Cerebrolysin vs IGF-1 LR3
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Cerebrolysin
Cerebrolysin is a mixture of low-molecular-weight neuropeptides and free amino acids derived from purified pig brain proteins. It is approved in many countries for stroke, traumatic brain injury, and dementia.
Full details →IGF-1 LR3
IGF-1 LR3 (Long R3 Insulin-like Growth Factor-1) is a modified version of IGF-1 with extended half-life and enhanced potency. The modifications prevent binding to IGF binding proteins, increasing bioavailability.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Cerebrolysin | IGF-1 LR3 |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Contains multiple neurotrophic factors that promote neuroplasticity, reduce neuronal apoptosis, and support synaptic function. Has both neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties. | Binds to IGF-1 receptors to promote protein synthesis, muscle growth, and fat metabolism. The LR3 modification (13 amino acid extension and arginine substitution) extends half-life from minutes to 20-30 hours. |
| Typical Dosage | Clinical dosing: 10-30ml IV daily for acute conditions. Research use: 5-10ml IM daily for cognitive enhancement. Treatment courses typically last 10-20 days. | Research protocols typically use 20-100mcg daily, often divided into multiple injections or administered bilaterally to target muscles. |
| Administration | Administered via intramuscular or intravenous injection. IV administration is typically used in clinical settings. IM can be used for research purposes. | Intramuscular injection (site-specific growth) or subcutaneous for systemic effects. Often cycled 4-6 weeks on, equal time off. |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated. May cause dizziness, headache, sweating, or injection site reactions. Rare cases of agitation or confusion. | Hypoglycemia, joint pain, water retention, potential jaw/hand growth with extended use, and injection site reactions. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both Cerebrolysin and IGF-1 LR3 are commonly used for: