ACE-031 vs IGF-1 DES
A neutral, side-by-side comparison of two performance & growth hormone peptides — their mechanisms, dosing ranges, administration routes, side effects, and research evidence. For research and educational purposes only.
ACE-031
Soluble form of activin type IIB receptor (ActRIIB-Fc fusion protein) that acts as a myostatin and activin trap. Blocks the primary signals that limit muscle growth by sequestering myostatin, activin, and related ligands before they reach cell surface receptors. Phase 2 trials in Duchenne muscular dystrophy demonstrated significant lean mass increases.
Full profileIGF-1 DES
IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3)IGF-1) is the naturally occurring truncated form of IGF-1, lacking the first three N-terminal amino acids (Gly-Pro-Glu). This small structural difference produces a dramatically more potent molecule: by removing the primary IGF binding protein (IGFBP-3) attachment site, IGF-1 DES circulates in free form with approximately 10x higher potency than standard IGF-1 LR3 at equivalent doses. It acts locally in tissue rather than systemically, making it the preferred form for targeted muscle hypertrophy research.
Full profile| ACE-031 | IGF-1 DES | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Performance & Growth Hormone | Performance & Growth Hormone |
| Also known as | ACVR2B-Fc, ActRIIB-Fc fusion protein | Des(1-3)IGF-1, Truncated IGF-1, DES-IGF-1 |
| Evidence | Investigational (in trials) | Research-stage |
| Dosing range | 0.3mg/kg–3mg/kg mg/kg, every 2–4 weeks (subcutaneous injection) | 50mcg–150mcg mcg, 1–2x daily, preferably post-workout |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection | Subcutaneous injection, Intramuscular injection (into target muscle for local hypertrophic effect) |
| Key side effects | Nosebleeds (epistaxis — most common reported AE), Telangiectasia (visible small blood vessel dilation), Gum bleeding, Elevated hemoglobin | Hypoglycemia (potent insulin-like effect — have fast carbohydrates nearby), Localized muscle swelling at injection site, Jaw pain / facial bone growth at very high doses (acromegaly-like — dose-dependent), Organ enlargement at excessive doses |
| Cited sources | 2 references | 2 references |
Key differences
- Evidence level differs: ACE-031 is investigational (in trials), while IGF-1 DES is research-stage.
- Administration: ACE-031 — Subcutaneous injection; IGF-1 DES — Subcutaneous injection, Intramuscular injection (into target muscle for local hypertrophic effect).
- Dosing units differ: ACE-031 is dosed in mg/kg, IGF-1 DES in mcg — they operate at different scales.
- Frequency: ACE-031 is typically every 2–4 weeks (subcutaneous injection); IGF-1 DES is 1–2x daily, preferably post-workout.
How each works
ACE-031
ACE-031 functions as a decoy receptor, binding myostatin, activin A/B, GDF-11, and BMP-9 in circulation before they can activate cellular ActRIIB receptors. In the Duchenne muscular dystrophy Phase 2 trial, ACE-031 produced meaningful lean body mass increases but was halted due to vascular side effects (epistaxis, telangiectasia) requiring dose and safety optimization.
IGF-1 DES
The three N-terminal amino acids of IGF-1 are the primary binding site for IGFBP-3 (IGF binding protein 3), which sequesters 75–90% of circulating IGF-1 in an inactive bound form. IGF-1 DES lacks this binding site, meaning virtually all injected peptide reaches tissue receptors as free (active) IGF-1. In skeletal muscle research, Des-IGF-1 promotes satellite cell activation, myoblast proliferation, and differentiation at lower doses than LR3. It has a shorter half-life (~20–30 minutes) than LR3 but acts more intensely — particularly at the site of injection.
This comparison aggregates public research and structured profile data for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not recommend either compound for human use. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before considering any peptide.