Selective androgen receptor modulator — A class of non-steroidal compounds that bind the androgen receptor with tissue selectivity, producing anabolic effects in muscle and bone with reduced androgenic activity. Prohibited in tested sport.
Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) are non-steroidal small molecules that bind the androgen receptor with tissue-selective activity. They were originally developed by pharmaceutical companies (notably Ligand, GTx, and others) as candidates for treating muscle wasting, osteoporosis, and benign prostatic hyperplasia, with the design goal of dissociating anabolic effects on muscle and bone from androgenic effects on prostate, skin, and the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis.
Status
No SARM has yet been approved by the FDA for any indication. They are nonetheless widely available through grey-market and “research chemical” channels and are used non-medically for muscle gain. SARMs are prohibited in and out of competition by WADA under section S1.2 (Other Anabolic Agents) and have been the source of numerous high-profile anti-doping violations.
Distinction from peptides
SARMs are small molecules, not peptides. They are catalogued on Retapedia because they share the same regulatory and “natty status” considerations as performance-enhancing peptides and because users of one class frequently encounter the other.
Examples
The most-discussed SARMs include ostarine (MK-2866), ligandrol (LGD-4033), RAD-140, and andarine (S-4). Retapedia entries cover vosilasarm (RAD-140 successor in clinical development).
Related peptides
See also
External links
- Wikipedia: Selective androgen receptor modulator
- WADA Prohibited List — S1.2 Other Anabolic Agents
- FDA: SARMs are unapproved drugs
This page was last edited on May 23, 2026, at 00:00 (UTC).
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