LGD-4033 is a non-steroidal, orally bioavailable SARM that binds the androgen receptor (AR) with high affinity and selectivity (Ki ~1 nM). Activates AR in muscle and bone with tissue-selectivity — produces anabolic effects in skeletal muscle and bone without the androgenic effects in prostate and sebaceous glands seen with testosterone. The tissue selectivity arises from differential co-activator/co-repressor recruitment at the AR depending on cell type.
Also Known As
Ligandrol, VK5211, LGD4033
Compound Class
Selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM)
Molecular Formula
C₁₄H₁₂F₆N₂O
Molecular Weight
338.25 Da
CAS Number
1165910-22-4
Half-Life
~24–36 hours
Research Applications
Muscle Wasting / Cachexia
Phase 1 RCT (N=76 healthy men, 21 days): LGD-4033 dose-dependently increased lean body mass at all doses (0.1–1.0 mg/day). Lean mass gain of 1.21 kg at 1 mg/day, dose-dependent strength increase. Suppressed SHBG and free testosterone (reversible). Model for cachexia, hip fracture, age-related muscle loss.
Bone Density Research
AR activation in osteoblasts increases bone formation markers. Rodent studies: LGD-4033 increased bone mineral density and cortical bone strength in ovariectomised rat model. Potential osteoporosis research application.
AR Selectivity Profiling
Used as reference SARM in androgen receptor selectivity assays. Compared to testosterone propionate in prostate weight assay: LGD-4033 shows markedly lower prostate weight gain per unit muscle effect — benchmark for SARM tissue selectivity research.
Recovery from Hip Fracture
Phase 2 trial (VK5211) in hip fracture patients: lean body mass improvements, walking speed trends. Demonstrates clinical translation of SARM anabolic effects in frail patient population.
N=108 hip fracture patients: LGD-4033 1–2 mg/day vs placebo, lean mass and walking speed improvements
Jones et al. 2009 Endocrinology
Preclinical castrated rodent model: LGD-4033 restored muscle and bone mass with minimal prostate effect
Specifications
Format
Oral tablet — 10mg per tablet
Purity
≥99% HPLC
Identity
MS confirmed
Storage
Room temperature, away from moisture and light
Reconstitution
N/A — oral
Frequently Asked Questions
What is LGD-4033 (Ligandrol)?
LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) is a non-steroidal, orally bioavailable SARM. Binds the androgen receptor with high affinity (Ki ~1 nM) and demonstrates tissue selectivity for muscle and bone over prostate. Used in research models studying muscle wasting, hip fracture recovery, and androgen receptor pharmacology.
How does LGD-4033 compare to testosterone in research models?
LGD-4033 produces similar anabolic effects in muscle at lower effective doses but with substantially reduced androgenic effects in prostate. Castrated rodent studies show LGD-4033 restores muscle mass with prostate weight remaining near castrate levels — a key differentiator for AR selectivity research.
What does SARM selectivity mean and how is it measured?
SARM tissue selectivity is measured by the ratio of anabolic effect (levator ani muscle weight) to androgenic effect (prostate weight) vs testosterone. LGD-4033 demonstrates a high selectivity ratio in these assays. Co-activator and co-repressor recruitment at the AR differs by tissue type, producing the selective activation pattern.
Does QSC ship LGD-4033 to the USA?
Yes. QSC LGD-4033 is available with domestic USA shipping and ships to EU, UK, Canada, and Australia. All batches carry Janoshik third-party COA confirming ≥99% HPLC purity and MS identity verification.
