Ligandrol
Muscle Growth & Body CompositionAlso known as: LGD-4033, VK-5211, Ligandrol LGD
Mechanism
Ligandrol is one of the most potent SARMs, showing significant lean muscle gains even at low doses (1 mg/day). It has completed Phase 2 trials for hip fracture recovery and muscle wasting. It has a high anabolic-to-androgenic ratio but does suppress natural testosterone at higher doses, requiring consideration of post-cycle recovery.
Technical detail
Ligandrol (LGD-4033/VK-5211) is a non-steroidal SARM with high AR binding affinity (Ki ~1 nM) and exceptional anabolic potency. Phase 1 data demonstrated dose-dependent increases in lean body mass (up to 1.21 kg at 1.0 mg/day over 21 days) with concurrent reductions in body fat. It exhibits dose-dependent suppression of total testosterone, SHBG, and FSH/LH without significant effects on PSA or hematocrit. Phase 2 trials (Viking Therapeutics) for hip fracture recovery showed improved lean mass and functional measures.
Evidence
- emerging
Ligandrol (LGD-4033)-Induced Liver Injury
Barbara et al. (2020) — ACG Case Rep J — PMID: 32637435
A 32-year-old man developed severe drug-induced liver injury after Ligandrol use, with liver biopsy showing cholestatic hepatitis and mild portal, periportal, and perisinusoidal fibrosis.
- moderate
Basaria et al. (2013) — J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci — PMID: 22459616
In 76 healthy men randomized to placebo or 0.1, 0.3, or 1.0 mg daily for 21 days, LGD-4033 was generally well tolerated, showed a long half-life, increased lean body mass dose-dependently, and suppressed testosterone, SHBG, HDL, and triglycerides in a dose-related manner; values returned toward baseline after discontinuation.