Healing & Recovery

MGF

Also known as: Mechano Growth Factor, PEG-MGF, IGF-1Ec

Molecular Identifiers

Molecular Formula

C121H199N41O40

PubChem CID

175675731

UNII

Q86M4KXC2P

Molecular Weight

~2867 Da

Overview

Mechano Growth Factor, a splicing variant of IGF-1 (IGF-1Ec isoform) expressed in muscle tissues after mechanical stimulus. Activates muscle satellite cells, promoting proliferation and fusion for repair and hypertrophy. The PEGylated form (PEG-MGF) has an extended half-life of ~48-72 hours.

The main interest around MGF is accelerated muscle repair after injury or intense training, through the activation of muscle satellite cells and inhibition of apoptosis. The native form has a very short half-life (5-7 minutes), which motivated the development of the PEG-MGF (pegylated) variant, with an extended half-life of 48-72 hours, more practical for use in sports cycles.

MGF has no regulatory approval from any agency (FDA, EMA, ANVISA) and is classified by WADA as a substance prohibited in sports competition. Its use is restricted to the research market, generally in 4-6 week cycles with intramuscular injection post-training. As a peptide derivative of IGF-1, it requires caution in oncological or metabolic conditions.

Within the IGF axis, it is often compared with IGF-1 LR3: while the latter acts systemically via the IGF-1R receptor, with a long half-life and global anabolic stimulus, MGF is an alternative splice product of the same gene, with a localized action in muscle tissue focused on satellite cell activation. The two are commonly stacked in sports cycles because their mechanisms are complementary.

Sequence (1 letter): YQPPSTNKNTKSQRRKGSTFEERK

Extended notation: Tyr-Gln-Pro-Pro-Ser-Thr-Asn-Lys-Asn-Thr-Lys-Ser-Gln-Arg-Arg-Lys-Gly-Ser-Thr-Phe-Glu-Glu-Arg-Lys

C-terminal domain of 24 amino acids from the IGF-1Ec isoform. The PEG-MGF form includes PEGylation to extend the half-life.

Half-life

~5-7 minutes (native MGF) / ~48-72 hours (PEG-MGF)

Administration Route

Intramuscular or subcutaneous

Mechanism of Action

Activation of muscle satellite (progenitor) cells, promoting proliferation and fusion
Anti-apoptotic effect via caspase-3 inhibition, protecting muscle and cardiac cells
Autonomous neuroprotective effect of the C-terminal peptide in cerebral ischemia models
Promotion of angiogenesis and tissue repair at sites of mechanical injury
Modulation of inflammatory cytokines and macrophage resolution in muscle injury

Dosage Protocol

Data compiled from the literature. This does not constitute medical advice.

Parameter	Value
Dose	200-400 mcg per injection
Frequency	Once daily (MGF) or 2-3 times per week (PEG-MGF)
Timing	Immediately after training (30-60 minutes)
Duration	4-6 weeks

Reported Side Effects

Adverse effects described in the literature. Severity and frequency vary between individuals.

Pain and redness at injection site
Mild hypoglycemia at high doses
Localized swelling from water retention
Joint and muscle pain
Fatigue and headache (rare)

Product Properties

Purity	>98%
Appearance	White lyophilized powder
Solubility	Soluble in water and bacteriostatic water
Source	Solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS)
Storage	Lyophilized: -20°C for up to 2 years, 2-8°C for up to 6 months. Reconstituted: 2-8°C for up to 4 weeks. Protect from light and moisture. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Presentations & Preparation

Vials of MGF found in the research market:

2 mg

Reconstitution

Diluent: Bacteriostatic water
Volume: 1-2 ml per 2 mg vial
Inject slowly against the vial wall
Gently swirl until fully dissolved
Never shake vigorously

Storage

Lyophilized: Frozen -20°C (up to 24 months)
Reconstituted: Refrigerated 2-8°C (up to 7-10 days for native MGF, up to 30 days for PEG-MGF)
Avoid freeze/thaw cycles
Protect from direct light
PEG-MGF has slightly better stability than native MGF

Reconstitution Calculator