Research chemical raises a handful of sensible questions. This page answers them in order, starting with the fundamentals and moving to applications.
This page was last updated on 2025-09-24 and is reviewed periodically as new material appears.
The pharmacological interest in cardarine centers on PPARδ activation and its downstream effects on lipid handling and mitochondrial function. In animal studies, PPARδ agonists have been associated with changes in exercise endurance and fatty acid utilization, though results vary by model and protocol. Human data remain sparse, and the absence of large controlled trials limits conclusions about efficacy. Researchers often describe the compound as a tool for probing PPARδ biology rather than a proven therapeutic agent.
Safety discussions about cardarine frequently cite rodent carcinogenicity findings reported in the 2000s. In those studies, treated animals developed tumors at multiple sites, leading sponsors to discontinue clinical development. The relevance of these findings to humans has not been resolved, but they are a major reason the compound is not approved. Current literature emphasizes uncertainty about long-term effects and the risks of unregulated use. Regulators and health agencies have not established a safe human exposure level.
Cardarine is a synthetic compound also known as GW501516, GW-501516, and sometimes endurobol. It was developed as a selective agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta, a nuclear receptor involved in fatty acid oxidation and energy metabolism. The compound was studied in preclinical models for metabolic and cardiovascular conditions, but it did not become a marketed human medicine. In regulatory and anti-doping contexts, it is treated as a prohibited substance rather than a licensed medicine.
Products sold as cardarine have been found to contain incorrect compounds, variable amounts, or no active ingredient at all. Independent testing is required to verify identity and purity. Common analytical approaches include high-performance liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance for structural confirmation. These methods can distinguish GW501516 from related PPAR agonists and from unrelated steroids. For regulators and researchers, such verification is central to interpreting both biological results and adverse event reports.
Cardarine is prohibited in competitive sport under the World Anti-Doping Agency code, where it is classified as a metabolic modulator. It is not approved as a prescription medicine in the United States, European Union, or other major markets. Regulatory action has focused on its presence in sports and in products marketed as research chemicals. Because it has no accepted medical indication, supply is often unregulated. This status creates legal and safety uncertainties for anyone who encounters the substance.
Anti-doping laboratories detect GW501516 and its metabolites using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Urine is the most common matrix, though blood and dried blood spots may also be used in some programs. Detection depends on factors such as dose, timing, metabolism, and the sensitivity of the assay. Published methods describe limits of detection in the low nanogram per milliliter range for related compounds. Exact detection windows are not fixed for all situations and remain an area of ongoing study.
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Common synonyms | GW501516, GW-501516, GW 501516, endurobol | Names vary in research and anti-doping documents. |
| Chemical class | Synthetic PPARδ agonist | Small-molecule nuclear receptor ligand. |
| CAS Registry Number | 317318-70-0 | Identifier commonly associated with GW501516. |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder | Typical for purified research material. |
| Solubility | Low in water; soluble in DMSO and ethanol | Organic solvents are common for laboratory stock solutions. |
Anti-doping laboratories identify GW501516 and related metabolites using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Urine is the most common matrix, though blood and dried blood spots may also be analyzed. The method targets the parent compound and phase I and phase II metabolites, which extend the detection window. Because the substance is prohibited at all times, athletes can be tested outside competition. Detection limits and windows depend on the assay, sample type, and individual metabolism.
Cardarine is frequently described as a fat-burning or endurance-enhancing supplement, but these claims exceed the available evidence. The compound is not a hormone, steroid, or selective androgen receptor modulator. Research articles discuss it as a tool compound for studying PPARδ biology, while anti-doping literature focuses on its abuse and detection. Quality of unapproved products is uncertain, and independent analyses have found impurities or incorrect labeling. Open questions include whether human cancer risk resembles that seen in rodents and how often non-athletes use the substance.
Cardarine is a common name for the investigational chemical GW501516, also written GW-1516. It was developed as a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta agonist for metabolic conditions such as dyslipidemia. Early research focused on lipid handling and energy use in skeletal muscle and other tissues. The compound was never approved as a medicine. In public discussion, it is often grouped with performance-enhancing substances, although its receptor target differs from that of anabolic steroids or selective androgen receptor modulators. Regulatory and health authorities have issued warnings about its use.
GW501516 acts on PPARδ, a nuclear receptor that helps regulate fatty acid oxidation and energy homeostasis. In animal studies, activation of this receptor was associated with increased endurance and changes in lipid metabolism. Human trials examined effects on blood lipids and other metabolic markers, but the compound did not advance to approval. Rodent studies later reported tumors in multiple tissues at doses used in those experiments. Whether those findings translate to human risk remains uncertain, and the clinical relevance of the animal data is still debated.
Cardarine is a common name for GW501516, also GW-1516, a synthetic compound developed as a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARδ) agonist. It belongs to a class of agents that modulate gene transcription related to lipid and energy metabolism. The compound was studied in preclinical and early clinical research for metabolic and cardiovascular conditions, but it did not progress to approved therapeutic use. Its name appears in fitness and sports contexts despite not being approved as a drug.
PPARδ is a nuclear receptor that influences transcription of genes involved in fatty acid oxidation, lipid transport, and energy homeostasis. GW501516 binds and activates this receptor with high selectivity relative to PPARα and PPARγ in laboratory assays. Activation alters expression of target genes in skeletal muscle, liver, and adipose tissue in animal models. The exact clinical consequences of these changes in humans remain incompletely characterized, and observed effects in animals do not establish therapeutic benefit or safety.
Published studies have examined GW501516 in animal models of obesity, insulin resistance, and exercise endurance. Early human trials reportedly ended, and development was discontinued after preclinical findings raised concerns about cancer in some rodent studies. Regulatory agencies have not approved cardarine for any medical use. Its availability through non-pharmaceutical channels raises questions about identity, purity, and legal status that are separate from its laboratory pharmacology. Those questions are often addressed through analytical testing rather than assumptions about product labels.
Alpha Oumar Barry – Medical doctor and politician, former Minister of State for Exchange, Guinea Folly Bah Thibault - French Guinean journalist, and senior presenter for Al Jazeera English, Founder of Elle Ira à l’Ecole. Ousmane Baldé – Economist and politician. former governor of Guinean Fed reserve (Central bank), former minister of finance. Guinea M'Mahawa Sylla - First female general of the Guinean Armed Forces, Governor of Conakry. Khaité Sall (in French - Minister of Health, Guinea Kaba Rougui Barry - Minister of Pre-University, Technical, Vocational Education and Civic Education, Mayor of Matam, first female mayor in Guinea. Aissatou Baldé - former minister of youth and youth employment. Moustapha Mamy Diaby - former Minister of Mail, Telecommunications and the digital Economy, Guinea. Mamadou Boye Bah – Politician and economist, former president of Union for the New Republic and former president of Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea. Siradiou Diallo – Journalist and politician, former magazine Jeune Afrique Editor in chief, and former president of Union for Progress and Renewal (Guinea). Cellou Dalein Diallo – Economist and politician, former Minister and prime minister; Opposition Leader, Guinea Tierno Monénembo (real name Thierno Saidou Diallo) – novelist and biochemist, winner of the Prix Renaudot award in 2008 for his novel The King of Kahel, winner of Grand Prix de la Francophonie 2017. Guinea Djibril Tamsir Niane – Guinean historian, playwright and short story writer. Alpha Bacar Barry - Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation.
The Annals of Clinical & Laboratory Science is a quarterly academic journal. It is the official journal of, and is published by, the Association of Clinical Scientists. It was established in 1971 as Annals of Clinical Laboratory Science by F. William Sunderman and obtained its current title in 1973. As of 2022, the editor-in-chief is Nina Tatevian.
The primary antihypertensive mechanism of beta blockers is unclear, but may involve reduction in cardiac output (due to negative chronotropic and inotropic effects). It may also be due to reduction in renin release from the kidneys, and a central nervous system effect to reduce sympathetic activity (for those beta blockers that do cross the blood–brain barrier, e.g. propranolol). Antianginal effects result from negative chronotropic and inotropic effects, which decrease cardiac workload and oxygen demand. Negative chronotropic properties of beta blockers allow the lifesaving property of heart rate control. Beta blockers are readily titrated to optimal rate control in many pathologic states. The antiarrhythmic effects of beta blockers arise from sympathetic nervous system blockade—resulting in depression of sinus node function and atrioventricular node conduction, and prolonged atrial refractory periods. Sotalol, in particular, has additional antiarrhythmic properties and prolongs action potential duration through potassium channel blockade. Blockade of the sympathetic nervous system on renin release leads to reduced aldosterone via the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, with a resultant decrease in blood pressure due to decreased sodium and water retention.
Oxymorphol is oxymorphone which has been hydrogenated at the 6-position and consists of a mixture of 4,5α-epoxy-17-methylmorphinan-3,6β,14-triol and 4,5α-epoxy-17-methylmorphinan-3,6α,14-triol (hydromorphinol). It is produced by the human body as an active metabolite of oxymorphone and some bacteria as an intermediate in turning morphine into hydromorphone. It can also be manufactured and is the subject of patents by drug companies looking for new semi-synthetic analgesics and cough suppressants. A derivative of oxymorphol, 8-hydroxy-6-α-oxymorphol, was discovered in the first decade of the 21st century and the subject of a patent application by Endo Pharmaceuticals for an analgesic and antitussive.
Amfepramone (also known as diethylpropion) Bupropion and naltrexone (combination) Cathine Clobenzorex Dexfenfluramine† (the D-enantiomer of fenfluramine; withdrawn for the same reason as its racemate) Ephedrine (combinations) Etilamfetamine Fenfluramine† (one of the two components [the other being phentermine] of Fen-phen. Since discontinued to its potential for causing valvulopathies and pulmonary hypertension) Lorcaserin (withdrawn in the United States by the FDA due to an increased risk of cancer) Mazindol Mefenorex Phentermine Sibutramine† (in some countries withdrawn from the market because of concerns regarding its cardiovascular effects) Topiramate The following are listed as appetite depressants by MeSH, an index of medical journal articles and books.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
In contrast to these serotonin releasing agents however, mCPP does not appear to cause long-term serotonin depletion (a property thought to be related to serotonergic neurotoxicity). Trazodone's 5-HT2A receptor antagonism and weak serotonin reuptake inhibition form the basis of its common label as an antidepressant of the serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI) type.
== Structure == Carboxypeptidase A (CPA) contains a zinc (Zn2+) metal center in a tetrahedral geometry with amino acid residues in close proximity around zinc to facilitate catalysis and binding. Out of the 307 amino acids bonded in a peptide chain, the following amino acid residues are important for catalysis and binding; Glu-270, Arg-71, Arg-127, Asn-144, Arg-145, and Tyr-248. Figure 1 illustrates the tetrahedral zinc complex active site with the important amino acid residues that surround the complex. The zinc metal is a strong electrophilic Lewis acid catalyst which stabilizes a coordinated water molecule as well as stabilizes the negative intermediates that occur throughout the hydrolytic reaction. Stabilization of both the coordinated water molecule and negative intermediates are assisted by polar residues in the active site which are in close proximity to facilitate hydrogen bonding.
== Government investment and oversight == Between 2020 and 2024, the Ugandan government invested approximately UGX 723.4 billion in Dei BioPharma through multiple budget allocations. The investment sparked parliamentary scrutiny, with the Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, questioning the absence of key documents such as a valuation by the Chief Government Valuer and a formal memorandum of understanding. The Auditor General’s report further raised concerns about the lack of share certificates and valuation documentation. In response to mounting questions, the company indicated a willingness to refund the investment, although no formal agreement had been reached as of late 2024.
=== B cell epitopes === The part of the antigen that immunoglobulin or antibodies bind to is called a B-cell epitope. B cell epitopes can be divided into two groups: conformational or linear. B cell epitopes are mainly conformational. There are additional epitope types when the quaternary structure is considered. Epitopes that are masked when protein subunits aggregate are called cryptotopes. Neotopes are epitopes that are only recognized while in a specific quaternary structure and the residues of the epitope can span multiple protein subunits. Neotopes are not recognized once the subunits dissociate.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
Homoserine dehydrogenase and aspartate kinase are both subject to significant regulation (refer to figure 3). HSD is inhibited by downstream products of the aspartate metabolic pathway, mainly threonine. Threonine acts as a competitive inhibitor for both HSD and aspartate kinase. In AK-HSD expressing organisms, one of the threonine binding sites is found in the linker region between AK and HSD, suggesting potential allosteric inhibition of both enzymes. However, some threonine-resistant HSD forms exist that require concentrations of threonine much greater than physiologically present for inhibition. These threonine-insensitive forms of HSD are used in genetically engineered plants to increase both threonine and methionine production for higher nutritional value. Homoserine dehydrogenase is also subject to transcriptional regulation. Its promoter sequence contains a cis-regulatory element TGACTC sequence, which is known to be involved in other amino acid biosynthetic pathways. The Opaque2 regulatory element has also been implicated in homoserine dehydrogenase regulation, but its effects are still not well defined. In plants, there is also environmental regulation of AK-HSD gene expression. Light exposure has been demonstrated to increase expression of the AK-HSD gene, presumably related to photosynthesis.
== Works == Simulated distillation of high-boiling petroleum fractions by capillary supercritical fluid chromatography and vacuum thermal gravimetric analysis, with Herbert E. Schwartz, Mieczyslaw M. Boduszynski, and Fu Su in Analytical Chemistry (journal), May 15, 1987
=== Regier et al. (2005) === In a 2005 study of nuclear genomes Regier et al. suggest that Hexapoda is most closely related to Branchiopoda and Cephalocarida + Remipedia, thereby hexapods are "terrestrial crustaceans", thus supporting the Pancrustacea hypothesis that maxillopods are not monophyletic (in the following cladograms Maxillopoda subclasses are highlighted). In addition, there appeared some evidence against the Ostracoda monophyly: that Ostracoda subclass Podocopa may form a clade with Branchiura.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
Cardarine is an investigational synthetic compound that acts as a PPARδ agonist. It is also known as GW501516 and has been studied mainly in preclinical research. It is not an approved medicine.
No. Cardarine is not a steroid hormone; it targets the nuclear receptor PPARδ. Its classification in anti-doping rules differs from anabolic steroids, though it remains prohibited in sport.
Early rodent studies reported tumor formation at multiple sites, which raised safety concerns. Sponsors stopped clinical development, and no approved human product exists.
Legal status varies by country, but cardarine is not approved as a medicine in major jurisdictions. It is often sold as a research chemical, a category that may not be lawful for human use. Buyers should check local laws and product labels carefully.