Cardarine (GW-501516) (GW-501516 (Cardarine, Endurobol))
A PPAR-delta agonist (not a SARM) popular for endurance and fat-loss claims. Importantly, its pharmaceutical development was halted after long-term high-dose animal studies showed cancer development. It is banned in sport and carries serious safety warnings.
How it works
Activates the PPAR-delta nuclear receptor, shifting cells toward burning fat for fuel and upregulating genes involved in fatty-acid oxidation and endurance metabolism.
Key facts
- Molecular weight: 453.50 Da
- Half-life: ~20-24 hours
- Bioavailability: Oral
- Storage: Keep cool, dry, and sealed; protect from light.
Dosing overview
- Typical dose: Commonly cited 10-20 mg/day (research)
- Frequency: Once daily
- Duration: Commonly cited short cycles
- Route: Oral
Protocol notes
- Once-daily oral dosing is typical in reported use.
- Given the cancer signal in animal studies, many sources advise against use entirely.
- It does not suppress hormones, but the carcinogenicity concern is the dominant issue.
Reported benefits
- Increased endurance (research claims)
- Enhanced fat oxidation
- No hormonal suppression
- Improved lipid profile in some studies
Possible side effects
- Cancer risk shown in long-term high-dose animal studies
- Unknown long-term human safety
- Banned by WADA
- Potential liver stress
Research
- GW-501516 and fatty-acid oxidation (2008): Increased endurance and fat metabolism in mice via PPAR-delta activation.
- Carcinogenicity findings halting development (2009): Long-term high-dose rodent studies showed tumor development across multiple organs, ending clinical development.
Compare Cardarine (GW-501516)
Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.