Compare Peptides
Select any two compounds for a side-by-side comparison of mechanism, uses, risks, and FDA regulatory status.
Popular comparisons
A splice variant of IGF-1 produced in response to mechanical stress on muscle tissue. Plays a key role in muscle repair by activating satellite cells. The non-PEGylated form has a very short half-life.
A naturally occurring glycoprotein that acts as a potent inhibitor of myostatin — the protein that limits muscle growth. Follistatin 344 is the most common isoform used in research contexts. Inhibiting myostatin theoretically removes the body's natural brake on muscle development.
Activates muscle satellite (stem) cells, promoting their proliferation and differentiation into new muscle fibers. This is distinct from IGF-1's general anabolic effects — MGF specifically targets the repair response to mechanical damage.
Binds to and neutralizes myostatin (GDF-8) and activin, preventing them from signaling through the ActRIIB receptor. This removes the inhibitory signal on muscle satellite cells, allowing greater muscle fiber growth and regeneration. Also affects bone density and fat metabolism through activin pathway modulation.
- Muscle repair after injury
- Hypertrophy support
- Recovery from intense training
- Localized tissue repair
- Muscle mass enhancement
- Strength improvement
- Muscular dystrophy research
- Recovery from muscle-wasting conditions
- Very short half-life (minutes)
- Must be injected locally at target site
- Limited human data
- Potential for uneven growth if injection technique is poor
- Theoretical cancer risk (promotes cell proliferation)
- Very limited human clinical data
- Potential for uncontrolled muscle growth
- Tendon and connective tissue may not keep pace with muscle growth
- Cardiovascular effects of myostatin inhibition not fully characterized
- Long-term safety completely unknown
- High potential for misuse in athletic contexts
No FDA regulatory category. Available only as a research chemical. Not approved for any clinical indication.
Not FDA-approved and not on any compounding list. Available as a research chemical. Myostatin inhibition is an active area of pharmaceutical research for muscular dystrophy — several drug candidates are in clinical trials, but follistatin itself has not advanced to approved drug status.
This comparison is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any peptide therapy.