Peptide profile

IGF-1 LR3

Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 Long R3 / Long-acting IGF-1

Muscle Building

The most anabolic peptide available — directly stimulates muscle cell growth and satellite cell activation.

Evidence Level

Anecdotal
Emerging
Moderate
Strong

Legal Status

Schedule 4 (Prescription)

Dosage

20–50 mcg/day post-workout

Route

subcutaneous injection, intramuscular injection

How it works

A modified analogue of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 with a longer half-life than endogenous IGF-1 (20–30 hours vs 15 minutes). Binds IGF-1 receptors on muscle cells to stimulate protein synthesis, satellite cell proliferation, and muscle hyperplasia — the addition of new muscle fibres, not just hypertrophy of existing ones.

Research summary

IGF-1 plays a central role in GH-mediated anabolism and is well-characterised in endocrinology literature. LR3 modification significantly extends bioavailability. Human trials in GH deficiency and muscle-wasting conditions confirm anabolic effects. Off-label use in healthy athletes is common but controlled human trial data for this purpose remains limited.

Cycle duration

4–6 weeks (cycle off to prevent receptor desensitisation)

Stacks well with

These peptides complement IGF-1 LR3's mechanism and are commonly combined in protocols.

LongevityFat Loss
Moderate

Ipamorelin + CJC-1295

The gold standard GH-releasing combination for anti-ageing, body recomposition, and sleep quality.

100–300 mcg of each peptide, before bedView
RecoveryGut Health
Moderate

BPC-157

The most researched healing peptide — gut repair, tendon recovery, and injury healing.

250–500 mcg/dayView
Recovery
Emerging

TB-500

Systemic tissue repair and wound healing — the most powerful BPC-157 stack partner.

5 mg twice weekly (acute); 2.5 mg twice weekly (maintenance)View

Supplements that pair with IGF-1 LR3

These supplements directly amplify or support IGF-1 LR3's mechanism of action.

CoreStrong

Creatine Monohydrate

The most evidence-backed performance supplement in existence — increases strength, power, and muscle recovery.

3–5g dailyView
CoreStrong

Whey Protein

The most bioavailable protein source — essential for hitting protein targets that support muscle growth and recovery.

25–50g per serve, 1–2 serves daily as needed to hit daily protein targetView
SecondaryStrong

Beta-Alanine

Increases muscle carnosine, delaying fatigue and enabling higher training volume.

3.2–6.4g daily (split into 1.6g doses to minimise tingling/paraesthesia)View

Protocols using this peptide

Muscle Buildingadvanced

Advanced Muscle Building Stack

Maximum anabolic output — combining GH release, IGF-1, and recovery peptides for serious athletes.

Moderate evidenceNo prescription needed

IGF-1 LR3 has 3x the half-life of native IGF-1, with documented satellite cell activation for muscle hypertrophy.

Ipamorelin + CJC-1295IGF-1 LR3BPC-157
3 steps8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off
$450–$700 AUD / monthView

Free tool

Protein targets for your IGF-1 LR3

Protein requirements vary significantly by protocol goal and activity level.

80kg

176g

Daily total

59g

Per meal (3 meals)

2.2g/kg

Per kg bodyweight

Top sources to hit 176g daily

Chicken breast (cooked)~570g hits target
Whey protein (1 scoop ~30g)~220g hits target
Salmon fillet (cooked)~700g hits target
Eggs~26 eggs hits target
Greek yoghurt (200g serve)~9 serves hits target
Lean beef mince (cooked)~680g hits target

How this connects to your protocol

On GH and IGF-1 protocols, protein is your primary building material. Without sufficient amino acid availability, peptide-driven anabolic signals have nothing to build with.

Build my complete protocol →Open full calculator

Targets are evidence-based estimates. Consult your practitioner for personalised advice.

Risks & side effects

Hypoglycaemia risk — always take post-workout with food available
Possible jaw and organ growth with excessive long-term dosing
Receptor desensitisation with extended cycles — strictly cycle on/off
Schedule 4 — prescription required in Australia
Contraindicated in anyone with active cancer or pre-cancerous conditions

How to access in Australia

This peptide is classified as Schedule 4 in Australia, meaning it requires a prescription from an AHPRA-registered practitioner. It is typically dispensed through a licensed compounding pharmacy.

Find a prescriber

Australian clinics that prescribe IGF-1 LR3 or treat related goals.

Rx

Thrive Rx

Telehealth Clinic
4.8(312)

Australia's most thorough longevity and peptide clinic — blood panel first, protocol second.

$199–$599 AUD / month Australia-wide
AHPRA-registered clinicians
Comprehensive blood panel included in membership
Ongoing biomarker tracking every 6 months
Higher price point than GLP-1 only clinics
Requires full health assessment before any prescription
Visit clinic

ProtocolHub may earn a commission if you visit this partner. This does not affect our ratings.

PX

Phyx

Telehealth Clinic
4.7(260)

The Home of Longevity — performance-focused peptide therapy, supplements, and Afterpay-supported plans across Australia.

$150–$500 AUD / month Australia-wide
One of the widest peptide menus in Australia — 19+ compounds available
Afterpay available — pay in 4 easy instalments
Includes hard-to-find peptides: Epitalon, MOTS-C, Oxytocin, DHEA
Newer brand — less established review base than Thrive Rx or Pilot
Premium pricing on some specialised compounds

Peptides available (19)

AOD 9604CJC 1295IpamorelinHCGMOTS-CBPC 157CJC 1295 + IpamorelinTB-500+11 more
Visit clinic

ProtocolHub may earn a commission if you visit this partner. This does not affect our ratings.

GL

GL Vitality Drips

Telehealth Clinic
4.6(340)

Doctor-prescribed peptides and NAD+ therapy delivered Australia-wide — nurse-led care with AHPRA-registered practitioners and licensed compounding pharmacies.

$150–$450 AUD / month Australia-wide
AHPRA-registered Australian doctors prescribe all peptides
Licensed compounding pharmacies with COA-verified products
Medical-grade cold-chain courier delivery nationwide
Smaller clinic — less brand recognition than larger platforms
Review count lower than established competitors — newer market entrant
Visit clinic

ProtocolHub may earn a commission if you visit this partner. This does not affect our ratings.

Compare all Australian clinics

Medical disclaimer

The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All peptide and supplement therapies should be discussed with an AHPRA-registered medical practitioner before use. ProtocolHub does not prescribe, dispense, or supply any therapeutic goods. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new health protocol.

Ready to start a protocol?

Get a complete protocol built around your goal — peptides, supplements, training, and nutrition.

Build my complete protocol