Disclaimer
CompoundIQ publishes research summaries for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing on this site constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider. Many compounds listed are research chemicals not approved for human use.
MGF
Also known as: Mechano Growth Factor, IGF-1Ec, PEG-MGF, Mechano-IGF-1
MGF is a splice variant of IGF-1 (specifically the Ec isoform in humans) that is expressed in response to mechanical overload of muscle tissue. It plays a critical role in muscle repair by activating satellite cells and initiating the early phase of muscle regeneration. The synthetic PEG-MGF variant has a longer half-life due to polyethylene glycol conjugation.
Risk Level
Medium RiskDifficulty
Advanced| Class | Peptide |
| Category | Well-Known Peptides |
Mechanism of Action
MGF is produced locally in damaged muscle tissue through mechanotransduction-induced alternative splicing of the IGF-1 gene. It activates quiescent satellite cells, driving them into the cell cycle for muscle fiber repair and hypertrophy. Unlike mature IGF-1, MGF acts primarily in an autocrine/paracrine fashion at the site of tissue damage and has a very short half-life in circulation unless PEGylated.
Dosing Research
Standard MGF is typically dosed at 200-400 mcg intramuscularly into target muscles immediately post-training. PEG-MGF is dosed at 200 mcg subcutaneously 2-3 times per week due to its extended half-life. Cycles are generally 4-6 weeks.
Side Effects & Risks
Injection site soreness and localized swelling are common. Hypoglycemia is possible but less likely than with IGF-1 LR3. Long-term safety data is very limited. Theoretical concerns about promoting uncontrolled cell growth exist, particularly with chronic use.
Research Studies
Related compounds
Semaglutide
PeptideSemaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes (Ozempic) and chronic weight management (Wegovy). Clinical trials demonstrated average weight loss of 15-17% of body weight. It has become one of the most widely discussed medications in modern weight management.
Tirzepatide
PeptideTirzepatide is a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes (Mounjaro) and obesity (Zepbound). It has demonstrated unprecedented weight loss efficacy in clinical trials, with participants losing up to 20-25% of body weight. It represents the cutting edge of pharmaceutical weight management.
Liraglutide
PeptideLiraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes (Victoza, 1.8 mg) and obesity (Saxenda, 3.0 mg). It was the first GLP-1 agonist approved specifically for weight management. While effective, it has been largely superseded by semaglutide and tirzepatide in terms of weight loss efficacy.
PT-141
PeptidePT-141 (bremelanotide) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide melanocortin receptor agonist that was FDA-approved in 2019 as Vyleesi for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women. Unlike PDE5 inhibitors, it acts centrally through the melanocortin system to increase sexual desire rather than just facilitating erection mechanics. It is the only FDA-approved on-demand treatment targeting central sexual arousal pathways.
Disclaimer
CompoundIQ publishes research summaries for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing on this site constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider. Many compounds listed are research chemicals not approved for human use.