For years, researchers have been conducting different studies. These involve helping muscles and bones grow stronger with fewer side effects. That’s where SARMs come in.
SARMs stand for Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators. These are special compounds in research that specifically target muscle and bone tissues. They do this without affecting other nearby tissues.
Two of the most studied SARMs are Andarine and Ostarine. Scientists are studying them to discover how they work and what their potential benefits are.
This article will help you take a closer look at them. The information we will share will help you understand which of Andarine vs Ostarine is a better option for you.
IMPORTANT: This post is for educational and research purposes only. The compounds tackled are not for human consumption. Mentioning their potential effects does not imply medical advice or promotion.
What is Andarine (S-4)?
| CAS Number | 401900-40-1 |
| Molar Mass | 441.4 g/mol |
| Chemical Formula | C19H18F3N3O6 |
| Synonyms | 401900-40-1, GTX-007, S-4 cpd |
Chemical Structure & Classification
Andarine, otherwise known as S-4, is a non-steroidal selective androgen modulator (SARM). It was developed by GTx and designed to bind selectively to androgen receptors.
This feature makes the SARM a valuable research tool for studies focusing on androgenic signaling pathways. These are those that are typically found among muscle and bone tissue.
Mechanism of Action
S-4 operates by binding to the androgen receptor and modulating gene expression. This action is observed to promote anabolic activity in skeletal muscle tissue. Even more interesting, S-4 produces such an effect while reducing unwanted androgenic effects in other tissues.
S-4 can also produce partial agonist activity. This gives the SARM a distinct profile as compared to full agonist SARMs.
Potential Research Benefits
- Fat loss: Andarine is often examined in studies related to metabolic enhancement and body recomposition models.
- Muscle preservation: Due to its selective binding property, Andarine can be useful in models related to muscle atrophy or caloric restriction.
- Bone health: Early studies suggest that S-4 can have positive effects on bone density. However, more research is needed to confirm this effect.
Common Use Cases in Laboratory Settings
- Sarcopenia and cachexia research models
- Investigations into body recomposition
- Studies on androgen receptor modulation in musculoskeletal conditions
What is Ostarine (MK-2866)?
| CAS Number | 841205-47-8 |
| Molar Mass | 389.334 g/mol |
| Chemical Formula | C19H14F3N3O3 |
| Synonyms | Enobosarm; GTx-024; MK-2866 |
Chemical Structure & Classification
Like Andarine, Ostarine is also classified as an SARM. Its other names are MK-2866 and Enobosarm. Ostarine is another non-steroidal investigational compound developed by GTx.
Ostarine is a well-recognized SARM in preclinical and early clinical research. This is mainly due to its safety profile and anabolic sensitivity.
Mechanism of Action
MK-2866 functions as a full agonist at androgen receptors in muscle and bone tissues. It has been observed to promote muscle growth without high androgenic effects. These are commonly associated with conventional anabolic agents. This compound is not aromatized to estrogen or reduced to DHT. As such, this unique quality contributes to its clean profile in lab settings.
Potential Research Benefits
- Lean muscle gain potential
Ostarine has demonstrated the ability to increase lean muscle mass in various research models.
- Recovery and healing research
Ostarine has been studied for its potential impact on muscle repair, injury recovery, and even fracture healing in clinical models.
- Preservation during mobilization
Ostarine has been useful in exploring muscle-wasting or inactivity among some research models.
Common Use Cases in a Laboratory Setting
- Muscular dystrophy
- Post-surgical muscle recovery experiments
- Aging-related muscle preservation studies
Andarine vs Ostarine: Key Differences
| Feature | Andarine (S-4) | Ostarine (MK-2866) |
| Receptor Binding | High-affinity, partial agonist | Moderate-high affinity, full agonist |
| Anabolic vs Androgenic | Moderate anabolic, mild androgenic | Strongly anabolic, low androgenic |
| Muscle Building | Preserves lean mass | Builds and preserves lean muscle |
| Fat Loss Potential | Frequently explored for recomposition | Secondary focus in some studies |
| Half-Life | ~4 to 6 hours | ~24 hours |
| Vision Side Effects | May cause a temporary yellow tint or night vision disturbances in animal models | Not commonly observed |
| Dosing Frequency | Multiple times daily in research | Once daily in most research protocols |
Andarine (S-4) and Ostarine (MK-2866) have been compared for research purposes. Their differences extend well beyond just binding affinity and half-life. Each compound brings unique characteristics to the table. Thus, these make them suited for distinct investigational models.
Research Outcomes & Applications
Animal and Cell Line Studies
- Andarine
This SARM demonstrated increased muscle retention in rodent models, specifically under calorie restriction. Studies suggest that Andarine has the potential to reduce fat mass. They also observed some Potential improvements in bone mineral density in rodent studies
- Ostarine
The SARM produced a dose-dependent increase in lean body mass and strength in preclinical studies. It has also been evaluated in some clinical trials (phases I and II) for muscle wasting. This is accompanied by favorable safety outcomes.
Comparative Insights
- Ostarine is generally considered to be a more well-rounded and better-tolerated compound. This is especially applicable in studies focusing on overall mass enhancement.
- Andarine is often favored in research where recomposition or fat oxidation is a key focus. The SARM is being investigated despite its shorter half-life and potential side effects.
Situational Preferences
For lean mass gain research → Ostarine
For fat loss and strength retention models → Andarine
For bone density focus → Both SARMs show potential, although the data is more favorable to Ostarine
Safety Considerations in Research
Reported Side Effects (In research settings)
- Andarine
S-4 could lead to notable vision-related changes. Examples include a yellow tint and reduced night vision. This is based on related rodent studies. The effects are believed to be reversible upon discontinuation of use.
- Ostarine
The Enobosarm is generally well-tolerated. However, some animal studies suggest hormonal suppression at higher doses or longer durations.
Importance of Controlled Environments
SARMs must be handled under controlled, compliant laboratory conditions. This will include appropriate PPE, secure storage, and accurate dosing equipment. Each helps ensure research integrity.
Legal and Ethical Note
Neither compound is approved by the FDA for human use. Possession and handling should comply with relevant regulations.
Which One is Better for Research?
Ostarine offers a more consistent and versatile profile. This may benefit studies focused on muscle growth, preservation, and recovery. On the one hand, Andarine is known for its selective binding quality. This could help research related to recomposition, fat loss, and strength maintenance.
Ultimately, neither is clinically better. It still depends on the research hypothesis model being explored.
IMPORTANT: This is not a clinical recommendation. All discussions are strictly for research and academic use alone.
Combining Andarine and Ostarine in Research Settings
Stacking Andarine and Ostarine during research could lead to potential complementary actions.
Andarine has the potential to promote fat loss and strength retention in research models. Ostarine may support lean muscle accrual and recovery studies. In theory, the pairing allows researchers to understand how a full and partial agonist influences each other. This may yield valuable insights into the following:
- Receptor saturation
- Tissue selectivity
- Balance between anabolic and metabolic signaling
Where to Buy Andarine and Ostarine for Research
Proper sourcing of SARMs like Andarine (S-4) and Ostarine (MK-2866) for lab use is vital. Quality, transparency, and reliability are non-negotiable. A trusted supplier ensures your research is built on accurate, reproducible data.
RCDbio is renowned for supplying high-purity SARMs. The team retains a similar reputation for other research compounds. Here’s what makes our team a strong choice:
- Every batch is verified by third-party laboratories. They confirm both compound identity and purity.
- We provide Certificates of Analysis for every product we sell. These are found directly on our website. We boast of giving researchers full transparency and peace of mind.
- You can expect your order within 5 – 12 business days. Enjoy free shipping on purchases over $100. Plus, your shipment will come in discreet packaging.
- We have dedicated and knowledgeable customer support. They are available 24/7 to assist with questions and other concerns.
Conclusion
In comparison, between Andarine and Ostarine:
- Ostarine is often preferred for studies focused on muscle gain and tissue healing. Some researchers use it to determine its long-term anabolic impact.
- Andarine is ideal for research around fat loss, strength retention, and recomposition.
Both compounds show unique properties. Choosing the right one wholly depends on one’s research goals and models.
FAQs
Is Andarine stronger than Ostarine in research?
Andarine binds more aggressively to the androgen receptor. However, it acts as a partial agonist. Ostarine is more anabolic overall. This effect explains why it is often favored by many.
Can these compounds be stacked in research settings?
Stacking introduces more research variables. This step should be approached with a strict study design and control groups.
What makes Ostarine popular among researchers?
Ostarine has a longer half-life and cleaner anabolic profile. It also leads to more favorable results in early-stage trials.
Do either of these SARMs cause suppression in research settings?
Yes, both may cause some degree of hormonal suppression. This is a critical consideration for long-term studies.
