What Is Follistatin-344?
Follistatin-344 (FS-344) is classified as a myostatin inhibitor peptide. Blocks myostatin (the body's muscle growth limiter) and activin, allowing enhanced muscle development and regeneration beyond normal physiological limits.
It is extensively evaluated in laboratory and clinical settings for its potential to drive muscle hypertrophy, strength. Researchers target Follistatin-344 for its ability to interact with specific cellular and molecular pathways, making it a compound of significant interest across multiple therapeutic domains.
Research-only. Potent effects potential for unregulated growth. Limited human safety data. Phase I gene therapy trials show safety.
How Does Follistatin-344 Work?
Blocks myostatin (the body's muscle growth limiter) and activin, allowing enhanced muscle development and regeneration beyond normal physiological limits.
At the molecular level, Follistatin-344 operates through pathways characteristic of the Myostatin Inhibitor class. By interacting with target receptors and downstream signaling cascades, the compound initiates biological responses associated with muscle hypertrophy, strength.
Expected Research Timeline
Weeks 2–4
Initial myostatin inhibition; muscle fullness and pumps
Months 2–3
Measurable lean mass increase; strength gains
Long-Term
Very limited long-term human data; Phase I gene therapy shows safety
What Does the Research Say?
The following are key findings from peer-reviewed studies on Follistatin-344, indexed on PubMed and equivalent databases:
[1]Follistatin gene therapy increases muscle mass and strength
Rodino-Klapac et al. (Mol. Ther.): AAV-delivered follistatin 344 increases muscle mass and fiber diameter across multiple animal species without adverse reproductive or endocrine effects.
Evidence: preclinical[2]Follistatin as myostatin antagonist therapeutic potential
Kalista et al.: Review of follistatin's role as primary endogenous myostatin antagonist and its therapeutic potential for muscular dystrophies and sarcopenia.
Evidence: preclinical[3]Follistatin gene transfer for Becker muscular dystrophy (Phase I)
Mendell et al. (Mol. Ther.): Phase I clinical trial of AAV1-follistatin gene transfer in Becker muscular dystrophy patients shows improved 6-minute walk test with no adverse effects.
Evidence: moderate[4]Follistatin in adipocyte differentiation and energy metabolism
Research demonstrating follistatin's broader metabolic role in adipocyte browning, energy expenditure, and metabolic health beyond muscle hypertrophy.
Evidence: preclinicalSafety & Side Effects
Research-only. Potent effects potential for unregulated growth. Limited human safety data. Phase I gene therapy trials show safety.
| Side Effect | Incidence | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Limited human safety data | Investigational only | mild |
| Injection site reaction | ~5% of users | mild |
| Theoretical cancer promotion | Mechanism-based concern | rare |
FDA Status: Not Approved for Human Therapeutic Use
Follistatin-344 is not currently FDA-approved for human use. It is available for research purposes only. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider.
How Is Follistatin-344 Used?
Route
SubQ
Dose Range
100–100 mcg
Frequency
7x/wk
Cycle
4–4 wk
Timing: Post-workout or morning
Notes: Very short cycles. 100mcg/day common. Acts via myostatin/activin inhibition effects compound over days.
All dosing information reflects parameters reported in published research literature and is not intended as clinical guidance. Usage of any peptide should be supervised by a qualified healthcare professional.
Follistatin-344 vs. Related Compounds
| Compound | Primary Use |
|---|---|
| Follistatin-344(this page) | Muscle hypertrophy, strength |
| CJC-1295 | Muscle growth, fat loss, recovery |
| IGF-1 LR3 | Muscle growth, recovery, hyperplasia |
| Ipamorelin | GH release, muscle growth, recovery without cortisol spike |
Where to Source Follistatin-344 for Research
Purchasing ultra-high purity, laboratory-grade peptides is critical for verifiable research. We only recommend vendors providing independent, third-party HPLC Certificates of Analysis (COA).
Disclosure: PeptiDex may earn a commission from purchases. This does not affect our recommendations. We exclusively feature vendors that pass our strict quality verification protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Follistatin-344?
Follistatin-344 is a myostatin inhibitor peptide. Blocks myostatin (the body's muscle growth limiter) and activin, allowing enhanced muscle development and regeneration beyond normal physiological limits.
What are the primary research benefits of Follistatin-344?
Published research identifies primary mechanisms targeting: Muscle hypertrophy, strength. These findings come from 4+ peer-reviewed studies indexed in our database.
What is the half-life of Follistatin-344?
In published pharmacokinetic data, Follistatin-344 demonstrates a half-life of approximately 6 hours.
Is Follistatin-344 FDA approved?
Follistatin-344 is not currently FDA-approved for human therapeutic use. It is classified as a research compound and is studied under investigational protocols. Always consult a healthcare provider.
What are common side effects of Follistatin-344?
Reported side effects in published literature include Limited human safety data (Investigational only), Injection site reaction (~5% of users), Theoretical cancer promotion (Mechanism-based concern). Most are classified as mild in severity.
How is Follistatin-344 administered?
In research settings, Follistatin-344 is typically administered via SubQ. Very short cycles. 100mcg/day common. Acts via myostatin/activin inhibition effects compound over days.
Sources
- Follistatin gene therapy increases muscle mass and strength. View on PubMed
- Follistatin as myostatin antagonist therapeutic potential. View on PubMed
- Follistatin gene transfer for Becker muscular dystrophy (Phase I). View on PubMed
- Follistatin in adipocyte differentiation and energy metabolism. View on PubMed