IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1) vs MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
Updated September 21, 2026 · Reviewed by the PeptidesDB Editorial team
A data-driven comparison of IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1) and MK-677 (Ibutamoren) (also searched as MK-677 (Ibutamoren) vs IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1)) — effect profiles, evidence, side effects, and which suits weight loss, muscle, or healing goals.
Verdict
IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1) centers on muscle, while MK-677 (Ibutamoren) leans toward muscle. On indexed research, MK-677 (Ibutamoren) is ahead (IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1): 22 studies, Human clinical; MK-677 (Ibutamoren): 26, Human evidence). Choose by goal — and read the primary studies. This is research information, not medical advice.
Key takeaways
- •IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1) is strongest for muscle; MK-677 (Ibutamoren) for muscle.
- •Evidence: IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1) Human clinical (22 studies) vs MK-677 (Ibutamoren) Human evidence (26).
- •Both are research-use compounds — not FDA-approved.
Effect profiles, overlaid
At a glance
Localized muscle growth | Tissue repair
Ghrelin receptor agonist | Muscle mass enhancement
IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1) vs MK-677 (Ibutamoren): side-by-side
| Metric | IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1) | MK-677 (Ibutamoren) |
|---|---|---|
| Class | Muscle | Muscle |
| Regulatory status | Research use only | Research use only |
| Evidence grade | Human clinical | Human evidence |
| Studies indexed | 22 | 26 |
| Research level | Moderate Research | Limited Research |
| Strongest effect | Muscle & body comp | Muscle & body comp |
| Healing & recovery | 3.0▲ | 1.0 |
| Muscle & body comp | 5.0▲ | 4.0 |
| Metabolic & appetite | 2.0 | 3.0▲ |
| Neuro & mood | 1.0 | 2.0▲ |
| Sleep & circadian | 0.0 | 3.0▲ |
| Inflammation & immune | 2.0▲ | 1.0 |
| Skin & aesthetics | 3.0▲ | 3.0▲ |
▲ marks the higher AI-assigned effect score (0–5, describing where the literature concentrates — not clinical efficacy).
Mechanism & pharmacokinetics
| Property | IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1) | MK-677 (Ibutamoren) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | IGF-1 receptor agonist | Oral ghrelin-receptor agonist (GH secretagogue) |
| Route | Subcutaneous injection | Oral |
| Half-life | — | ~4–6 h |
| Duration of action | — | Daily dosing |
Established pharmacology — curated for well-characterized compounds and AI-summarized otherwise. A blank (—) means no reliable single value is published (half-life figures for some peptides genuinely disagree across sources). Verify against primary sources such as FDA labels and ClinicalTrials.gov.
What is IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1)?
IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1) is a truncated IGF-1 analog studied for localized muscle growth and tissue repair, with reduced IGFBP binding and higher local receptor activity.
Full IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1) profile, mechanism & studies →What is MK-677 (Ibutamoren)?
MK-677, also known as Ibutamoren, is a growth hormone secretagogue that has garnered attention for its potential effects on muscle mass and body composition. Research is ongoing to better understand its mechanisms and applications in various contexts, including its detection in biological samples.
Full MK-677 (Ibutamoren) profile, mechanism & studies →Which is better for your goal?
| Goal | Better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Healing | IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1) | 3.0/5 effect signal |
| Muscle | IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1) | 5.0/5 effect signal |
| Metabolic | MK-677 (Ibutamoren) | 3.0/5 effect signal |
| Neuro | MK-677 (Ibutamoren) | 2.0/5 effect signal |
| Sleep | MK-677 (Ibutamoren) | 3.0/5 effect signal |
| Inflammation | IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1) | 2.0/5 effect signal |
| Skin | Even | Both ~3.0/5 |
Fit reflects community-perceived effect profiles — not head-to-head trials. Read each peptide's studies before deciding.
Can you stack IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1) and MK-677 (Ibutamoren)?
People sometimes combine peptides that target different pathways, but there is little controlled research on this specific pairing and the interactions aren't well characterized. Because neither compound is FDA-approved, we don't publish stacking or dosing protocols here. Any combination should be discussed with a qualified clinician.
IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1) vs MK-677 (Ibutamoren): side effects
No community-reported effects logged yet.
No community-reported effects logged yet.
Anonymous community reports (count = number of reports), not clinical incidence rates.
What the research says
IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1) has 22 approved studies indexed (Human clinical), and MK-677 (Ibutamoren) has 26 (Human evidence). The Librarian re-checks PubMed, Europe PMC and ClinicalTrials daily, so these counts move. Open each profile to read the summaries and sources.
Frequently asked questions
Is IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1) or MK-677 (Ibutamoren) better?
It depends on your goal. IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1) is strongest for muscle; MK-677 (Ibutamoren) for muscle. MK-677 (Ibutamoren) has more indexed studies (26). See the goal-by-goal breakdown above.
Is IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1) or MK-677 (Ibutamoren) better for weight loss?
MK-677 (Ibutamoren) shows the stronger metabolic & appetite profile (3.0/5) in the AI-assigned effect profile — though weight-loss outcomes depend on the individual and the evidence base.
Is IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1) or MK-677 (Ibutamoren) better for muscle?
IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1) leads on the muscle & body-composition axis (5.0/5).
Which has more research, IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1) or MK-677 (Ibutamoren)?
IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1) has 22 approved studies indexed (Human clinical); MK-677 (Ibutamoren) has 26 (Human evidence). Higher counts mean more to read, not proven superiority.
Can you stack IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1) and MK-677 (Ibutamoren)?
Some users combine peptides, but there's little controlled data on this specific pairing, and interactions aren't well characterized. We don't publish stacking protocols for compounds that aren't FDA-approved. Discuss any combination with a qualified clinician.
What are the side effects of IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1) vs MK-677 (Ibutamoren)?
IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1): no community-reported effects logged yet. MK-677 (Ibutamoren): none logged yet. These are anonymous reports, not incidence rates — see each profile.
Is IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1) or MK-677 (Ibutamoren) FDA-approved?
IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1) is a research-use compound and is not FDA-approved. MK-677 (Ibutamoren) is not FDA-approved. Research-use status is not a legal clearance to compound or use in humans.
Is MK-677 (Ibutamoren) better than IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1)?
For muscle, MK-677 (Ibutamoren) has the edge; for muscle, IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1) does. Neither is universally "better" — it's goal-dependent, and both should be weighed against their evidence base above.
Comparing related peptides
Regulatory & legal status
IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) IGF-1) and MK-677 (Ibutamoren) are research-use compounds and are not FDA-approved for human use. FDA approval and compounding rules for peptides change frequently, and research-use status is not a legal clearance for human use. The FDA does not review compounded drugs for safety, effectiveness, or quality. Verify current status with primary sources before acting. Last reviewed September 21, 2026.