LGD-4033
Ligandrol — The Muscle-Selective SARM
01
Overview
LGD-4033 (Ligandrol, VK5211) is a non-steroidal oral SARM developed by Ligand Pharmaceuticals and later licensed to Viking Therapeutics. It is one of the most studied SARMs in clinical trials, with data demonstrating dose-dependent lean mass gains and improvements in physical function with a favorable safety profile at therapeutic doses.
02
Mechanism of Action
LGD-4033 binds the androgen receptor with high affinity (Ki ~1 nM), showing 500× greater affinity for muscle AR than for prostate AR in tissue selectivity assays. It activates AR in a full agonist manner in muscle while acting as a partial agonist in prostate, resulting in anabolic selectivity.
03
Research Highlights
Phase I trial in healthy men shows dose-dependent lean mass increase of up to 1.21 kg at 1 mg/day
Phase II hip fracture trial (VK5211) shows significant improvement in lean body mass
Bone biomarker studies confirm anabolic activity in skeletal tissue
04
Dosage
Administration & Timing
Oral administration (capsule or solution), once daily. Research protocols administer independent of food.
Dosage Guidelines
Cycle Length
6–12 weeks; followed by 4–6 week rest and PCT evaluation.
05
Reconstitution
Solvent
Not applicable — orally dosed capsule or solution
Volume
N/A
Concentration
5–10 mg per unit dose
Storage
Store at room temperature (15–25 °C); protect from moisture.
Notes
LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) is a non-steroidal SARM. Preclinical — no approved human use. Suppresses natural testosterone; monitor in research.
Research Reference Only
Dosage and reconstitution values reflect commonly cited ranges from published research literature and are presented for educational and research reference only. This is not medical advice or a dosing recommendation. HEXAGEN does not endorse human use of any compound. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Research Disclaimer
LGD-4033 is for educational and research purposes only. Not intended as medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
Related Compounds
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LGD-4033 — Common Research Questions
What is LGD-4033?
LGD-4033 (Ligandrol, VK5211) is a non-steroidal oral SARM developed by Ligand Pharmaceuticals and later licensed to Viking Therapeutics. It is one of the most studied SARMs in clinical trials, with da... LGD-4033 belongs to the Non-Peptide Research research category and is studied for its ligandrol — the muscle-selective sarm.
How does LGD-4033 work?
LGD-4033 binds the androgen receptor with high affinity (Ki ~1 nM), showing 500× greater affinity for muscle AR than for prostate AR in tissue selectivity assays. It activates AR in a full agonist manner in muscle while acting as a partial agonist in prostate, resulting in anabolic selectivity.
What are the key research benefits of LGD-4033?
Dose-dependent lean muscle mass gains. Improved physical function and stair climb power. Hip fracture and muscle wasting indication research. Bone formation marker improvement. Favorable tolerability in clinical trials. High oral bioavailability.
What is the molecular structure of LGD-4033?
LGD-4033 is a research compound in the Non-Peptide Research category. Detailed molecular structure data is being compiled. Refer to primary literature for structural analysis.
What does the research say about LGD-4033?
Phase I trial in healthy men shows dose-dependent lean mass increase of up to 1.21 kg at 1 mg/day Phase II hip fracture trial (VK5211) shows significant improvement in lean body mass Bone biomarker studies confirm anabolic activity in skeletal tissue These findings are based on preclinical and clinical research. LGD-4033 is a research compound and these studies do not constitute medical advice.
Is LGD-4033 FDA approved?
No. LGD-4033 is not FDA-approved for any indication. It is a research chemical studied in preclinical and early clinical research. These compounds are not approved for human therapeutic use and should only be studied in appropriate research settings.
What category does LGD-4033 belong to?
LGD-4033 belongs to the Non-Peptide Research category, which focuses on selective androgen receptor modulators and other novel research compounds studied for their unique pharmacological profiles. You can explore more compounds in this category on the Non-Peptide Research pillar page.
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LGD-4033 (Ligandrol): Phase I Clinical Data
Viking Therapeutics' Phase I trial showing dose-dependent lean mass gains and the VK5211 hip fracture study.
Scientific References
Basaria et al. — Phase I trial: dose-dependent lean mass (J Gerontol, 2013)
Viking Therapeutics — VK5211 hip fracture Phase II, 2020
Phase I trial in healthy men shows dose-dependent lean mass increase of up to 1.21 kg at 1 mg/day
Phase II hip fracture trial (VK5211) shows significant improvement in lean body mass
Bone biomarker studies confirm anabolic activity in skeletal tissue