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LGD-4033, also known as ligandrol or VK5211, is an investigational nonsteroidal selective androgen receptor modulator, a class of compounds abbreviated as SARM. It binds the androgen receptor, the same target acted on by testosterone, but is designed to stimulate muscle and bone while having weaker effects on other tissues. First described by Ligand Pharmaceuticals and later developed by Viking Therapeutics, it has been studied for muscle wasting but is not approved for any medical use, and it is banned in sport and sold illicitly to bodybuilders.
- Added lean mass in a controlled human trial
- Muscle gains with no rise in fat mass
- Oral and nonsteroidal, unlike injectable steroids
- Best lean-mass-to-risk ratio of the anabolics modeled
- Targets muscle, not the whole body
- Stays peripheral, with the lowest brain penetration
- Suppression of natural testosterone
- Lower HDL cholesterol
- Headache and dry mouth
Overview
LGD-4033, commonly called ligandrol and studied clinically under the code VK5211, is a nonsteroidal selective androgen receptor modulator, one of a family of small molecules known as SARMs that were developed to reproduce the muscle-building and bone-strengthening actions of testosterone with fewer effects on the prostate and other androgen-sensitive tissues [1][2]. It was first reported by Ligand Pharmaceuticals and later licensed to Viking Therapeutics, and it acts as a high-affinity agonist at the androgen receptor [1][2].
The compound has been examined in early clinical trials rather than brought to market. A placebo-controlled study in healthy young men found that a short course of LGD-4033 was generally well tolerated and produced dose-dependent gains in lean body mass without a significant change in prostate-specific antigen, and a later trial explored a related formulation in people recovering from hip fracture [1][2]. Even so, it has not been approved by any drug regulator for any indication and remains investigational [2].
Because SARMs promise anabolic effects in a convenient oral form, LGD-4033 has become popular among recreational athletes and bodybuilders, who often obtain it from online sellers and use amounts well above those tested in trials [3][4]. Reviews of its use in healthy people document suppression of the body's own testosterone, reductions in HDL cholesterol, and case reports of drug-induced liver injury, and they note that products sold as SARMs are frequently mislabeled or contaminated [3][4]. The World Anti-Doping Agency prohibits LGD-4033 and other SARMs in sport, and several high-profile athletes have been sanctioned for positive tests; regulators such as the United States Food and Drug Administration have warned consumers against SARM products marketed as dietary supplements, an unlawful use [3][4].
Mechanism
LGD-4033 works by binding directly to the , the intracellular receptor normally activated by testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, and it does so with high affinity [1]. As a selective modulator it is designed to be tissue-selective, behaving as an that strongly drives the anabolic responses of muscle and bone while producing comparatively weaker activation in tissues such as the prostate; this selectivity is thought to arise from the distinct way the compound shapes the receptor and recruits its coregulatory partners [1][2].
Activating the receptor in muscle promotes protein synthesis and increases lean mass, which is the basis for its study in muscle-wasting conditions [1][2]. The same androgenic signaling explains its side effects, since stimulating the receptor triggers feedback that lowers the body's own production of testosterone and related hormones and shifts blood lipids, effects that grow more pronounced at the high doses used outside of medical supervision [1][3].
receptor fingerprint
(muscle and bone)Selective tissue-preferential agonist
Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axisDose-dependent suppression of endogenous testosterone
Lipid and hormone profile (HDL, SHBG)Lowers HDL and SHBG dose-dependently
Safetyrisks and cautions, not medical advice
LGD-4033 (ligandrol) is an investigational selective androgen receptor modulator that is not approved for human use; its documented safety comes mainly from short early-phase trials and case reports. Even at low doses it dose-dependently suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, lowering total testosterone, free testosterone, and SHBG, so recovery support is typically needed after use. It reliably reduces HDL cholesterol, an unfavorable cardiovascular shift, and trials show transient elevations in liver enzymes; postmarketing case reports link SARMs including ligandrol to drug-induced liver injury and, rarely, cholestatic hepatitis. It has also been associated with reduced fertility markers and is a WADA-banned substance. Because unregulated products are frequently mislabeled or contaminated, real-world exposure and risk often exceed what the limited clinical data describe.
Subjective profileweighing the evidence above
In anabolism modelling this was the standout: the safest of the anabolics compared and the best lean-mass-to-risk ratio, fairly muscle-selective and only mildly rough on lipids. If someone insists on an anabolic, it is the sensible base. It is still investigational and unapproved, and it suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis dose-dependently, so it is not a casual purchase.
Where to buy
Suppliers
Vendors carrying LGD-4033, with live product details and codes. Links are affiliate links that support the wiki at no cost to you.
Kimera Chems
LGD-4033
Research
- 2013first citedThe safety, pharmacokinetics, and effects of LGD-4033, a novel nonsteroidal oral, selective and…
- 2023most recentSystematic Review of Safety of Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators in Healthy Adults: Implic…
- 1.The safety, pharmacokinetics, and effects of LGD-4033, a novel nonsteroidal oral, selective androgen receptor modulator, in healthy young men.
- 2.Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) as pharmacological treatment for muscle wasting in ongoing clinical trials.
- 3.Considerations, possible contraindications, and potential mechanisms for deleterious effect in recreational and athletic use of selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) in lieu of anabolic androgenic steroids: A narrative review.
- 4.Systematic Review of Safety of Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators in Healthy Adults: Implications for Recreational Users.
4 listed here; entry last updated August 2026
Reviews
My notesprivate to this device
FAQ
Is LGD-4033 approved or legal to use?
No. It is an investigational SARM not approved for human use, and it is banned in sport. It is sold only as a research chemical.
Does it suppress testosterone?
Yes. Even the short human trial showed dose-dependent suppression of testosterone and SHBG, which reversed after stopping.
Is it safer than anabolic steroids?
It is more tissue-selective, but it still suppresses hormones, hits cholesterol, and has been tied to liver injury, so safe is the wrong word.
Will products I buy actually be LGD-4033?
Independent testing of grey-market SARMs routinely finds mislabeling and contamination, so identity and purity cannot be assumed.
Adverse effects
- Suppression of natural testosterone
- Lower HDL cholesterol
- Headache and dry mouth
- Elevated liver enzymes in some users
Notes and cautions
- Banned in competitive sport