IGF-1 LR3 vs Liraglutide
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
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 →Liraglutide
Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist FDA-approved as Victoza for type 2 diabetes and Saxenda for chronic weight management. It was one of the first daily GLP-1 agonists and paved the way for newer weekly options like semaglutide.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | IGF-1 LR3 | Liraglutide |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | 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. | Binds to and activates GLP-1 receptors, stimulating insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, suppressing glucagon release, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing appetite through central nervous system effects. |
| Typical Dosage | Research protocols typically use 20-100mcg daily, often divided into multiple injections or administered bilaterally to target muscles. | Saxenda (weight loss): Start 0.6mg daily, increase weekly by 0.6mg to maintenance dose of 3mg daily. Victoza (diabetes): 0.6mg to 1.8mg daily. |
| Administration | Intramuscular injection (site-specific growth) or subcutaneous for systemic effects. Often cycled 4-6 weeks on, equal time off. | Subcutaneous injection once daily at any time, independent of meals. Rotate injection sites. Can be used with oral diabetes medications. |
| Side Effects | Hypoglycemia, joint pain, water retention, potential jaw/hand growth with extended use, and injection site reactions. | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, decreased appetite. GI effects typically diminish over time with continued use. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both IGF-1 LR3 and Liraglutide are commonly used for: