MGF
A splice variant of IGF-1 produced in muscle after damage or loading, thought to activate muscle stem cells.
Not approved. Research use only.
Look it up on Wikipedia14 listings across 11 independently tested vendors, ranked by price per milligram after coupon codes anyone can use. Vendors you can only order from by message are hidden.
Not an FDA-approved drug and not nominated for FDA's 503A bulks list, so US pharmacies can't legally compound it.
Daily price tracking started October 7, 2026; a price-history chart appears here once a few days have been collected.
| Vendor | Trust | Listing | Vials | Price | Per mg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Aavant Research #2 by metascore · US |
Metascore 90Finnrick 86%Bought vials 103% of label · 24 testsTitrateLabNo report for thisOnline checkout |
MGF 2mg | 10 × 2 mg = 20 mg | $55.00 $5.50 per vial |
$2.75 | Buy |
Hangzhou Youngpeptide Biotechnology HYB #153 by metascore |
MGF 2 mg – 10 Vials | 10 × 2 mg = 20 mg | $60.00 $6.00 per vial |
$3.00 | Buy | |
Qingdao Sigma Chemical QSC #69 by metascore |
MGF 2mg | 20-Vial Kit | Mechano Growth Factor | Muscle Satellite Cell Research | 20 × 2 mg = 40 mg | $350.00 $17.50 per vial |
$8.75 | Buy | |
Core Peptides #282 by metascore |
Metascore 70 medium confidenceFinnrick 76%PepIndex 24/100Bought vials 92% of label · 4 testsTitrateLab · PeptideBase · Peptide Critic · PeptideCheckedNo report for thisOnline checkout |
MGF – 5MG | 1 × 5 mg | $50.00 | $10.00 | Buy |
Qingdao Sigma Chemical QSC #69 by metascore |
MGF 2mg | 10-Vial Kit | Mechano Growth Factor | Muscle Satellite Cell Research | 10 × 2 mg = 20 mg | $200.00 $20.00 per vial |
$10.00 | Buy | |
Go Alpha Labs Peptides #51 by metascore · US |
Metascore 80Finnrick 52%Bought vials 100% of label · 11 testsTitrateLabNo report for thisConfirmed with lab: 37 of 37Online checkout |
MGF without PEG (2mg) (10 Vials) | 10 × 2 mg = 20 mg | $249.99 $25.00 per vial |
$12.50 | Buy |
Simple Peptide #25 by metascore · US, FL 33446 |
Metascore 83Finnrick 62%PepIndex 82/100Bought vials 100% of label · 44 testsTitrateLabNo report for thisOnline checkout |
MGF 5MG | 1 × 5 mg | $66.00 | $13.20 | Buy |
Peptagon #31 by metascore |
Metascore 82 medium confidenceFinnrick UnratedBought vials 102% of label · 3 testsTitrateLabNo report for thisConfirmed with lab: 38 of 38Online checkout |
MGF Research Peptide – 5mg | 1 × 5 mg | $73.00 | $14.60 | Buy |
Pure Peptide Labs #53 by metascore · US |
Metascore 79 medium confidenceFinnrick 63%PepIndex 23/100Bought vials 102% of label · 4 testsTitrateLab · PeptideBase · Peptide CriticNo report for thisOnline checkout |
MGF 2 mg | 1 × 2 mg | $34.95 | $17.48 | Buy |
Go Alpha Labs Peptides #51 by metascore · US |
Metascore 80Finnrick 52%Bought vials 100% of label · 11 testsTitrateLabNo report for thisConfirmed with lab: 37 of 37Online checkout |
MGF without PEG (2mg) | 1 × 2 mg | $34.99 | $17.50 | Buy |
Simple Peptide #25 by metascore · US, FL 33446 |
Metascore 83Finnrick 62%PepIndex 82/100Bought vials 100% of label · 44 testsTitrateLabNo report for thisOnline checkout |
MGF 2MG | 1 × 2 mg | $39.00 | $19.50 | Buy |
Alpha BioMed #281 by metascore · US |
MGF (IGF-1Ec) (5mg) | 1 × 5 mg | $110.00 | $22.00 | Buy | |
Paramount Peptides #133 by metascore · US CA |
Metascore 74Finnrick 64%PepIndex 55/100Bought vials 114% of label · 65 testsTitrateLab · Peptide CriticNo report for thisOnline checkout |
MGF (IGF-1Ec) (5mg) | 1 × 5 mg | $127.50 | $25.50 | Buy |
Lab Rat Peptide #206 by metascore · US |
MGF 2mg | 1 × 2 mg | $55.00 | $27.50 | Buy |
Mixing a 2 mg vial
What each common amount of bacteriostatic water gives you on a U-100 insulin syringe. Pick a vial size above to change it.
| Water | Strength | Per 10 units (0.1 mL) | Per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mL | 2 mg/mL | 200 mcg | 20 mcg |
| 2 mL | 1 mg/mL | 100 mcg | 10 mcg |
| 3 mL | 0.667 mg/mL | 66.7 mcg | 6.67 mcg |
| 5 mL | 0.4 mg/mL | 40 mcg | 4 mcg |
Published lab results
1 certificate of analysis that vendors publish for MGF. Numbers are only filled in where the document is readable text; image-only COAs are linked without numbers. A vendor's own COA shows one tested sample, not every batch.
| Vendor | Lab | Date | Label | Measured | Purity | Batch | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Loti Labs |
Bioviridian | 2026-02-06 | 2 mg | – | – | View (image) |
Doses studied in research Animal or lab studies only
What was given to people (or animals) in published studies and official labels, each linked to its source. This is not a recommendation: study products, purity and supervision differ from research-grade vials.
Animal studies: Animal and cell studies only: mice received modified MGF E-domain peptides at 2.25, 4.5 or 9 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks (PMID 36467694); sheep hearts were treated with 200 nM peptide after induced infarction (PMID 17581790); injured rat tendons were treated with 1000 ng/ml MGF-C25E (PMID 27334712); human ligament fibroblasts in culture were exposed to 10-100 ng/mL (PMID 35457148).
Not an approved drug and no human trials of the synthetic peptide have been published. Doses in animal and cell studies do not translate directly to people; in the mouse study, the 2.25 and 9 mg/kg/day doses depressed measures of heart function.
What the research says
Synthetic MGF (mechano growth factor, a peptide from the E-domain of the IGF-IEc/IEb splice variant) has been tested only in cell cultures and animal injury models (heart, tendon, ligament); there are no human trials of the peptide. Reviewers note that no natural MGF peptide has been isolated from tissue, so its physiological role is uncertain, and one MGF cell study in the candidate set has been retracted. Cell studies also show MGF is overexpressed in prostate cancer and osteosarcoma cells, where the peptide promoted growth, a theoretical safety concern.
Key papers ✓ 7✗ 2? 3
-
Mechano-growth factor reduces loss of cardiac function in acute myocardial infarction.Animalssize not reportedSham/vehicle control8 days post-MIExperiment 1: vehicle, IGF-I, MGF E domain or full-length MGF (200 nM each); experiment 2: vehicle vs MGF E domain
In sheep with induced heart attacks, the MGF E-domain peptide preserved cardiac function and left 35% less compromised heart muscle than controls at 8 days.
Key resultMGF E domain preserved cardiac function with 35% less compromised cardiac muscle than controls; cleaved caspase 3 immunostaining absent in MGF E domain-treated hearts
Study details
- Studied
- Sheep with microsphere-induced myocardial infarction
- Compared with
- Vehicle
- Main outcome
- Cardiac function (echocardiography) and area of compromised myocardium
- Sample
- Number of sheep not stated in abstract
- Authors' conclusion
- The E domain of MGF protects the myocardium against ischaemia, improving cardiac function after MI.
- Limitations
- Large-animal study of 8 days; sample size not stated in abstract.
-
Localized delivery of mechano-growth factor E-domain peptide via polymeric microstructures improves cardiac function following myocardial infarction.Animalssize not reportedUp to 10 weeks post-infarctMGF E-domain peptide-eluting hydrogel microrods vs empty microrods vs untreated, intramuscular injection
In mice after coronary ligation, MGF E-domain peptide released from hydrogel microrods injected into the heart reduced mortality, slowed functional decline and inhibited pathologic hypertrophy.
Study details
- Studied
- Mice after coronary artery ligation
- Compared with
- Empty microrods and untreated
- Main outcome
- Cardiac function (pressure-volume loops), mortality, pathologic hypertrophy
- Authors' conclusion
- Cardiac-restricted delivery of MGF E-domain peptide via polymeric microstructures decreased mortality, ameliorated hemodynamic decline and may prevent adverse remodeling after MI.
- Limitations
- Mouse study; no numbers in abstract.
-
Mechano-growth factor E peptide promotes healing of rat injured tendon.Animalssize not reportedSynthetic MGF E peptide (MGF-C25E, 1000 ng/ml) vs saline
In rats with injured Achilles tendons, a synthetic MGF E peptide improved functional index, repair appearance and tendon stiffness vs saline.
Study details
- Studied
- Rats with injured Achilles tendon
- Compared with
- Saline
- Main outcome
- Achilles functional index, macroscopic repair, tendon stiffness, histology
- Authors' conclusion
- MGF-C25E promoted healing of injured rat tendon (higher functional index and stiffness) and could be a potential therapeutic factor for tendon repair.
- Limitations
- Rat study; no numbers in abstract.
-
Mechano Growth Factor Accelerates ACL Repair and Improves Cell Mobility of Mechanically Injured Human ACL Fibroblasts by Targeting Rac1-PAK1/2 and RhoA-ROCK1 Pathways.Humans + animalsRabbit model assessed at 2 and 4 weeksMGF (10, 100 ng/mL) vs untreated injured cells; rabbit ACLT model
MGF improved migration and adhesion of mechanically injured human ACL fibroblasts in culture and accelerated ACL regeneration and load capacity in a rabbit partial-transection model.
Study details
- Studied
- Mechanically injured human ACL fibroblasts in culture; rabbit partial ACL transection model
- Compared with
- Injured group without MGF
- Main outcome
- Cell area, roundness, migration, adhesion, mobility-molecule expression; ACL regeneration and mechanical loading capacity
- Authors' conclusion
- MGF weakens effects of pathological stress on ACL fibroblast mobility and accelerates ACL repair; it might become a treatment approach for ACL rupture.
- Limitations
- Cell culture and rabbit model; no numbers in abstract.
-
Minireview: Mechano-growth factor: a putative product of IGF-I gene expression involved in tissue repair and regeneration.No new dataNarrative minireview
Review noting that synthetic MGF promotes cell proliferation and survival in lab studies, but no corresponding natural peptide has been identified in cells, tissues or body fluids, so its relevance is unproven.
Study details
- Authors' conclusion
- A synthetic peptide corresponding to IGF-IEb promotes cellular proliferation and survival, but no analogous peptide product of the Igf1 gene has been identified in cells, medium or tissues.
- Limitations
- Narrative review with no original data.
-
Biological activity of the e domain of the IGF-1Ec as addressed by synthetic peptides.No new dataNarrative review
Review of synthetic IGF-1Ec E-domain peptide studies; IGF-1Ec is upregulated after muscle and heart injury and also in cancer tissues and cell lines, and its bioactivity remains putative.
Study details
- Authors' conclusion
- The review describes the putative bioactivity of the IGF-1Ec E domain, studied with a synthetic 24-aa analogue; IGF-1Ec is upregulated after muscle injury, post-infarct remodelling and in cancer.
- Limitations
- Narrative review with no original data.
-
Growth factors, muscle function and doping.No new dataNarrative review
Review describing MGF's proposed role in activating muscle progenitor cells and noting its potential for abuse by bodybuilders, without human treatment data.
Study details
- Authors' conclusion
- MGF, an IGF-I splice isoform, activates muscle progenitor cells and kick starts hypertrophy, which has potential for abuse and has already attracted the attention of body builders.
- Limitations
- Narrative review with no original data.
-
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.Cells / labIn vitro treatment with MGF 24-amino-acid E peptide
In primary human muscle cell cultures, MGF-E peptide extended the proliferative lifespan and delayed senescence of satellite cells from neonatal and young adult but not old adult muscle.
Study details
- Studied
- Primary human muscle satellite cell cultures from donors of different ages
- Compared with
- Untreated cultures
- Main outcome
- Proliferation, senescence and fusion
- Authors' conclusion
- The MGF-24aa-E peptide enhanced satellite cell activation, proliferation and fusion and might offer a strategy against sarcopenia without the oncogenic effects seen for IGF-1.
- Limitations
- Cell culture only; no effect on proliferative lifespan in cells from old adults.
-
Preferential expression of IGF-1Ec (MGF) transcript in cancerous tissues of human prostate: evidence for a novel and autonomous growth factor activity of MGF E peptide in human prostate cancer cells.Humans + animalsImmunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, Western blot and peptide stimulation with receptor silencing
MGF was overexpressed in human prostate cancer tissue and cell lines, and synthetic MGF E peptide stimulated prostate cancer cell growth independently of the IGF-1 receptor, a possible cancer-promotion signal.
Study details
- Studied
- Human prostate tissue and prostate cell lines (HPrEC, PC-3, LNCaP)
- Compared with
- Normal prostate tissue and cells
- Main outcome
- MGF expression and cell proliferation
- Authors' conclusion
- Findings suggest a possible role of MGF E peptide in cancer biology through IGF-1R- and insulin-receptor-independent mitogenic activity.
- Limitations
- Cell lines and tissue expression; association rather than proof of causation.
-
The role of mechano-growth factor E peptide in the regulation of osteosarcoma.Cells / labIn vitro stimulation with exogenous MGF-E peptide
MGF was overexpressed in malignant osteosarcoma cell lines, and MGF-E peptide promoted proliferation, migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells, a possible safety concern.
Study details
- Studied
- Osteosarcoma cell lines of different malignancy
- Compared with
- Unstimulated cells
- Main outcome
- Proliferation, migration, invasion, cell cycle
- Authors' conclusion
- MGF may be a suitable biomarker for malignant osteosarcoma phenotypes.
- Limitations
- Cell lines only.
-
Pretreatment with mechano growth factor E peptide attenuates osteoarthritis through improving cell proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis in chondrocytes under severe hypoxia.Humans + animals4 or 6 weeks (rats)Cell pretreatment and rat OA model with MGF E peptide
MGF E peptide protected chondrocytes from hypoxia-induced damage in vitro and reduced cartilage degeneration in a rat model of osteoarthritis.
Study details
- Studied
- Chondrocytes under CoCl2-simulated hypoxia and rats with monosodium iodoacetate-induced osteoarthritis
- Compared with
- Untreated hypoxic cells; untreated OA rats
- Main outcome
- Cell proliferation, extracellular matrix synthesis, cartilage histology
- Authors' conclusion
- MGF attenuates OA progression and may be applied in the clinic, per the authors.
- Limitations
- Animal and cell study.
-
Mechanical growth factor inhibited syndesmophyte formation and the progression of osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis-like symptoms in HLA-B27/Hu-β2m transgenic rats.Animalssize not reported7 weeksDose-ranging MGF treatment vs control
In HLA-B27 transgenic rats with induced arthritis, seven weeks of MGF delayed onset of arthritis symptoms (23 vs 14 days at high dose) and reduced inflammation markers in a dose-dependent way.
Key resultOnset of arthritis symptoms delayed from 14 days in control to 23 days in the high-dose MGF group
Study details
- Studied
- HLA-B27/Hu-beta2m transgenic rats with induced arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis-like disease
- Compared with
- Control group
- Main outcome
- Onset and severity of arthritis, cytokines, bone erosion
- Authors' conclusion
- MGF controlled inflammation and inhibited bone erosion and syndesmophyte formation in this rat model.
- Limitations
- Transgenic rat model; sample sizes not given in the abstract.
Reported side effects
No human safety data for the MGF peptide in the published literature; the related IGF-1Ec isoform is overexpressed in some cancers.
✓ positive · ✗ negative · ~ mixed · ? inconclusive, judged on each paper's own main outcome. Grades: A strong human evidence → D little or none. Papers and verdicts are drawn from PubMed, Europe PMC and Russian journals (CyberLeninka); not medical advice.
Discussions elsewhere
Experiences and questions about MGF on other sites. Treat anecdotes with care.
Also sold in blends with MGF
IGF-1 LR3 + MGF (2) · MGF + Retatrutide (1) · BPC-157 + MGF + TB-500 (2) · BPC-157 + KPV + MGF + TB-500 (1). The order planner uses these automatically when a blend is cheaper than separate vials.
MGF: questions people ask
What is MGF?
Mechano growth factor. A splice variant of IGF-1 produced in muscle after damage or loading, thought to activate muscle stem cells.
How much does MGF cost?
The cheapest MGF from an independently tested vendor is $2.75 per mg (Aavant Research, MGF 2mg, $55.00). Across 14 listings from 11 vendors the median is $14.60 per mg.
Where can I buy MGF?
11 vendors tested by Finnrick sell MGF. The cheapest per mg right now: Aavant Research ($2.75), Hangzhou Youngpeptide Biotechnology HYB ($3.00), Qingdao Sigma Chemical QSC ($8.75). 0 of them publish a lab report (COA) for MGF; compare lab scores and reports in the table above before buying.
How much bacteriostatic water for 2 mg of MGF?
Adding 2 mL of bacteriostatic water to a 2 mg vial of MGF gives 1 mg/mL: each 10 units on a U-100 insulin syringe holds 100 mcg. With 1 mL it's 2 mg/mL (200 mcg per 10 units); with 3 mL, 0.667 mg/mL (66.7 mcg per 10 units). More water makes small amounts easier to measure. Mixing charts: 2 mg, 5 mg.
Is MGF FDA approved?
Not approved. Research use only.
Can MGF be compounded in the US?
Not an FDA-approved drug and not nominated for FDA's 503A bulks list, so US pharmacies can't legally compound it. Compounding status for every peptide.
Does MGF work? What does the research say?
Evidence grade C (mostly animal studies), from 12 papers: No human trials of the peptide; evidence comes from animal injury models (sheep, mice, rats, rabbits) and cell studies, some showing cancer-cell growth. Synthetic MGF (mechano growth factor, a peptide from the E-domain of the IGF-IEc/IEb splice variant) has been tested only in cell cultures and animal injury models (heart, tendon, ligament); there are no human trials of the peptide. Reviewers note that no natural MGF peptide has been isolated from tissue, so its physiological role is uncertain, and one MGF cell study in the candidate set has been retracted. Cell studies also show MGF is overexpressed in prostate cancer and osteosarcoma cells, where the peptide promoted growth, a theoretical safety concern. See the papers.
What dose of MGF was used in studies?
MGF is tested only in animals or cells. Animal and cell studies only: mice received modified MGF E-domain peptides at 2.25, 4.5 or 9 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks (PMID 36467694); sheep hearts were treated with 200 nM peptide after induced infarction (PMID 17581790); injured rat tendons were treated with 1000 ng/ml MGF-C25E (PMID 27334712); human These are amounts used in published studies or official labels, not a recommendation.