Peptide Comparison
IGF-1 LR3vsTB-500
A supercharged version of your body's own growth factor that stays active 2-3 times longer than regular IGF-1, making it a powerhouse for muscle growth, recovery, and cellular regeneration.
A powerful fragment of thymosin beta-4 that acts like your body's repair signal—speeding up healing of muscles, tendons, and tissues by promoting cell migration and new blood vessel growth right where you need it most.
At a Glance
Quick
comparison
Dose Range
IGF-1 LR3
20–100 mcg
TB-500
2–5 mg
Frequency
IGF-1 LR3
Once daily
TB-500
Twice weekly
Administration
IGF-1 LR3
Subcutaneous injection
TB-500
Subcutaneous injection
Cycle Length
IGF-1 LR3
4-6 weeks
TB-500
4-6 weeks
Onset Speed
IGF-1 LR3
Rapid (hours to days)
TB-500
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence Level
IGF-1 LR3
Strong preclinical (extensive animal studies)
TB-500
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
Efficacy
Benefit
ratings
Muscle Growth
Recovery Speed
Nutrient Utilization
Healing Speed
Tissue Repair
Anti-Scarring
Technical Data
Compound
specifications
IGF-1 LR3
Molecular Formula
C400H625N111O115S9
Molecular Weight
9111.4 g/mol
Half-Life
20-30 hours
Bioavailability
High when injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly
CAS Number
946870-92-4
TB-500
Molecular Formula
C38H68N10O14
Molecular Weight
889.01 g/mol
Half-Life
2-3 days (systemic)
Bioavailability
High via subcutaneous injection (~100%)
CAS Number
885340-08-9
Protocols
Dosing
tiers
IGF-1 LR3
TB-500
Applications
Best
suited for
IGF-1 LR3
Serious Muscle Builders
If you're pushing hard in the gym and want to maximize every rep, IGF-1 LR3 helps your muscles grow through both hypertrophy (bigger cells) AND hyperplasia (more cells). That's a one-two punch that few other compounds offer.
Recovery-Focused Athletes
Train hard, recover faster. IGF-1 LR3 accelerates tissue repair and reduces the time you need between intense sessions. It's particularly valuable during high-volume training blocks or when preparing for competition.
Body Recomposition Goals
Looking to build muscle while losing fat? IGF-1 LR3 helps shuttle nutrients into muscle cells while improving how your body uses fat for fuel. Combined with proper diet, it supports that lean, muscular physique.
Post-Injury Rehabilitation
IGF-1 is your body's natural repair signal. The LR3 version stays active longer, potentially helping injured tissues heal more completely. Athletes recovering from muscle strains or tears may find it particularly beneficial.
TB-500
Athletes Recovering from Muscle Injuries
If you've pulled a hamstring, strained your back, or torn a muscle, TB-500 helps accelerate the healing process by promoting cell migration to the injury site and supporting new blood vessel growth. It's especially useful for injuries that just won't seem to fully heal.
Tendon and Ligament Problems
Tendons and ligaments are notoriously slow healers because they have poor blood supply. TB-500 promotes angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) and helps repair these stubborn connective tissue injuries—think Achilles tendonitis, tennis elbow, or rotator cuff issues.
Post-Surgical Recovery
After surgery, your body needs to repair a lot of tissue quickly. TB-500 supports wound healing, reduces inflammation, and may help minimize scar tissue formation. Some protocols use it alongside traditional recovery to potentially speed up the healing timeline.
Chronic Inflammation and Slow Healers
Some people just heal slowly—whether due to age, diabetes, or other factors. TB-500 helps regulate the inflammatory response and promotes the cellular processes needed for tissue repair. It essentially tells your body to focus healing resources where they're needed most.
Safety Profile
Side
effects
IGF-1 LR3
Common
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Injection site reactions
- Water retention
- Headaches
Uncommon
- Joint pain or stiffness
- Numbness or tingling
Serious
- Severe hypoglycemia
TB-500
Common
- Injection site redness
- Mild fatigue or lethargy
- Mild headache
- Slight flushing
Uncommon
- Head rush or lightheadedness
- Temporary nausea
Serious
- Allergic reaction
Research Status
Safety
& evidence
IGF-1 LR3
Evidence Level
Strong preclinical (extensive animal studies)
FDA Status
Research compound
Safety Overview
IGF-1 LR3 has been extensively studied in research settings and shows a predictable side effect profile when used responsibly. The primary concern is hypoglycemia, which is manageable with proper nutrition timing. Long-term safety data in humans is limited since it's used as a research compound. Joint discomfort and water retention are generally mild and resolve when cycling off.
Contraindications
- xActive cancer or history of cancer
- xPregnancy or breastfeeding
- xDiabetic retinopathy or uncontrolled diabetes
- xKnown hypersensitivity to IGF-1 or related peptides
- xChildren and adolescents (can affect growth plates)
TB-500
Evidence Level
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
FDA Status
Research compound
Safety Overview
TB-500 has shown a good safety profile across preclinical studies and limited human research. It's a fragment of thymosin beta-4, a naturally occurring protein in your body involved in healing. Most side effects are mild and transient, primarily injection site reactions. However, large-scale clinical trials are still needed to fully establish its safety profile in humans.
Contraindications
- xPregnancy or planning to become pregnant
- xCurrently breastfeeding
- xActive cancer or history of cancer
- xKnown allergy to peptide components
- xChildren and adolescents
Decision Guide
Which is
right for you?
Choose IGF-1 LR3 if...
- Muscle growth and hypertrophy
- Post-workout recovery
- Body recomposition
- Athletic performance enhancement
Choose TB-500 if...
- Accelerating injury recovery
- Tendon and ligament healing
- Reducing chronic inflammation
- Post-surgical recovery support