LGD‑4033 (Ligandrol)
Non-steroidal SARM, Ligand Pharmaceuticals 2007. Phase I in healthy male subjects (Basaria 2013 PMID 23413266) – dose-dependent lean mass gain, moderate HPTA suppression. The second most famous SARM after RAD-140 on the bodybuilding market. 2017-2020 hepatotoxicity cases documented (Hilal 2020 PMID 32492288). WADA-banned S1.2.
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Related comparisons
LGD-4033 vs S23 vs S4WHAT IS LGD-4033 (LIGANDROL)?
Detailed overview
LGD-4033 (Ligandrol, Anabolicum, VK-5211) is a non-steroidal selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) developed by Ligand Pharmaceuticals in 2007 (Dalton 2011 PMID 21674508 SARM-class review). Structurally a pyrrolidinecarboxamide derivative (NOT a steroid), AR-binding affinity ~50-70% of testosterone-level in vitro (Bhasin 2012 PMID 22573713). Clinical development: Phase I 2012-2013 (Basaria 2013 PMID 23413266 – 76 healthy men, 3 weeks, dose-escalation 0.1-1 mg/day): dose-dependent lean body mass gain (average 1.21 kg at 1 mg), moderate HPTA suppression (Total T -23%, LH/FSH drop), moderate ALT/AST elevation (~2x normal). Phase II 2014 muscle-wasting syndrome (sarcopenia/cachexia) trials (Viking Therapeutics, under VK-5211 name) – results were below clinical-meaningfulness, clinical development continued only in orphan indications. On the bodybuilding market the second most famous SARM (after RAD-140), UGL marketing under 'softer Test' label. 2017-2020 documented hepatotoxicity case reports (12+ known cases, Vilaca 2018 PMID 30171122 review): several with clinically relevant ALT >10x normal + jaundice (Hilal 2020 PMID 32492288 – 47y male on LGD + RAD-140 stack developing fulminant DILI). WADA-banned year-round (S1.2 – other anabolic agents), officially prohibited since 2008.
Mechanism
Non-steroidal selective AR modulator (pyrrolidinecarboxamide). Strong AR agonist in muscle, moderate prostate activity.
Anabolic activity (Basaria 2013)
Dose-dependent lean mass gain: 1.21 kg @ 1 mg/day, 3 weeks, healthy men.
Half-life
~24-36 h (oral)
Onset
1-2 weeks (anecdotal strength gain)
Legal status
Never an Rx. UGL 'research chemical'. WADA-banned S1.2 since 2008.
Data console
Lab data
Safety
Side effects, stop signs, contraindications
Side effects · 6
- Liver injury (drug-induced liver injury, DILI): 12+ documented hepatocellular injury case reports, some with jaundice and ALT >10x upper normal, fulminant course when stacked.
- HPTA suppression: dose-dependent drop in testosterone, LH and FSH (in the Basaria trial at 1 mg/day Total T -23%, LH -47%, FSH -42%); full suppression at higher UGL doses, PCT required.
- Lipid profile worsening: marked decrease in HDL cholesterol (approx. 30-40%), unfavorable cardiovascular risk with prolonged use.
- Reduced fertility: HPTA suppression can cause transient impaired spermatogenesis and lowered libido; full recovery may take 3-6 months.
- Mild androgenic effects: possible acne, oily skin and mood changes; in women at higher doses risk of virilization (voice deepening, hirsutism).
- Headache, fatigue and a sense of water retention at UGL doses (anecdotal), although LGD-4033 does not aromatize so true estrogen-driven edema is not typical.
Contraindications · 7
- Pre-existing liver dysfunction or elevated baseline ALT/AST: absolute contraindication due to documented DILI risk.
- Concurrent alcohol use or other hepatotoxic agents (other oral SARMs, 17-alpha-alkylated steroids): cumulative liver injury.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: androgen receptor activation can cause fetal virilization and developmental harm, use is prohibited.
- Planned fatherhood or active fertility goals in the near term: HPTA suppression is transient but with a 3-6 month recovery.
- Competitive sport under testing: WADA-banned since 2008 (S1.2), detectable in urine for 2-4 weeks, leads to doping sanctions.
- Diagnosed dyslipidemia or existing cardiovascular disease: the HDL decrease further worsens the risk profile.
- Anticoagulant (warfarin) therapy: mild anticoagulant potentiation, avoid without increased INR monitoring.
Related Performance Compounds
Same therapeutic category
Studies
Related research and clinical findings
The safety, pharmacokinetics, and effects of LGD-4033, a novel nonsteroidal oral, selective androgen receptor modulator, in healthy young men.
Basaria S, Collins L, Dillon EL, Orwoll K, Storer TW, Miciek R, Ulloor J, Zhang A, Eder R, Zientek H, Gordon G, Kazmi S, Sheffield-Moore M, Bhasin S
Selective androgen receptor modulator use and related adverse events including drug-induced liver injury: Analysis of suspected cases.
Leciejewska N, Jędrejko K, Gómez-Renaud VM, Manríquez-Núñez J, Muszyńska B, Pokrywka A
LGD-4033 and a Case of Drug-Induced Liver Injury: Exploring the Clinical Implications of Off-Label Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator Use in Healthy Adults.
Labban H, Kwait B, Paracha A, Khan A, Singh M, Lopez R
Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs)-Induced Liver Injury: A Case Report and Review of Literature.
Mohamed WT, Jahagirdar V, Fatima I, Ahmed MK, Goyal A, Sodeman T, Anwar N
Drug-induced liver injury from selective androgen receptor modulators, anabolic-androgenic steroids and bodybuilding supplements in Australia.
Nash E, Nicoll A, Batt N, Iser D, Sood S
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The information here is for educational and scientific purposes only. Performance-enhancing compounds (AAS, prohormones, stimulants, doping agents) are illegal without prescription in Hungary and most of the EU, and carry serious health and legal risks. WADA bans them in competitive sport. This is NOT a usage guide, and we do not encourage any illegal use. If you do use them, medical supervision and regular bloodwork are ESSENTIAL. Severe endocrine, cardiovascular, hepatic and psychiatric side effects are possible.