IGF-1 LR3 vs SHLP2
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 →SHLP2
SHLP2 (Small Humanin-Like Peptide 2) is a mitochondrial-derived peptide similar to humanin. It has shown insulin-sensitizing and cytoprotective effects in research, with potential metabolic benefits.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | IGF-1 LR3 | SHLP2 |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 20 mcg–100 mcg | 1 mg–5 mg |
| Frequency | 1x daily | 1x daily |
| Cycle Length | 4–6 weeks | 4–8 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. | Enhances insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake. Provides cytoprotective effects similar to humanin. May act through similar but distinct receptor pathways. |
| Typical Dosage | Research protocols typically use 20-100mcg daily, often divided into multiple injections or administered bilaterally to target muscles. | Research compound with doses in the microgram to low milligram range studied in animal models. Human dosing not established. |
| Administration | Intramuscular injection (site-specific growth) or subcutaneous for systemic effects. Often cycled 4-6 weeks on, equal time off. | Subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injection in research settings. Various SHLP analogs (1-6) have different properties. |
| Side Effects | Hypoglycemia, joint pain, water retention, potential jaw/hand growth with extended use, and injection site reactions. | Limited data. Animal studies suggest good tolerability. May affect glucose metabolism. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
IGF-1 LR3, SHLP2 are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to IGF-1 LR3:
Unique to SHLP2:
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
- Fat Loss: IGF-1 LR3 has stronger research support.
| Goal | IGF-1 LR3 | SHLP2 |
|---|---|---|
| Fat Loss | medium | low |
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
SHLP2
- Mitochondrial Peptide SHLP2 Limits Poly(I: C)-Induced Alveolar Epithelial Injury by Modulating Redox, Apoptotic, Inflammatory, and Inflammasome Responses.
Cytotechnology, 2026
- SHLP2 restores pre-osteoblastic cells against oxidative stress-induced inflammaging.
Scientific reports, 2025
- SHLP2 alleviates allergic asthma by inhibiting ETV5/GSDMD signaling pathway-mediated pyroptosis.
Cellular signalling, 2025
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