MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)

A form of IGF-1 made by muscle after stress or injury. Studied in cells and animals; synthetic versions sold online aren't the same as the natural protein.

Evidence: Primarily preclinical research
Half-life: Not known
Sources: 2 cited

Is MGF (Mechano Growth Factor) FDA-approved?

Not approved by the FDA. Products sold online as "research chemicals" aren't checked for purity, sterility or dose.

Is MGF (Mechano Growth Factor) banned in sport?

Banned in sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Overview

When muscle is loaded or damaged, it makes a splice variant of IGF-1 called IGF-1Ec, nicknamed MGF. Lab studies suggest its unique tail may help activate muscle repair cells. "MGF" and "PEG-MGF" sold online are short synthetic peptides based on that tail, and they haven't been tested in human trials.

How it works

The natural protein is thought to activate muscle stem (satellite) cells after injury, separately from mature IGF-1.

How long does MGF (Mechano Growth Factor) stay in the body?

Not established in people.

What it's studied for

Muscle repair (cells and animals)
Cartilage repair (lab studies)

Sources

The studies and prescribing labels this page is written from.