IGF-1 LR3 alternatives.

10 compounds compared to IGF-1 LR3, ranked by published evidence tier and regulatory status, not by what's marketed hardest.

Why people look for an alternative

IGF-1 LR3 is not a medicine and was never meant to be one. It is a modified 83-amino-acid IGF-1 analog produced and sold as a research reagent and cell-culture supplement, with a substitution at position 3 and a 13-residue N-terminal extension that reduce its binding to IGF-binding proteins. People searching for alternatives have usually realized they are holding a manufacturing input. The relevant fact is that an approved IGF-1 product does exist: mecasermin, recombinant native IGF-1 for severe primary IGF-1 deficiency, which is a different molecule with a real label and known hypoglycemia risk. IGF-1 and its analogues are prohibited in sport at all times under WADA S2.

What you're comparing against
IGF-1 LR3
F tier · 33/100Research / preclinical

IGF-1 LR3 (Long R3 IGF-1) is a synthetic, recombinant analog of human insulin-like growth factor-1.

Ranked by evidence · strongest first
  1. 01
    Human Growth Hormone
    S tierFDA-approved
    HGH · somatropin

    Acts through the igf-1 pathway pathway, like IGF-1 LR3. FDA-approved.

  2. 02
    MGF
    F tierResearch / preclinical
    mechano growth factor · IGF-1Ec

    Acts through the igf-1 pathway pathway, like IGF-1 LR3. Research / preclinical.

  3. 03
    PEG-MGF
    F tierResearch / preclinical

    Acts through the igf-1 pathway pathway, like IGF-1 LR3. Research / preclinical.

  4. 04
    Tesamorelin
    A tierFDA-approved
    Egrifta

    Same category: growth hormone. FDA-approved.

  5. 05
    Sermorelin
    C tierResearch / preclinical

    Same category: growth hormone. Research / preclinical.

  6. 06
    ACE-031
    D tierIn human trials
    ramatercept · ActRIIB-Fc

    Same category: growth hormone. In human trials.

  7. 07
    GHRP-1
    D tierResearch / preclinical
    growth hormone-releasing peptide-1

    Same category: growth hormone. Research / preclinical.

  8. 08
    GHRP-2
    D tierResearch / preclinical

    Same category: growth hormone. Research / preclinical.

  9. 09
    GHRP-6
    D tierResearch / preclinical

    Same category: growth hormone. Research / preclinical.

  10. 10
    Hexarelin
    D tierResearch / preclinical

    Same category: growth hormone. Research / preclinical.

How this list is built

An “alternative” here means a compound that shares IGF-1 LR3's mechanism pathway or sits in the same category, not a marketing substitute. Each is ordered by PepCue's evidence tier (a weighted 0–100 score across human data, safety, replication and regulatory clarity), then by whether it's actually approved. This is a research reference, not medical or purchasing advice: an alternative sitting higher on evidence does not mean it's right, safe, or legal for any given use. Reviewed June 1, 2026.

Comparing options with your provider?

PepCue keeps every compound, dose and lab in one private, provider-ready timeline, whichever one you land on.

Educational and research reference only. Not medical advice, diagnosis, or dosing guidance. Flag an error on this page
Compounds