Hormone, anabolic & androgen-receptor research compounds
Ligandrol (LGD-4033)
Also known as LGD-4033 · VK5211
A non-steroidal SARM developed for muscle wasting, prohibited by WADA since 2018 and sold illicitly.
In 60 seconds
Early clinical development (phase 1/2); never approved. Multiple case reports describe severe cholestatic drug-induced liver injury; a case study of combined LGD-4033 and MK-677 use documented suppressed testosterone and adverse lipid and liver changes.
- Case of severe biopsy-confirmed cholestatic hepatitis in a 32-year-old man after ligandrol use.
- Combined use increased lean and fat mass while adversely affecting bone, lipids, liver enzymes and testosterone.
- Reviews detection of SARMs, including LGD-4033, in doping control.
Mechanism
Ligandrol binds the androgen receptor with high affinity and tissue selectivity for muscle and bone in preclinical models.
Research status
Early clinical development (phase 1/2); never approved.
Key studies
Case of severe biopsy-confirmed cholestatic hepatitis in a 32-year-old man after ligandrol use.
Ligandrol (LGD-4033)-Induced Liver Injury — ACG Case Rep J, 2020 · PMID 32637435
Combined use increased lean and fat mass while adversely affecting bone, lipids, liver enzymes and testosterone.
LGD-4033 and MK-677 use impacts body composition, circulating biomarkers, and skeletal muscle androgenic hormone and receptor content: A case report — Exp Physiol, 2022 · PMID 36303408
Reviews detection of SARMs, including LGD-4033, in doping control.
Detection of SARMs in doping control analysis — Mol Cell Endocrinol, 2018 · PMID 28137616
Reviews SARMs in late-stage clinical development for cancer-associated muscle wasting.
Selective androgen receptor modulators for the prevention and treatment of muscle wasting associated with cancer — Curr Opin Support Palliat Care, 2013 · PMID 24189892
Safety signals in the literature
Multiple case reports describe severe cholestatic drug-induced liver injury; a case study of combined LGD-4033 and MK-677 use documented suppressed testosterone and adverse lipid and liver changes.
Legal status (South Africa)
Androgens and anabolic steroids are scheduled substances in South Africa (prescription-only under the Medicines and Related Substances Act) and are prohibited in sport. SARM-class compounds are unapproved for human use anywhere. Educational content only — no use guidance.
Questions
What is Ligandrol (LGD-4033)?
A non-steroidal SARM developed for muscle wasting, prohibited by WADA since 2018 and sold illicitly. Ligandrol binds the androgen receptor with high affinity and tissue selectivity for muscle and bone in preclinical models.
What is the research status of Ligandrol (LGD-4033)?
Early clinical development (phase 1/2); never approved.
What safety signals are reported for Ligandrol (LGD-4033)?
Multiple case reports describe severe cholestatic drug-induced liver injury; a case study of combined LGD-4033 and MK-677 use documented suppressed testosterone and adverse lipid and liver changes.
Does Living Water Labs stock Ligandrol (LGD-4033)?
Not at present. Ligandrol (LGD-4033) is profiled here for reference, with citations to the published literature. Androgens and anabolic steroids are scheduled substances in South Africa (prescription-only under the Medicines and Related Substances Act) and are prohibited in sport. SARM-class compounds are unapproved for human use anywhere. Educational content only — no use guidance.
More in Hormone & anabolic
Research reference only. This page summarises published literature; it is not medical advice and contains no guidance on human use. Products supplied by Living Water Labs are for laboratory research only.