Ostarine (MK-2866 / Enobosarm)
MK-2866 · MK2866 · Enobosarm
Ostarine (MK-2866, also known as Enobosarm and GTx-024) is a non-steroidal selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) originally developed by GTx, Inc. for the prevention and treatment of muscle wasting in cancer cachexia, sarcopenia, and age-related muscle loss. It is the most widely studied SARM in clinical trials and is generally regarded as one of the mildest compounds in the SARM class in terms of androgenic side effects while still providing meaningful anabolic activity in skeletal muscle and bone.
Take once daily at a consistent time - the ~24 hour half-life makes single daily dosing sufficient. Many users take it with breakfast. Cycles typically 8-12 weeks followed by an equal time off with bloodwork (testosterone, LH, FSH, ALT/AST, lipids) before and after.
Start here. Every protocol below is ordered lowest-first. Begin at the smallest effective dose, hold about a week to assess tolerance, and step up only if needed.
How it works
Ostarine binds the androgen receptor (AR) with tissue-selective partial agonism. It preferentially activates AR signaling in skeletal muscle and bone while exhibiting reduced activity in prostate, skin, and sebaceous tissue - this is the defining feature of the SARM class and the basis for the claim of an improved therapeutic window relative to traditional anabolic steroids.
Downstream of AR binding it increases muscle protein synthesis and nitrogen retention in a manner similar to testosterone, but without aromatization to estrogen and without 5-alpha reduction to DHT. As a result, it does not produce estrogen-driven effects like gynecomastia or water retention and produces less androgen-driven scalp/skin effects than testosterone at equivalent anabolic doses.
Ostarine suppresses endogenous testosterone production via negative feedback on the HPT axis - the degree of suppression is dose-dependent but meaningful at typical athletic doses (15-25mg). A post-cycle recovery plan is standard for non-TRT users. Hepatic effects are milder than C17-alpha-alkylated oral steroids but clinically significant elevations in ALT/AST have been reported.
What to expect
First 1-2 weeks: onset is gradual. Mild strength improvements and recovery benefits may be noticed but no dramatic changes.
Weeks 3-6: measurable body composition changes, strength gains, improved training capacity. Bloodwork should be checked around the 4-week mark.
Weeks 8-12: peak benefits realized. Continued use beyond 12 weeks offers diminishing returns and escalating suppression. Plan cycle-off at least equal to on-time.
Evidence
References for this compound are being re-checked against their source records. We are not showing them until each one is confirmed to support the claim it sits under.
Side effects & safety
Commonly reported
- Suppression of endogenous testosterone (dose-dependent, reversible in most users)
- Mild HDL cholesterol reduction
- Mild fatigue or lethargy in some users
- Headache
Less common & notes
- Elevated liver enzymes (ALT/AST), GI upset, acne or oily skin in predisposed users, libido changes (usually mild and dose-dependent), mild hair thinning in genetically predisposed users, mood changes, insomnia.
- In women: potential virilization at higher doses or long cycles (voice changes, facial hair) though risk is lower than traditional AAS.
- Rare: significant HPT axis suppression requiring extended recovery, transient vision disturbances (uncommon versus S-4).
Pharmacokinetics
High oral bioavailability (estimated 70%+ in humans, dose-proportional)
Per dose - supports once daily dosing
Hepatic metabolism (CYP3A4 primary). Renal excretion of metabolites.
Storage. Store at controlled room temperature (20-25°C / 68-77°F). Protect from moisture and direct light. Liquid oral suspensions should be kept tightly sealed and used within 12 months of opening. Keep out of reach of children.
Regulatory status
Not FDA-approved for any indication. Sale for human consumption is prohibited by the FDA. Classified as a research chemical and not legally marketed as a dietary supplement. Banned by WADA and most major athletic organizations (Olympic, NCAA, UFC, professional leagues). Not a controlled substance federally in the United States as of this writing, though some states have introduced restrictions. Most countries treat it similarly - legal to possess but illegal to sell as a supplement.
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The guide & community
The complete Ostarine (MK-2866 / Enobosarm) walkthrough, real protocol discussion and coaching live inside the BlessUp community on Skool.
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