MGF
Aliases: Mechano Growth Factor · IGF-1Ec
Last verified: 2026-09-23
The short version
A splice variant of the IGF-1 gene (IGF-1Ec) expressed in muscle after mechanical loading/damage; activates satellite cells for muscle repair. Key fact: Human data are limited: small trials or case-series reports exist, without large randomized studies. Preclinical data on muscle and cardiac regeneration; no clinical development. Status: research chemical. Not approved; WADA-banned (S2).
Identity & type
- Molecular type
- fragment
- Origin
- A splice variant of the IGF-1 gene (IGF-1Ec) expressed in muscle after mechanical loading/damage; activates satellite cells for muscle repair.
Mechanism of action
The E-domain peptide acts locally (paracrine) — stimulating muscle satellite-cell proliferation independently of the IGF-1 receptor.
not confirmed in humans
Dosing & routes
Official / clinical context
No approved official document exists for MGF. Any protocols mentioned are to be read as information, not as a recommendation.
Regulator-approved labeling and published study designs — never a recommendation.
Community-reported practice
100–200 mcg intramuscularly post-workout, 2–3× weekly. A skeptical reception: effects are weak and inconsistent due to the short half-life; some report faster recovery of the trained muscle when injected locally post-workout.
Unverified self-reports. Not medical advice. Not endorsement.
Expected effects (community)
A skeptical reception: effects are weak and inconsistent due to the short half-life; some report faster recovery of the trained muscle when injected locally post-workout.
Protocol — official vs community
Official / label
No approved protocol exists — investigational agent. MGF (IGF-1Ec) has only preclinical data in muscle and cardiac regeneration; no human dosing has ever been established.
Duration: —
WADA prohibits it (S2). Everything human is extrapolation from rodent satellite-cell work.
Community (anecdotal)
100–200 mcg IM post-workout into the trained muscle, 2–3× weekly. Approximate and unvalidated — no human pharmacokinetic or safety data exists.
- Cycle:
- 4–6 weeks per training block, then reassess.
- Break:
- 4 weeks off between cycles.
The local-injection logic follows the peptide's paracrine biology, but the dose is forum empiricism scaled from animal work. Long-term safety is entirely unknown.
Human evidence
Human data are limited: small trials or case-series reports exist, without large randomized studies. Preclinical data on muscle and cardiac regeneration; no clinical development.
Preclinical evidence
Preclinical data on muscle and cardiac regeneration; no clinical development.
Known risks
- Local reactions, pain; long-term safety unknown.characterized
- Unregulated injectable supply — sterility, purity and accurate dose not assuredtheoretical
Teal: characterized in clinical/labeling contexts. Amber: theoretical or reported outside controlled settings.
Unknowns & evidence gaps
- Long-term human safety
- Optimal dose and pharmacokinetics
Frequently asked questions
References
Systematic references are being expanded; verify sources directly before any decision.