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Reviewed by MyPeptideMatch Editorial TeamLast reviewed February 2026Updated February 2026

MGF Dosing Protocol: 5 mg Vial — Post-Workout Dosing Schedule & Supplies

Mechano Growth Factor (MGF) dosing guide for the 5 mg vial, based on local muscle injection protocols for satellite cell activation and muscle repair.

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Quickstart highlights

Mechano Growth Factor (MGF) is an alternatively spliced isoform of the IGF-1 gene, expressed locally in mechanically stressed muscle tissue.

  • Concentration: 1 mg/mL (5 mg vial + 5 mL bacteriostatic water).
  • At 1 mg/mL: 100 µg = 10 units, 200 µg = 20 units per injection.
  • Inject intramuscularly into target muscle within 30 minutes post-workout for satellite cell activation.
  • One 5 mg vial provides 25 doses at 200 µg — approximately 8 weeks at 3x weekly dosing.
  • Local injection only — MGF is not a systemic peptide; inject directly into the trained muscle.

Dosing table

For educational reference only. Your prescribing provider may adjust doses based on your clinical profile and response.

WeekDose (µg)UnitsFrequencyNotes
1-2100103x weekly post-workout100 µg — 10 units; inject into target muscle within 30 minutes post-exercise; one 5 mg vial provides 50 doses
3-8200203x weekly post-workout200 µg — 20 units; standard maintenance dose; 25 doses per vial

Reconstitution steps

  1. Draw 5 mL bacteriostatic water; inject slowly down the vial wall.
  2. Swirl gently until powder dissolves; do not shake.
  3. Final concentration: 1 mg/mL (1,000 µg/mL). At 1 mg/mL: 100 µg = 10 units, 200 µg = 20 units.
  4. Label with date; refrigerate at 2–8 °C. Use within 28 days.

Supplies needed

8-week plan

  • 1 vial
  • 24 syringes
  • 5 mL bac water
  • 24 alcohol swabs
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Protocol overview & cycle notes

Activate satellite cells and accelerate post-exercise muscle repair through local intramuscular MGF injections timed to the post-workout repair window, using the 8-week MGF E-peptide protocol.

Cycle length: 8 weeks on.

Off-cycle: 4 weeks off after each 8-week cycle.

Storage & handling

Lyophilized: store below 25 °C or refrigerate. Reconstituted at 1 mg/mL: refrigerate 2–8 °C; use within 28 days.

Injection & tracking tips

  • MGF is most effective when injected intramuscularly into the target muscle immediately post-workout (within 30 minutes); local injection concentrates the peptide at the site of mechanical stress-induced muscle damage.
  • Rotate injection sites within the target muscle group; for bilateral muscles, inject both sides with half the dose each.
  • MGF's primary biological effect is local (satellite cell activation) rather than systemic — unlike IGF-1 LR3 which has systemic metabolic effects.

Tracking

Logging helps you and your provider spot patterns and adjust dose or timing.

  • Track delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) resolution speed weekly; MGF typically accelerates DOMS resolution.
  • Measure target muscle circumference every 4 weeks.
  • Log subjective training recovery score (0–10) after each workout.
Log your cycle in the calculator →

How this works & references

Mechano Growth Factor (MGF) is an alternatively spliced isoform of the IGF-1 gene, expressed locally in mechanically stressed muscle tissue. The unique C-terminal E-domain peptide (24 amino acids) activates satellite cells (muscle stem cells) through a receptor mechanism distinct from IGF-1R, promoting myoblast proliferation before differentiation into new myofibers. Unlike IGF-1 LR3 (systemic), MGF acts primarily locally at the injection site, making intramuscular targeting critical for efficacy. Yang et al. (2004) demonstrated 25% increase in satellite cell number and 30% greater muscle mass versus control in rodent electrostimulation models.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

How is MGF different from IGF-1 LR3 for muscle building?
MGF activates satellite cells (muscle stem cells) through the E-domain peptide, promoting myoblast proliferation — the first step in new muscle fiber formation. IGF-1 LR3 primarily stimulates protein synthesis and anti-catabolism systemically. Many practitioners stack both sequentially: MGF post-workout for satellite cell activation, then IGF-1 LR3 for subsequent protein synthesis support.
Should I inject MGF intramuscularly or subcutaneously?
Intramuscular injection into the target muscle is preferred for MGF — the local E-domain peptide effect requires high concentrations at the site of mechanical damage. Subcutaneous injection is used by some practitioners, but IM injection into the worked muscle produces better theoretical satellite cell targeting.
How long after a workout should I inject MGF?
Within 30 minutes post-workout is optimal, during the window of maximal mechanical-stress-induced MGF receptor upregulation. Delaying injection beyond 1–2 hours progressively reduces the satellite cell response as the mechanical signaling window closes.
Is MGF WADA-prohibited?
Yes — IGF-1 splice variants and analogues including MGF are prohibited under WADA S2. The E-domain peptide of MGF may be detectable via peptide mass spectrometry in urine for 24–48 hours after IM injection.
What results should I realistically expect from MGF?
Human data is very limited. Animal studies (Yang & Goldspink 2002, Goldspink 2007) show significant satellite cell activation and muscle hypertrophy with electrostimulation + MGF. Anecdotal human reports suggest faster post-workout recovery and improved muscle fullness at 200 µg 3x weekly, particularly when combined with IGF-1 LR3. MGF is not a standalone hypertrophy agent — it is most effective as part of a comprehensive GH/IGF-1 axis optimization protocol.

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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any peptide therapy. Dosing and protocols may vary by formulation and prescriber.

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