YK-11
The Myostatin Inhibitor SARM
01
Overview
YK-11 is a steroidal selective androgen receptor modulator and putative myostatin inhibitor. Discovered by Kanno et al. in 2011 at Toho University, it uniquely combines SARM-like tissue selectivity with the additional ability to inhibit myostatin (GDF-8), a negative regulator of muscle growth, potentially unlocking supraphysiological muscle development.
02
Mechanism of Action
YK-11 binds the AR with high affinity and induces follistatin expression in muscle cells, which then neutralizes myostatin. This dual mechanism — direct AR activation plus myostatin suppression — theoretically allows muscle growth beyond the natural genetic ceiling. It shows high selectivity for muscle and bone over reproductive tissues.
03
Research Highlights
Original 2011 research by Kanno et al. demonstrates stronger anabolic activity than DHT in myoblasts
Follistatin induction studies confirm dose-dependent myostatin antagonism in C2C12 cells
Bone cell studies show stimulation of osteoblast differentiation markers
04
Dosage
Administration & Timing
Oral administration (capsule or solution), once or twice daily. Research protocols administer independent of food.
Dosage Guidelines
Cycle Length
4–8 weeks; followed by 4 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
YK-11 is a synthetic steroidal SARM that also acts as a myostatin inhibitor. Preclinical — limited published data.
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
YK-11 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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YK-11 — Common Research Questions
What is YK-11?
YK-11 is a steroidal selective androgen receptor modulator and putative myostatin inhibitor. Discovered by Kanno et al. in 2011 at Toho University, it uniquely combines SARM-like tissue selectivity wi... YK-11 belongs to the Non-Peptide Research research category and is studied for its the myostatin inhibitor sarm.
How does YK-11 work?
YK-11 binds the AR with high affinity and induces follistatin expression in muscle cells, which then neutralizes myostatin. This dual mechanism — direct AR activation plus myostatin suppression — theoretically allows muscle growth beyond the natural genetic ceiling. It shows high selectivity for muscle and bone over reproductive tissues.
What are the key research benefits of YK-11?
Androgen receptor activation with SARM selectivity. Myostatin inhibition for beyond-natural muscle growth. Follistatin upregulation — endogenous myostatin antagonist. Bone formation and density improvement. Combined anabolic-myostatin inhibition mechanism. In vitro muscle cell research data.
What is the molecular structure of YK-11?
YK-11 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 YK-11?
Original 2011 research by Kanno et al. demonstrates stronger anabolic activity than DHT in myoblasts Follistatin induction studies confirm dose-dependent myostatin antagonism in C2C12 cells Bone cell studies show stimulation of osteoblast differentiation markers These findings are based on preclinical and clinical research. YK-11 is a research compound and these studies do not constitute medical advice.
Is YK-11 FDA approved?
No. YK-11 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 YK-11 belong to?
YK-11 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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Scientific References
Kanno et al. — Toho University myostatin inhibition research (Biol Pharm Bull, 2011)
Follistatin induction and myoblast differentiation studies
Original 2011 research by Kanno et al. demonstrates stronger anabolic activity than DHT in myoblasts
Follistatin induction studies confirm dose-dependent myostatin antagonism in C2C12 cells
Bone cell studies show stimulation of osteoblast differentiation markers