IGF-1 DES (Insulin Growth Factor – 1 DES) is a single, non glycosylated polypeptide chain that is made up of 67 amino acids. It is the shorter version of the IGF-1 amino acid chain that contains amino acids 4-70 and as such it mimics the insulin structure. This polypeptide omits the first three amino acids at the N-terminus of IGF-1 and this omission considerably lowers its binding to the IGFBPs (insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins) and boosts its potency. Its structure has ensured that the properties of IGF-1 can be amplified with more stability. IGFs (somatomedins) are growth hormones that play a great role in growth and development. IGF-1 DES is also synthesized naturally in the human body and its physiological role is to positively impact protein synthesis, RNA synthesis, transportation of amino acids and glucose into the cells, and to lower protein catabolism. It is also believed to promote neurogenesis and functions. Its amino acid sequence is TLCGAELVDALQFVCGDRGFYFNKPTGYGSSSRRAPQTGIVDECCFRSCDLRRLEMYCAPLKPAKSA and it has a molecular mass of 7372 Daltons. IGF-1 DES is also referred to as IGF-1 DES, IGF-1, IGF-1 DES 1-3, Somatomedin C analogue, Detropin. It has a half-life that ranges between 20-30 minutes (it is a very delicate amino acid chain) and its potency is 5 times that of IGF-1 LR3 and 10 times that of regular base IGF-1