide Labs IGF-1 LR3 Spray delivers research-grade Long Arg3 Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 in a pre-formulated, ready-to-use liquid spray format. Each 30ml bottle contains 2mg of IGF-1 LR3 at greater than 98% purity, independently verified by HPLC-MS analysis and documented with a full Certificate of Analysis. Each actuation delivers 200–500mcg depending on application protocol.
IGF-1 LR3 (CAS 946870-92-4) is a synthetic 83-amino acid analogue of human insulin-like growth factor-1. It was engineered with two structural modifications that dramatically alter its pharmacokinetic profile: a glutamic acid to arginine substitution at position 3 (the “R3”), and a 13-amino acid extension at the N-terminus (the “Long”). Together, these changes reduce binding to IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) and extend its half-life from the minutes typical of native IGF-1 to approximately 20–30 hours — making it approximately 2–3× more potent and substantially longer-acting in experimental models.
What is IGF-1 LR3?
IGF-1 LR3 (Long Arg3 Insulin-like Growth Factor-1) is a synthetic 83-amino acid recombinant protein analogue of human IGF-1. It was designed for research applications requiring prolonged IGF-1 receptor activation without the rapid clearance that limits native IGF-1 utility in experimental systems. Two structural modifications define its pharmacological profile: first, a glutamic acid to arginine substitution at amino acid position 3, which dramatically reduces binding affinity to IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs); and second, a 13-amino acid N-terminal extension (MFPAMPLSSLF VN), which further reduces IGFBP binding and contributes to enhanced receptor engagement. Together these changes extend half-life to approximately 20–30 hours versus the 12–15 minute half-life of native IGF-1, and increase potency approximately 2–3×.
IGF-1 LR3 was originally developed for use in cell culture media to improve the growth performance of mammalian cells in bioreactor systems — it is widely used as a serum-free media supplement in pharmaceutical and biologics manufacturing. In the research peptide space, it has been extensively studied for its direct activation of the IGF-1 receptor and downstream PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK signaling cascades in models of cellular growth, tissue repair, and metabolic regulation.
Areas of Active IGF-1 LR3 Investigation
IGF-1 Receptor Signaling & PI3K/Akt Pathway
IGF-1 LR3 is used as a high-affinity, long-duration agonist probe for the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) in receptor pharmacology and signal transduction research. Upon binding, IGF-1R activates two primary downstream cascades: PI3K/Akt (regulating protein synthesis, glucose uptake, and apoptosis suppression) and MAPK/ERK (regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and gene expression). Because IGF-1 LR3 provides prolonged receptor occupancy relative to native IGF-1, researchers use it to investigate time-dependent signaling dynamics, receptor desensitization kinetics, and pathway crosstalk in cell-based experimental models.
Skeletal Muscle Biology & Anabolic Signaling
IGF-1 LR3 is one of the most studied compounds in skeletal muscle biology research. Animal and cell-based models have demonstrated IGF-1R-mediated increases in protein synthesis, muscle cell proliferation (hyperplasia), and myosin heavy chain expression. Studies have investigated its interaction with myostatin-regulated pathways — IGF-1 signaling and myostatin inhibition converge on the Akt/mTOR pathway — providing a tool for studying growth-promoting and growth-inhibitory signal balance in muscle models. Its extended half-life makes it particularly well-suited for studies requiring sustained anabolic signal investigation.
Metabolic Regulation & Glucose Homeostasis
IGF-1 LR3 activates signaling pathways that overlap significantly with the insulin receptor cascade, including PI3K/Akt-mediated GLUT4 translocation and glucose uptake in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. Researchers use IGF-1 LR3 to study the intersection of IGF-1R and insulin receptor signaling in metabolic regulation, glucose transport, lipid metabolism, and insulin sensitivity models. Its reduced IGFBP binding means more free peptide is available for receptor interaction under experimental conditions, making it a more reliable tool than native IGF-1 for metabolic research applications.
Tissue Repair & Cellular Regeneration
IGF-1 signaling plays a central role in tissue repair across multiple organ systems. IGF-1 LR3 has been studied in models of connective tissue repair, cartilage regeneration, wound healing, and bone mineralization. Its extended half-life relative to native IGF-1 allows researchers to design protocols with less frequent dosing in animal models while maintaining sustained receptor activation. Studies have examined its effects on fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis, chondrocyte activity, and the coordination of growth factor networks in the repair microenvironment.
Neuroprotection & Neural Growth Research
IGF-1 receptors are expressed throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems, and IGF-1 signaling has established roles in neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, and axonal outgrowth. Preclinical studies have investigated IGF-1 LR3 in models of peripheral nerve injury, neurodegenerative conditions, and age-related cognitive decline. The peptide’s ability to bypass the GH–IGF-1 axis and deliver direct IGF-1R activation makes it a useful research tool for studying the neurotropic and neuroprotective effects of IGF-1 signaling independent of systemic growth hormone status.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IGF-1 LR3 used for in research?
How does IGF-1 LR3 differ from native IGF-1?
What is the concentration of Captide Labs IGF-1 LR3 Spray?
What is the CAS number for IGF-1 LR3?
Why does IGF-1 LR3 affect blood glucose in research models?
How is the purity of Captide Labs IGF-1 LR3 verified?
For research use only. Not for human consumption, veterinary use, or food/agricultural applications. Not evaluated or approved by the FDA. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. All purchases are made with the understanding that this compound is strictly for in-vitro research and laboratory use. See the full Research Use Only (RUO) Policy.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.