MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)

Other Research compound (not approved for human use)

IGF-1 splice-variant peptide · also known as IGF-1Ec, Mechano Growth Factor, MGF E peptide

For reference only — not medical advice. Figures are commonly reported values compiled from published sources and may be wrong or out of date. Many compounds listed are not approved for human use. Talk to a licensed clinician before using any compound.

Mechano growth factor is produced when the IGF-1 gene is spliced differently in muscle that has been stretched or damaged. The research peptide corresponds to the C-terminal E domain of this variant (IGF-1Ec in humans). It is studied for muscle repair biology, but it is very short-lived in the body, which is why a pegylated form exists.

Commonly reported dosing (5 mg vial)

Reconstituted with 3 mL → 1.667 mg/mL.

Phase	Dose	Volume	U-100 units
Starting	100 mcg	0.06 mL	6
Standard	200 mcg	0.12 mL	12
Higher	300 mcg	0.18 mL	18

Frequency: Once daily · Half-life: Very short (minutes) for the unmodified peptide

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Commonly reported dose escalation

Weeks	Dose	Volume	U-100 units
Weeks 1-1	100 mcg	0.06 mL	6
Weeks 2-2	150 mcg	0.09 mL	9
Weeks 3-3	200 mcg	0.12 mL	12
Weeks 4-4	250 mcg	0.15 mL	15
Week 5+	300 mcg	0.18 mL	18

Higher steps may need a larger vial or more than one draw. Escalation schedules vary; dosing decisions belong to a licensed clinician.

Commonly reported reconstitution steps

Vials are usually brought to room temperature (about 15-20 minutes) first.
3 mL of bacteriostatic water is added slowly down the inside wall of the 5 mg vial.
The vial is swirled gently until clear, not shaken.
This gives 1.67 mg/mL. Mixed vials are typically labeled with the date and refrigerated.

Storage

Before mixing: Sealed vials are commonly stored refrigerated (2-8 °C) and protected from light, or frozen for long-term storage.

After mixing: Reconstituted solution is commonly kept refrigerated (2-8 °C), protected from light, and not frozen.

Commonly used within 28 days of mixing.

How it works

Work from Goldspink's group suggests the MGF E peptide activates quiescent satellite cells and promotes myoblast proliferation, while mature IGF-1 supports later differentiation and fusion. Other labs have been unable to reproduce an effect of the E peptide in cell culture, so the mechanism remains debated.

Researched for

Studied in cell culture for myoblast proliferation and human muscle progenitor activation.
Splicing of the IGF-1 gene toward MGF was associated with satellite cell activation after muscle damage in rodents.
Investigated for muscle and nerve repair in animal models.

Notes

Human clinical data on the injected peptide are essentially absent.
Two pharmaceutical-company labs could not reproduce MGF peptide effects on myoblast proliferation or differentiation in cell culture, so results are mixed.
Local intramuscular use is also discussed, because the unmodified peptide is cleared quickly.
Not to be confused with IGF-1 LR3; MGF does not act through the same mechanism.