RAD-140 (Testolone) Research Overview (also known as Testolone, RAD140)
RAD-140, also called Testolone, is an investigational nonsteroidal selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) developed to produce anabolic signaling in tissues such as skeletal muscle and bone while reducing some androgenic effects associated with traditional anabolic-androgenic steroids. It has not been approved for human therapeutic use, and evidence for efficacy, dosing, long-term safety, cycling, or post-cycle therapy in humans is insufficient; products sold online may be mislabeled or contaminated.
What Is RAD-140?
RAD-140, commonly known as Testolone or RAD140, is a synthetic, nonsteroidal selective androgen receptor modulator. It was developed by Radius Health around 2010 as part of an effort to identify androgen-receptor ligands that could stimulate anabolic effects in muscle and bone without reproducing the full androgenic profile of testosterone or conventional anabolic steroids. Unlike testosterone, RAD-140 is not an esterified steroid hormone; it is a small-molecule compound that binds to the androgen receptor (AR). It has been investigated primarily in preclinical models and early oncology research rather than in an established program of approved human treatment.
Descriptions of RAD-140 often cite an anabolic-to-androgenic ratio of approximately 90:1. That number should be treated cautiously: it is a preclinical, assay-dependent comparison rather than a validated human clinical ratio, and results can vary according to the animal model, tissue tested, endpoint, dose, and comparator drug. RAD-140 is described as tissue-selective because AR signaling can differ between skeletal muscle, bone, prostate, skin, liver, and brain. Selectivity does not mean that adverse effects are absent or that the compound completely avoids androgen-sensitive tissues. RAD-140 remains research-only, is not an approved dietary supplement or medicine, and has no established safe or effective human dose.
Online bodybuilding discussions frequently present RAD-140 as a muscle-building alternative to anabolic steroids. Those claims substantially exceed the available evidence. There are limited human data, no broadly accepted therapeutic dosing protocol, and no reliable evidence establishing long-term cardiovascular, hepatic, reproductive, psychiatric, or cancer safety. A product labeled RAD-140 may also contain a different SARM, a steroid, an inactive substance, or an inaccurately measured amount. The regulatory status and legality of possession or sale vary by jurisdiction, and it is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Research Indications
Androgen-Receptor Selectivity
Selective AR agonism
RAD-140 was developed as a nonsteroidal selective androgen-receptor modulator (SARM) intended to preferentially activate androgen receptors in skeletal muscle and bone-related tissues in preclinical models.
Tissue-selective profile
Animal and cellular studies suggest anabolic activity with less androgenic stimulation of reproductive tissues than testosterone; this does not establish safety or selectivity in humans.
Muscle and Lean-Mass Research
Anabolic signaling
Preclinical SARM programs have investigated androgen-receptor-mediated preservation of lean tissue, but robust peer-reviewed human efficacy data specific to RAD-140 remain limited.
Catabolic-state research
RAD-140 has been investigated experimentally in oncology-related contexts where maintenance of body composition may be clinically relevant; it is not approved for muscle building or wasting disorders.
Neuroprotection
Cellular neuroprotection models
Laboratory work has reported neuroprotective signaling effects of RAD-140 in experimental neuronal injury models, including mechanisms involving androgen-receptor and kinase signaling.
No clinical neurological indication
These findings are preclinical and should not be interpreted as evidence for treating cognitive, neurodegenerative, or neurological conditions in people.
Oncology Investigation
Hormone-receptor-positive cancer research
RAD-140 has entered investigational clinical development for selected hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer settings, under protocol-specific medical supervision.
Investigational status
Clinical investigation does not indicate regulatory approval, demonstrated effectiveness for general use, or suitability for self-administration.
Research Protocols
As reported in cited literature and research-community logs (see Research Citations below) — not a personal dosing recommendation.
| Research Application | Dose | Frequency | Route |
|---|
| General performance use | No established safe dose | Not established | Oral |
| Body-composition research | No validated human regimen | Not established | Oral |
| Clinical oncology investigation | Protocol-specific only | Investigator directed | Oral |
| Nonmedical self-administration | Not recommended | Not applicable | Oral |
Timing
No evidence-based timing schedule exists for nonmedical use. In clinical research, timing, duration, laboratory monitoring, and discontinuation criteria are determined by the study protocol and supervising investigator.
Peptide Interactions
Concurrent androgenic agents may compound endocrine suppression, adverse lipid changes, blood-pressure effects, and other androgen-related risks.
Avoid combining with drugs that can injure the liver unless a clinician has assessed the risk and is monitoring liver-function tests.
Alcohol can increase liver stress and may worsen adverse effects on lipids, blood pressure, sleep, and decision-making.
A clinician should review use in people receiving lipid-lowering therapy because SARMs may adversely affect HDL, LDL, or other cardiovascular risk markers.
Androgen-receptor modulation may disrupt reproductive endocrine signaling; use is inappropriate during pregnancy, attempts to conceive, or fertility treatment.
No direct pharmacologic interaction is established, but stimulant-related increases in heart rate, anxiety, or blood pressure can complicate assessment of adverse effects.
Reported Research Timeline
01First days (reported in cited studies): no reliable beneficial effect should be expected; early changes may include sleep disturbance, mood changes, headache, gastrointestinal symptoms, or no noticeable effects.
02Weeks 1–2 (reported in cited studies): endocrine and metabolic laboratory changes may occur before visible body-composition changes; subjective reports are not a substitute for testing.
03Weeks 3–4 (reported in cited studies): nonmedical users may report training or body-weight changes, but diet, fluid balance, training volume, and product mislabeling are major confounders.
04Weeks 4–8 (reported in cited studies): risk monitoring becomes increasingly important because lipid abnormalities, liver-enzyme elevations, and suppression of endogenous sex hormones may emerge or worsen.
05After discontinuation (reported in cited studies): recovery of testosterone and other endocrine markers is variable and may take weeks or longer; persistent symptoms warrant medical assessment.
06Long term (reported in cited studies): human safety outcomes for recreational RAD-140 exposure are not adequately characterized, particularly for cardiovascular, hepatic, reproductive, and psychiatric risks.
Safety Notes
Included for harm-reduction awareness only, in the event this compound is encountered outside its labeled research use. Inclusion here does not imply RUO Codes endorses, recommends, or instructs human use.
RAD-140 is not approved for bodybuilding, athletic enhancement, or general wellness, and it is prohibited in sport under the World Anti-Doping Agency prohibited list.
Androgen-receptor modulators can suppress endogenous testosterone production and may affect libido, mood, fertility, menstrual function, and sexual function.
Potential changes in HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and other cardiovascular risk factors are a concern with SARM exposure.
Avoid use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, attempts to conceive, adolescence, or in the presence of hormone-sensitive disease unless specifically directed within a clinical study.
Products sold as RAD-140 may be mislabeled, underdosed, overdosed, or contaminated with other pharmaceuticals; label claims cannot establish identity or purity.
People with liver disease, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, psychiatric illness, or endocrine disorders should avoid unsupervised exposure.
Seek Medical Attention If:
You develop yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, severe nausea, or persistent pain in the upper right abdomen.
You experience chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, severe headache, one-sided weakness, or a sustained rapid or irregular heartbeat.
You develop severe agitation, depression, suicidal thoughts, mania, panic symptoms, or marked behavioral changes.
You have signs of a serious allergic reaction, including facial swelling, widespread hives, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.
Quality Indicators
Verified Marker
Lot-specific third-party COA
A credible certificate of analysis identifies the exact lot, test date, laboratory, analytical method, and measured identity and assay result.
Verified Marker
HPLC or LC-MS identity confirmation
For an oral compound, chromatographic identity testing with a matching reference standard is more meaningful than a generic purity claim alone.
Verified Marker
Quantitative mg-per-unit assay
Capsules or tablets should have a quantitative assay for actual RAD-140 content per unit, not merely a statement of nominal label strength.
Acceptable Range
Purity result with method details
A reported HPLC purity percentage is useful only when chromatograms, method conditions, impurity limits, and batch linkage are available for review.
Quality Concern
Undisclosed laboratory or unverifiable report
Avoid products with recycled COAs, missing lot numbers, editable images, no independent laboratory identification, or unsupported claims such as “pharmaceutical grade.”
Research Citations
- Selective androgen receptor modulator RAD140 is a potent neuroprotective agent with efficacy in rat models of neurodegeneration.
Jayakumar, A. R., et al., 2014, Endocrinology - The safety, pharmacokinetics, and effects of LGD-4033, a novel nonsteroidal oral selective androgen receptor modulator, in healthy young men: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 1 study.
Basaria, S., et al., 2013, The Journals of Gerontology Series A - Adverse health consequences of performance-enhancing drugs: an endocrine society scientific statement.
Pope, H. G., Jr., et al., 2014, Current Opinion in Pharmacology - The effects of supraphysiologic doses of testosterone on muscle size and strength in normal men.
Bhasin, S., et al., 2001, Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism - Selective androgen receptor modulators: a novel class of compounds for the treatment of muscle wasting and osteoporosis.
Narayanan, R., et al., 2018, Drugs
Research Focus
muscle wasting, androgen receptor, neuroprotection, breast cancer
Frequently Asked Questions
What should researchers watch for with RAD-140 (Testolone)?
Included for harm-reduction awareness only, in the event this compound is encountered outside its labeled research use. Inclusion here does not imply RUO Codes endorses, recommends, or instructs human use.
What should researchers expect over time with RAD-140 (Testolone)?
First days (reported in cited studies): no reliable beneficial effect should be expected; early changes may include sleep disturbance, mood changes, headache, gastrointestinal symptoms, or no noticeable effects.
How is RAD-140 (Testolone) typically administered in research?
As reported in cited literature and research-community logs (see Research Citations below) — not a personal dosing recommendation.
Browse all peptides in the Encyclopedia →