▶ IGF-1 LR3 · SUBTOPIC · SAFETY PROFILE
IGF-1 LR3 Safety Profile
For Laboratory Research Use Only. This page summarises observed adverse events and regulatory status reported in the peer- reviewed literature. It is not medical advice and does not recommend any human use of IGF-1 LR3.
OBSERVED ADVERSE EVENTS IN LITERATURE
The following adverse events have been observed in trials or animal studies of IGF-1 LR3. Severity, frequency, and attribution depend on the source publication.
- Hypoglycemia (binds insulin receptor at higher doses)
- Theoretical organ enlargement with chronic high-dose
- Theoretical concerns in active malignancy (IGF-1 axis)
DRUG INTERACTIONS
The following interactions are reported in or theorised from the published mechanism for IGF-1 LR3.
- Insulin / sulfonylureas (hypoglycemia risk)
- Concurrent rhGH not standard
CONTRAINDICATIONS REPORTED IN LITERATURE
Contraindications recorded for IGF-1 LR3 in the published record:
- Active malignancy (IGF-1 axis growth signaling)
- Pregnancy/lactation (unstudied)
- Diabetic retinopathy (theoretical exacerbation)
FDA REGULATORY STATUS
Not FDA-approved. Research-use only. Note: increlex (mecasermin) is FDA-approved recombinant native IGF-1 for severe primary IGF-1 deficiency · distinct molecule from LR3.
WADA REGULATORY STATUS
IGF-1 and analogs prohibited at all times under WADA Section S2 (Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics).
SAFETY Q+A FROM LITERATURE
▶ Is IGF-1 LR3 FDA-approved?
No. LR3 is a research-grade compound. The FDA has approved mecasermin (Increlex) · recombinant native IGF-1 · for severe primary IGF-1 deficiency. LR3 is a distinct molecule and is not approved.
▶ Is IGF-1 LR3 banned in sports?
Yes. IGF-1 and its analogs are prohibited at all times under WADA Section S2 (Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics).
▶ Side effects of IGF-1 LR3?
Hypoglycemia is the most acute concern · at higher doses LR3 binds the insulin receptor with sufficient affinity to lower blood glucose. Theoretical concerns with chronic high-dose use include organ enlargement and exacerbation of active malignancy via IGF-1 axis growth signaling.
CITED LITERATURE
The safety statements above are drawn from the following peer-reviewed sources. Refer to the originals for adverse- event tables, attribution, and full context.
- Tomas FM, Knowles SE, Owens PC, et al.. Long-R3-IGF-I increases protein synthesis in rat skeletal muscle. J Endocrinol 1993. link
- Walton PE, Dunshea FR, Ballard FJ. Pharmacokinetics of LR3-IGF-I in lambs. J Endocrinol 1995. link
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▶ LAST UPDATED · 2026-05-19