IGF-1 DES (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 DES) is a truncated, more potent variant of IGF-1, lacking the first three amino acids. It is highly localized in action, binding more strongly to IGF receptors without attaching to binding proteins. Used in research and bodybuilding for targeted muscle growth, hyperplasia (new cell formation), and enhanced recovery, with a very short half-life of about 20–30 minutes.