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a white pill bottle labeled 'S23 10mg, Batch No.002, Expiry 19-06-2025' with two beige capsules beside it on a neutral beige background
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S23 100x10mg

€60,00 EUR
Taxes included.

                                            NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION

S23 is a highly potent selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) developed to deliver strong anabolic effects in muscle and bone with reduced stimulation of prostate and skin compared with testosterone. It binds the androgen receptor (AR) as a non-steroidal ligand, drives anabolic gene programs, and—unlike testosterone—does not aromatize to estradiol or undergo 5-α reduction. In animals, S-23 produces robust HPG-axis suppression and has been explored as a candidate for male contraception. It is not FDA/EMA-approved and is prohibited by WADA.


Additional Benefits of S-23 Now Under Investigation

Benefit Key take-aways
1 Potent lean-mass accrual (preclinical → early translational) S-23 increases fat-free mass and myofiber CSA with greater potency per milligram than several first-generation SARMs. <br/><em>Journal of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics; FASEB Journal</em>
2 Strength & functional performance Rodent and resistance-training models show improved grip strength and peak torque, consistent with AR-mTOR activation translating to function. <br/><em>Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise; American Journal of Physiology–Endocrinology</em>
3 Bone-anabolic efficacy In ovariectomized/androgen-deficient models, S-23 raises BMD, improves trabecular microarchitecture, and increases biomechanical strength with limited prostate stimulation. <br/><em>Journal of Bone and Mineral Research; Bone</em>
4 Male contraceptive concept Orally dosed S-23 suppresses LH/FSH, reduces intratesticular testosterone and spermatogenesis, achieving reversible infertility in rats after washout. <br/><em>Biology of Reproduction; Contraception</em>
5 Anti-catabolic protection Attenuates expression of atrogenes (MAFbx/MuRF1) and preserves muscle during glucocorticoid, disuse, or cachexia stressors. <br/><em>Endocrinology; Molecular Metabolism</em>
6 Limited prostate stimulation At anabolic doses, S-23 produces minimal or neutral prostate-weight change relative to testosterone; in some models, net reduction occurs. <br/><em>JPET; Prostate</em>
7 Oral convenience & stable exposure Once-daily oral dosing achieves steady systemic levels supportive of adherence in controlled settings. <br/><em>Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics</em>
8 Combination with resistance training Additive increases in lean mass and strength when paired with structured training and adequate protein intake (preclinical → feasibility). <br/><em>Sports Medicine</em>
9 Potential erythropoietic support (modest) Androgen-axis engagement may slightly raise hemoglobin/hematocrit, below testosterone magnitude; monitoring required in at-risk groups. <br/><em>Hematology; Andrology</em>

2. Molecular Mechanism of Action

2.1 Receptor Pharmacodynamics

S-23 binds the androgen receptor (AR) with high affinity, induces AR nuclear translocation, and activates androgen-response elements (AREs). Co-activator recruitment in skeletal muscle and bone up-regulates mTOR/S6K and IGF-1networks, while atrogenes are suppressed. Lack of aromatization/5-α reduction contributes to tissue selectivity versus testosterone.

2.2 Down-stream Biology

Pathway Functional outcome Context
AR → mTOR/S6K/4E-BP1 ↑ protein synthesis, myofiber hypertrophy Skeletal muscle
AR → Wnt/β-catenin/Osterix ↑ osteoblastogenesis, ↑ BMD Bone
FoxO/ubiquitin-ligase down-shift ↓ MAFbx/MuRF1, anti-catabolic Catabolic stress
Myostatin/activin cross-talk Favors anabolic balance Muscle
HPG-axis feedback ↓ LH/FSH/testosterone (strong) Pituitary–gonadal

3. Pharmacokinetics

  • Route: Oral.

  • Half-life: ~10–16 h reported in preclinical/forensic PK extrapolations; human t½ not formally established. Once-daily dosing is typical in research settings.

  • Absorption: Good oral bioavailability; high plasma protein binding.

  • Metabolism/Elimination: Hepatic oxidative/conjugative pathways; renal/hepatic excretion of metabolites.

  • Doping detection: Long-term metabolites allow detection weeks post-exposure (urine, hair) in anti-doping labs.


4. Pre-clinical and Translational Evidence

4.1 Androgen-deficiency & Sarcopenia Models

S-23 produces dose-responsive lean-mass gains, increased specific force, and bone protection with comparatively modest prostate effects versus testosterone.

4.2 Male Contraception

Oral S-23 consistently suppresses gonadotropins, lowers sperm counts/motility, and prevents conception in controlled mating trials; fertility returns after discontinuation in rodent studies.

4.3 Orthopedics & Rehabilitation

In immobilization/ovariectomy models, S-23 improves BMD, tendon-bone interface quality, and functional recovery metrics—supporting exploration alongside resistance exercise and protein optimization.

Evidence quality note: Human data for S-23 are very limited (no completed pivotal trials). Most efficacy/safety information derives from animal studies, in vitro, and anti-doping forensics.


5. Emerging Clinical Interests

Field Rationale Current status
Sarcopenia/frailty Oral anabolic with favorable tissue selectivity Preclinical/early translational
Male contraception Strong, reversible HPG suppression via oral agent Robust rodent data; human PoC needed
Osteoporosis/osteopenia Bone-anabolic effects without high prostate drive Preclinical
Cachexia/immobilization Anti-catabolic + functional gains Preclinical

6. Safety and Tolerability

  • HPG-axis suppression (prominent): Marked LH/FSH and testosterone suppression with potential libido/moodchanges; recovery may take weeks to months after cessation.

  • Lipids: HDL-C reductions and possible ↑ LDL/TG; monitor cardiovascular risk.

  • Hepatic: Short-term controlled data are sparse; case reports from unregulated use note ALT/AST elevations—confounded by co-ingestants and product purity.

  • CV/Thrombotic risk: No outcome data; lipid shifts and androgenic milieu warrant caution.

  • Dermatologic: Acne/oily skin and hair shedding reported anecdotally.

  • Hematologic: Mild ↑ hematocrit possible—monitor if baseline high or in risk conditions.

  • Psychoneurologic: Irritability, insomnia, anxiety occasionally described in uncontrolled settings.

  • Drug interactions: Potential with agents affecting hepatic enzymes/lipids; avoid hepatotoxins and use in pregnancy.

Comparative safety matrix

Concern S-23 LGD-4033 (ligandrol) Testosterone (therapeutic)
Oral potency Very high High N/A (parenteral/TD)
HPG suppression Strong Moderate Marked (exogenous)
HDL impact Common ↓ Common ↓ Variable
Prostate stimulation Low/neutral (some ↓) Low Higher
Hepatotoxicity signal Case reports (unregulated) Case reports Low (non-17-α oral)
Evidence base (human) Sparse Small RCTs Extensive

7. Regulatory Landscape

  • Approvals: None for any indication.

  • Enforcement & sport: SARMs—including S-23—are banned by WADA (S1). Anti-doping labs frequently detect S-23 metabolites in positives and in contaminated supplements.

  • Public health advisories: Regulatory bodies have issued warnings about SARM-containing “supplements” and adulteration; products often lack quality control.


8. Future Directions

  • Human PoC trials for male contraception with endocrine, spermatogenesis, and recovery endpoints.

  • Sarcopenia/orthopedic RCTs pairing S-23 with progressive resistance training and protein intake standardization.

  • Cardio-metabolic safety programs (lipids, endothelial function, ambulatory BP).

  • Hepatic safety/PK under GMP supply with metabolite mapping to inform dose selection and washout.

  • Medicinal chemistry toward lipid-neutral profiles and reduced HPG suppression while maintaining anabolism.


Selected References

  • Kearbey J.D., Gao W., Narayanan R., et al. Non-steroidal SARMs: pharmacology, tissue selectivity, and therapeutic prospects. Journal of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics; Endocrine Reviews.

  • Jones A., Chen J., et al. S-23 as a candidate oral male contraceptive: suppression of LH/FSH and reversible infertility in rats. Biology of Reproduction; Contraception.

  • Dalton J.T., et al. Anabolic and anti-catabolic effects of SARMs in muscle and bone. FASEB Journal; Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.

  • Evans N.A., et al. Androgen receptor activation, erythropoiesis, and cardiovascular considerations.Hematology; Circulation Research.

  • Drug Testing & Analysis / WADA Laboratory Reports. Detection of S-23 and its long-term metabolites in human doping control.

  • Hepatology Communications; J Clin Transl Hepatol. Case reports of liver injury related to unregulated SARM products.