What is Follistatin 344?
Follistatin 344 is an isoform of follistatin (FST), a naturally occurring glycoprotein that binds and neutralizes TGF-β superfamily members, most notably myostatin (GDF-8) and activin A. Animal studies show dramatic and permanent muscle hypertrophy with single gene therapy doses. Human pharmacokinetic and safety data are extremely limited; the risk of irreversible muscular hypertrophy and unknown off-target effects make this highly experimental. Research only — extreme caution advised.
Mechanism of Action
High-affinity binding and sequestration of myostatin (GDF-8), activin A, and activin B; relieves myostatin-mediated inhibition of muscle satellite cell activation; allows unrestricted muscle fiber hypertrophy and hyperplasia
Target: Myostatin (GDF-8), Activin A, Activin B, BMP-11
Research / educational reference. Educational research index only — not medical advice. Literature maturity is not a verdict on whether a compound works in people. Community reports are not evidence of efficacy.
Evidence at a glance
Derived · maturity-1.0Human efficacy is unproven unless an approved label or completed published efficacy program says otherwise. Counts reflect indexed literature volume/kind — never a verdict on effect.
Literature maturity
nascent 8/100
PubMed hits
5
CT.gov trials
0
Strong-human apps
0
Sample papers
4
Sample articles by era
- pre-20181
- 2018-20203
Application grades (curated)
- Human-grade apps0
- Animal / in-vitro1
- Mechanistic0
Does literature support studied applications?
Grades reflect cited literature posture — not a treatment recommendation. Community notes are never efficacy evidence.
| Application | Cited evidence | Grade | Community |
|---|---|---|---|
| Myostatin pathway modulation | Strong mechanistic animal literature; human peptide-product efficacy unproven. | Animal / in-vitro | Community reports vary; not evidence of efficacy. |
Pharmacology
Mechanism of action
- •High-affinity binding and sequestration of myostatin (GDF-8), activin A, and activin B; relieves myostatin-mediated inhibition of muscle satellite cell activation; allows unrestricted muscle fiber hypertrophy and hyperplasia
- •Primary target framing: Myostatin (GDF-8), Activin A, Activin B, BMP-11
Half-life
~35 hours
Identity & chemistry
Storage & stability
- Lyophilized
- 2–8°C Refrigerated
- Reconstituted
- Refrigerate after reconstitution; follow supplier beyond-use dating
- Tell-tale degradation
- !Cloudiness, clumping, or particles after mixing
- !Discoloration versus the expected clear/colorless (or labeled) solution
- !Failed or incomplete reconstitution of lyophilized cake
Educational estimates. Prefer product labeling and peptide shelf-life tool.
Lab handling posture
Research / educational handling notes only. Not a substitute for an SDS.
- •Use PPE appropriate for peptide powder/solution handling
- •Avoid inhalation of lyophilized powder; handle spills per institutional policy
- •Do not present research materials as medicines
Sample indexed literature
- Detection of black market follistatin 344.
Drug testing and analysis · 2019 · PMID 31758732
- Detection of black market follistatin 344.
Drug testing and analysis · 2020 · PMID 33460286
- Central serous chorioretinopathy associated with high-dose follistatin-344: a retrospective case series.
International ophthalmology · 2020 · PMID 32671599
- The transgenic expression of human follistatin-344 increases skeletal muscle mass in pigs.
Transgenic research · 2017 · PMID 27787698
Research Indications
Demonstrated acceleration of wound healing and soft tissue repair in research
Research shows beneficial effects on intestinal lining and GI function
Associated with reduced joint inflammation and improved mobility
May support faster recovery from muscle strains and exercise stress
Research Protocols
These are commonly discussed research protocols — not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
| Goal | Dose | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Dose | 100 mcg | Once daily | Subcutaneous injection |
| Standard Dose | 250 mcg | Once daily | Subcutaneous injection |
Peptide & Drug Interactions
Always consult your healthcare provider before combining with other compounds. Use our Interaction Checker for reference.
How to Reconstitute & Inject
Use bacteriostatic (BAC) water only. Avoid saline — may cause precipitation. Refrigerate and use within 28 days.
- 1
Remove Follistatin 344 vial from refrigeration and allow to reach room temperature (15–20 minutes)
- 2
Clean vial top with alcohol swab and allow to air dry completely
- 3
Using a sterile syringe, draw the calculated volume of bacteriostatic water (BAC water)
- 4
Inject BAC water slowly down the side of the vial — do not aim directly at the powder
- 5
Gently swirl in circular motions — DO NOT shake vigorously as this degrades the peptide
- 6
Allow 2–3 minutes for full dissolution — solution should be clear and colorless
- 7
Draw calculated dose into an insulin syringe for subcutaneous injection
- 8
Inject into abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy
- 9
Store reconstituted solution refrigerated (2–8°C) and use within 28 days
What to Expect
Week 1–2
Initial anti-inflammatory effects begin. Reduced pain and swelling in target area.
Week 2–4
Improved tissue mobility and reduced discomfort. Early healing acceleration.
Week 4–8
Significant recovery milestones. Stronger tissue repair and functional improvement.
Week 8–12
Near-complete healing in many cases. Improved strength and tissue integrity.
Side Effects & Safety
- Generally well-tolerated in research settings
- Mild nausea with higher doses
- Injection site redness or discomfort
- Rare: Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Potential effect on blood pressure (monitor if hypertensive)
FDA Status & Regulatory Info
Follistatin 344 is an isoform of follistatin (FST), a naturally occurring glycoprotein that binds and neutralizes TGF-β superfamily members, most notably myostatin (GDF-8) and activin A. Animal studies show dramatic and permanent muscle hypertrophy with single gene therapy doses. Human pharmacokinetic and safety data are extremely limited; the risk of irreversible muscular hypertrophy and unknown off-target effects make this highly experimental. Research only — extreme caution advised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Research References
External links for education only. We do not control third-party content.
Community-reported data
The information below reflects self-reported experiences from PeptIQ app users. It is not clinical evidence and should not replace professional medical advice.
Community Intelligence
What 6 users report
Overall experience
From check-in ratings — separate from side effects logged below. Side effects are logged separately from overall experience. A favorable check-in can still include nausea, fatigue, or injection-site reactions.
Favorable 100% · Mixed 0% · Unfavorable overall 0%
Most reported benefits
Benefits users selected when logging a favorable or mixed check-in.
Self-reported dose per injection
Median bucket: 50–100 mcg · Most common: 50–100 mcg
Reports span 50–200 mcg
Anonymized self-reports from PeptIQ users — not prescribing guidance. Buckets group similar logged amounts; open-ended top buckets mean “at least” that dose.
Commonly stacked with
Share Your Experience
Rate Follistatin 344 in the PeptIQ app and help the community make informed decisions.
Educational information only
This page is for educational reference. It is not medical or legal advice. PeptIQ does not sell peptides or list vendors. Consult the FDA and a licensed healthcare professional for current regulations and individualized guidance.