MGF
Mechano Growth Factor (MGF/IGF-1Ec research terminology)
Evidence & Status
- Preliminary / Experimental
- Preliminary
At a Glance
MGF/IGF-1Ec is research terminology spanning endogenous expression biology, synthetic MGF-E peptides, and PEG-MGF; these are not interchangeable entities. The retained evidence is limited to cell-culture and animal research.
Plain English
Researchers study MGF/IGF-1Ec biology in cells and animals. Synthetic MGF-E research peptide and PEG-MGF should not be treated as the endogenous full splice variant, and no established human formulation, dose, route, pharmacokinetics, or safety profile is available.
Overview
MGF refers to IGF-1 splice-variant biology, while synthetic MGF-E/E-domain peptides used in experiments are distinct research materials. The approved evidence includes human-cell work, animal research, and a review; it does not establish a human injection protocol, a universal pharmacokinetic profile, or a therapeutic indication.
Research Summary
The approved sources cover in-vitro human muscle-progenitor work, an animal myocardial-infarction experiment, and a review. They support an early-stage research framing only. Sport-status statements must be checked against the current WADA Prohibited List rather than inferred from preclinical evidence.
Research Areas
- Muscle satellite cell activation
- Muscle hypertrophy mechanisms
- Exercise recovery
- Muscle wasting disease
- IGF-1 splice variant biology
Safety & Risks
Serious Risks
- Long-term human safety data are not established.
- Research-material quality-control concerns may apply.
Reported Side Effects
- Human safety data are not established.
Legal Status by Region
- United States
- Current WADA classification applies to sport only; it does not establish medicine approval or efficacy.
- United Kingdom
- Current WADA classification applies to sport only; it does not establish medicine approval or efficacy.
- Australia
- Current WADA classification applies to sport only; it does not establish medicine approval or efficacy.
- Canada
- Current WADA classification applies to sport only; it does not establish medicine approval or efficacy.
Citations & Sources
- Mechano Growth Factor E peptide (MGF-E), derived from an isoform of IGF-1, activates human muscle progenitor cells and induces an increase in their fusion potential at different ages.
Kandalla PK et al. · Mechanisms of Ageing and Development · 2011
PMID 21354439 · DOI 10.1016/j.mad.2011.02.007
- Administration of a Synthetic Peptide Derived from the E-domain Region of Mechano-Growth Factor Delays Decompensation Following Myocardial Infarction.
Shioura K et al. · International Journal of Cardiovascular Research · 2014
PMID 25606570 · DOI 10.4172/2324-8602.1000169
- Mechano-Growth Factor: an important cog or a loose screw in the repair machinery?
Zabłocka B et al. · Frontiers in Endocrinology · 2012
PMID 23125840 · DOI 10.3389/fendo.2012.00131
- 2026 Prohibited List.
World Anti-Doping Agency · 2026