IGF-1 LR3 vs MOTS-c
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 →MOTS-c
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the Twelve S rRNA type-c) is a mitochondrial-derived peptide that plays a key role in metabolic regulation and has emerged as a significant longevity research target.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | IGF-1 LR3 | MOTS-c |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 20 mcg–100 mcg | 5 mg–10 mg |
| Frequency | 1x daily | Less than daily |
| Cycle Length | 4–6 weeks | 8–12 weeks |
| Route | subcutaneous | subcutaneous |
| 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. | Activates AMPK pathway, enhances glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, improves insulin sensitivity, and regulates mitochondrial function. Acts as a metabolic hormone affecting whole-body energy homeostasis. |
| Typical Dosage | Research protocols typically use 20-100mcg daily, often divided into multiple injections or administered bilaterally to target muscles. | Research protocols typically use 5-10mg administered subcutaneously several times per week. Optimal dosing not yet established. |
| Administration | Intramuscular injection (site-specific growth) or subcutaneous for systemic effects. Often cycled 4-6 weeks on, equal time off. | Subcutaneous injection. Often combined with exercise protocols as it enhances exercise capacity and metabolic adaptation. |
| Side Effects | Hypoglycemia, joint pain, water retention, potential jaw/hand growth with extended use, and injection site reactions. | Limited human data. Animal studies show good tolerability. May affect energy levels and exercise performance. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
IGF-1 LR3, MOTS-c are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to IGF-1 LR3:
Unique to MOTS-c:
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
- Muscle Growth: IGF-1 LR3 has stronger research support.
| Goal | IGF-1 LR3 | MOTS-c |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle Growth | high | low |
| Fat Loss | medium | medium |
Key Studies
IGF-1 LR3
- IGF-1 LR3 does not promote growth in late-gestation growth-restricted fetal sheep.
American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism, 2025
- Revolutionary decellularized Alstroemeria stem-based nerve conduit integrated with GelMA and controlled IGF-1 LR3 release for enhanced rat sciatic nerve regeneration.
International journal of biological macromolecules, 2025
- Attenuated glucose-stimulated insulin secretion during an acute IGF-1 LR3 infusion into fetal sheep does not persist in isolated islets.
Journal of developmental origins of health and disease, 2023
MOTS-c
- MOTS-c improves intrinsic muscle mitochondrial bioenergetic health and efficiency in a PGC-1α/AMPK-dependent manner.
Free radical biology & medicine, 2026
- MOTS-c attenuates lung ischemia-reperfusion injury via MYH9-Dependent nuclear translocation and transcriptional activation of antioxidant genes.
Redox biology, 2025
- MOTS-c: Magical Molecule for Diabetic Cardiomyopathy?
Cardiovascular drugs and therapy, 2025
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