Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) is a polypeptide hormone similar to insulin. There are two types of insulin-like growth factors, IGF-1 and IGF-2, which are released upon stimulation by the growth hormone. Insulin-like growth factor binds to the IGF-1 or the IGF-2 receptor and the insulin receptor, and promotes growth and development.
Synthetic form of Insulin-like growth factor is used to treat growth failure in children, who have problems synthesizing IGF-1, which is necessary for the growth of bones and muscles.