SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators)
SARMAlso known as: Ostarine (MK-2866), Ligandrol (LGD-4033), RAD-140 (Testolone), Andarine (S-4), MK-677 (Ibutamoren), YK-11, S-23, Cardarine (GW-501516)
What is SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators)?
SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) are synthetic drugs designed to bind androgen receptors selectively, claiming to build muscle without the side effects of steroids. However, no SARM has ever received FDA approval. They are classified as unapproved investigational new drugs with documented hepatotoxicity, hormonal suppression, and cardiovascular risks. Criminal prosecution has escalated dramatically since 2024, with manufacturers receiving multi-year federal prison sentences.
Why is SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) Banned?
SARMs are banned because: (1) They are unapproved drugs with incomplete safety data; (2) Documented hepatotoxicity with 9+ severe liver injury cases; (3) Significant testosterone suppression requiring PCT; (4) Products frequently contaminated or mislabeled (50%+ fail purity tests); (5) Active FDA criminal enforcement with prison sentences up to 54 months; (6) Unknown long-term effects on cardiovascular, endocrine, and reproductive systems.
Health Risks & Side Effects
Health Risk Level
This substance has a moderate risk of overdose and moderate addiction potential.
warningCommon Side Effects
- arrow_rightDrug-induced liver injury (DILI) with cholestatic hepatitis
- arrow_rightSevere testosterone suppression (50-70%)
- arrow_rightHDL cholesterol reduction (10-35%)
- arrow_rightVision disturbances - yellow tint, night blindness (Andarine S-4 specific)
- arrow_rightGynecomastia (15% of RAD-140 users)
- arrow_rightTesticular shrinkage and infertility
blockContraindications
- arrow_rightHistory of liver disease or elevated liver enzymes
- arrow_rightHormone-sensitive cancers (prostate, breast)
- arrow_rightCardiovascular disease or lipid disorders
- arrow_rightWomen (virilization risk, pregnancy contraindicated)
- arrow_rightActive military service or competitive athletics
- arrow_rightConcurrent use of hepatotoxic medications
How Does SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) Work?
SARMs bind to androgen receptors (ARs) in muscle and bone tissue, activating anabolic signaling pathways. Unlike traditional steroids, they were designed for tissue selectivity—stimulating muscle growth while minimizing prostate/hair follicle effects. However, human evidence shows this selectivity is incomplete. All SARMs suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, reducing endogenous testosterone production dose-dependently.
History
Developed by pharmaceutical companies in the 1990s for muscle wasting diseases, osteoporosis, and cancer cachexia. GTx Inc. advanced Ostarine to Phase III trials for cancer cachexia but failed to achieve FDA approval. No SARM has ever been approved for human use. The substances proliferated in the supplement industry labeled as 'research chemicals' until FDA enforcement escalated to criminal prosecution in 2020+.
verified_userSafe Legal Alternatives
Don't risk your health with SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators). Here are proven, legal alternatives that provide similar benefits safely:
No alternatives available at this time. Check back soon.
articleWhat Are SARMs?
SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) are synthetic drugs designed to selectively bind androgen receptors in muscle and bone tissue, theoretically providing anabolic (muscle-building) effects without the side effects of traditional steroids.
The most common SARMs include:
- Ostarine (MK-2866): Mildest SARM, used for cutting/recomposition
- Ligandrol (LGD-4033): Potent bulking SARM, significant suppression
- RAD-140 (Testolone): Most potent SARM, high muscle gain potential
- Andarine (S-4): Cutting SARM with unique vision side effects
- MK-677 (Ibutamoren): Growth hormone secretagogue (not technically a SARM)
Critical Fact: No SARM has ever received FDA approval for human use. They remain unapproved investigational drugs with incomplete safety profiles.
articleSARMs Legal Status 2025: Federal Law & Criminal Enforcement
SARMs occupy a unique legal position: they are NOT Schedule III controlled substances (two bills failed: S.2742 in 2018, S.2895 in 2019), but are prosecuted as unapproved drugs under 21 USC § 355.
Criminal Enforcement Escalation
| Case | Year | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Blackstone Labs (PJ Braun, Aaron Singerman) | 2022 | 54 months federal prison each, $7M forfeiture |
| Tyler Hall / Rat's Army | 2025 | Federal felony prosecution pending |
| AusLabs (Australia) | 2024 | 2 years prison + $300,000 fine |
Penalties
- Distribution: Up to 5 years federal imprisonment
- Distribution to minors: Up to 15 years
- Military (UCMJ 112a): Dishonorable discharge + 5 years confinement
- Athletes (WADA): 2-4 year competition ban
Bottom Line: Possession for personal use is technically a federal crime. Import from China documented in shipping records can escalate to distribution charges.
articleSARMs Side Effects: Documented Health Risks
1. Drug-Induced Liver Injury (DILI)
The most serious documented side effect. 9+ peer-reviewed cases show cholestatic hepatitis pattern:
- Peak bilirubin: Up to 708 µmol/L (35x normal)
- Pattern: Bile stasis, NOT hepatocellular destruction
- Recovery: 3-12 months with drug cessation
- No deaths or transplants required in documented cases
2. Testosterone Suppression
All SARMs suppress the HPG axis dose-dependently:
- LGD-4033 at 1mg/day: Significant suppression of total T, free T, LH, SHBG
- RAD-140: Suppression equals or exceeds LGD-4033
- Recovery: 4-16 weeks with proper PCT
3. Cardiovascular Risk
Dose-dependent HDL cholesterol suppression:
- 5mg/day: -26% HDL reduction
- 15mg/day: -35% HDL reduction
- APOA1 reduction up to 40mg/dL
4. Vision Effects (Andarine S-4)
Unique to Andarine: yellow-tinted vision, night blindness, impaired light adaptation. Affects ~3% of users. Fully reversible within 2-7 days of cessation.
articleLegal Alternatives to SARMs: Evidence-Based Options
Legal supplements can provide 50-70% of SARMs' muscle gains with zero health risks:
Tier 1: Proven Effective
| Supplement | Evidence | Expected Results (12 weeks) |
|---|---|---|
| Creatine Monohydrate | 200+ RCTs, A+ rating | +2-4 lbs lean mass, +15-25% strength |
| Phosphatidic Acid | 5+ RCTs, B+ rating | +2-4 lbs lean mass via mTOR activation |
| Tongkat Ali | 5+ RCTs, B rating | +10-30% testosterone (natural), improved recovery |
Optimal Legal Stack
- Creatine monohydrate: 5g/day ($10/month)
- Tongkat Ali: 300-400mg/day ($15/month)
- Phosphatidic Acid: 250-375mg/day ($25/month)
Expected Results: 4-8 lbs muscle gain, +20-30% strength, zero PCT needed, can continue indefinitely.
Avoid: Turkesterone (2025 studies show no effect), Laxogenin (zero human data), Fadogia Agrestis (no human safety data).
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Research articles and educational resources
Overview
Enobosarm
Enobosarm, also formerly known as ostarine and by the developmental code names GTx-024, MK-2866, and S-22, is a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) which is under development for the treatment of androgen receptor-positive breast cancer in women and for improvement of body composition in people taking GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide. It was also under development for a variety of other indications, including treatment of cachexia, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, muscle atrophy or sarcopenia, and stress urinary incontinence, but development for all other uses has been discontinued. Enobosarm was evaluated for the treatment of muscle wasting related to cancer in late-stage clinical trials, and the drug improved lean body mass in these trials, but it was not effective in improving muscle strength. As a result, enobosarm was not approved and development for this use was terminated. Enobosarm is taken by mouth.
Scientific Research
From PubMed • 3 peer-reviewed studies
Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) Effects on Physical Performance: A Systematic Review of Randomized Control Trials.
Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) are potential treatments for ameliorating age-related physical dysfunctions caused by sarcopenia, cachexia and chronic illnesses such as cancer. The purpose of this systematic review is to analyse the effect of SARMs on physical performance and body and evaluate their safety profile.
Selective Progesterone Receptor Modulators (SPRMs) and Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) as Treatment for Benign Gynecologic Diseases.
Common benign gynecologic conditions such as uterine fibroids and endometriosis are linked to chronic pelvic pain, abnormal and heavy uterine bleeding, and infertility. Effective medical management of these diseases is an unmet need. The steroid hormones progesterone (P4), estrogen (E2), and testosterone play a major role in reproductive physiology and uterine pathologies. Notably, selective progesterone receptor modulators have shown considerable promise as treatment options for some hormone-dependent conditions. More limited data are available regarding the safety and efficacy of selective androgen receptor modulators. In this report we review current evidence for selective progesterone receptor modulators and selective androgen receptor modulators as treatment options for benign gynecologic conditions.
Comparative safety evaluation of selective androgen receptor modulators and anabolic androgenic steroids.
Anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) have been in use for decades for the treatment of short stature, severe burns, HIV wasting syndrome, osteoporosis, and anemia. However, their lack of selective effects on certain symptoms and unfavorable pharmacokinetic properties has limited their long-term usage in clinics.