MGF
Also known as: Mechano Growth Factor, IGF-1Ec, MGF-24aa-E
Mechano Growth Factor | IGF-1 Splice Variant
Overview
Non-pegylated IGF-1 splice variant produced locally in muscle tissue following mechanical stress. Has a very short half-life compared to PEG-MGF, requiring more frequent administration or localized injection.
Key benefits
- Satellite cell activation for muscle repair
- Recovery support following mechanical stress
- Localized tissue regeneration
- Natural upregulation after exercise
Mechanism of action
Activates muscle satellite stem cells via receptor binding, stimulating MAPK/ERK signaling. Enhances protein synthesis and promotes muscle fiber repair. The E-peptide domain exhibits distinct activity from mature IGF-1.
Molecular data
- Type
- IGF-1Ec splice variant C-terminal peptide
- Half-life
- ~5-7 minutes
Sequence
YQPPSTNKNTKSQRRKGSTFEEHK
Indications
What the research community uses this compound for, with self-reported effectiveness.
Muscle Repair
Satellite Cell Activation
Most effectivePrimary mechanism activating dormant muscle satellite cells which fuse to damaged fibers.
Local Muscle Recovery
EffectiveShort half-life means effects are concentrated at injection site.
Post-Exercise Recovery
EffectiveNaturally upregulated after mechanical stress; supplementation enhances repair processes.
Tissue Regeneration
Tendon Healing
ModerateAnimal studies suggest improved tendon injury outcomes when applied locally.
Bone Regeneration
ModerateResearch indicates potential for bone healing via osteoblast regulation.
Dosing protocols
Common protocols by delivery method. Adjust the curve below to model accumulation in your own cycle.
Injectable
Intramuscular injection directly into target muscle immediately post-workout for localized effects due to short half-life.
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Route / duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Protocol | 100-300mcg | Daily, post-workout | IM into target muscle |
| Progressive Titration | 100mcg → 300mcg | Daily, increasing weekly | IM bilateral |
| Localized Recovery | 200-300mcg | Immediately post-workout | IM into worked muscle groups |
Preparation
You will need
- MGF lyophilized powder (typically 5mg vial)
- Bacteriostatic water (3.0mL recommended)
- Insulin syringes (29-31 gauge)
- Alcohol swabs
Steps
- Allow vial to reach room temperature
- Clean rubber stopper with alcohol swab
- Add 3.0mL bacteriostatic water for ~1.67mg/mL concentration
- Inject slowly along vial wall, not directly onto powder
- Gently swirl to dissolve; never shake
- Store refrigerated at 2-8°C
- Use within 30 days of reconstitution
Work out the water volume and syringe units in the reconstitution calculator →
Interactions
Pairwise interactions with other compounds you might be cycling — the same data behind the cycle builder's safety check.
PEG-MGF
MonitorSame active peptide with different half-lives. Combining is redundant; choose one based on protocol preference.
IGF-1 LR3
MonitorBoth target IGF-1 pathways; combining risks receptor overstimulation.
BPC-157
SynergisticComplementary mechanisms. BPC-157 promotes angiogenesis; MGF activates satellite cells.
TB-500
SynergisticTB-500 reduces inflammation and promotes cell migration; MGF activates muscle stem cells.
Timeline
Typical week-by-week effects reported in clinical and observational data.
- Immediate
Very short half-life means localized effects at injection site within minutes
- Week 1-2
Reduced muscle soreness in targeted areas; subtle recovery improvements
- Week 4-8
Improved recovery in targeted muscles; enhanced training capacity
Safety
Reported adverse effects, contraindications, and what to monitor on cycle.
Common side effects
- Injection site soreness
- Mild fatigue
Stop signs — stop and seek advice
- Any unusual growths, lumps, or rapid tissue changes
- Severe injection site reactions
- Persistent headaches or vision changes
- Signs of hypoglycemia
Contraindications
- Any history of cancer or neoplastic disease
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Uncontrolled diabetes
Monitoring
- Not FDA-approved; limited human safety data
- Very short half-life requires precise timing
- Blood glucose monitoring recommended
- Prohibited in competitive sports (WADA banned)
Quality checks
What a legitimate product looks like, what should give pause, and what should make you stop.
Good signs
- White or off-white fluffy cake appearance
- Crystal clear solution after reconstitution
- Certificate of Analysis with HPLC purity >98%
Warning signs
- Minor clumping that dissolves with gentle swirling
Stop signs — don't use
- Collapsed or discolored powder
- Persistent cloudiness or visible particles
References
Primary literature and clinical-trial data informing this entry.
MGF-E Peptide Human Muscle Cell Study
2011
MGF significantly increased satellite cell proliferation at 3ng/ml with age-dependent effects.
Mechano-Growth Factor Minireview
2010
Overview of MGF as IGF-I gene product involved in tissue repair, upregulated following exercise and injury.
Last updated . How this page was sourced is described in the methodology.