If you have been reading about WADA and want a single page that covers the useful parts, this is it: definitions, context, how it is studied, and the questions that come up repeatedly.
Last reviewed on 2026-02-10. Where a claim depends on a specific study, the study is described rather than over-claimed.
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.
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical class | PPARδ agonist | Not an anabolic steroid. |
| Common synonyms | GW501516, GW-1516 | Cardarine is an informal name. |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder | Typical for research-grade solid. |
| Solubility class | Poorly soluble in water; soluble in some organic solvents | Such as DMSO or ethanol in laboratory settings. |
| Typical storage temperature | Cool, dry, protected from light | Specific conditions vary by supplier and form. |
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.
Regulatory bodies treat GW501516 as a prohibited substance in competitive sport. The World Anti-Doping Agency added it to the prohibited list, and it falls under classes covering metabolic modulators and hormone-related agents. It is not approved by drug regulators for human use, and it is not a lawful dietary supplement. Products sold under the cardarine name may contain unlisted ingredients or different compounds. Because no approved product exists, quality and identity are not guaranteed by pharmaceutical manufacturing standards.
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.
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.
Cardarine has no approved therapeutic indication and is not marketed as a medicine. The World Anti-Doping Agency lists GW501516 as a prohibited substance at all times, covering both in-competition and out-of-competition periods. National laws vary: some countries treat it as an unapproved drug subject to import controls, while others have specific restrictions on sale for human consumption. It is often sold as a research chemical, a label that does not imply safety or legality. Enforcement actions have targeted online vendors and shipments.
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.
According to Pino Arlacchi, the former head of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, the portrayal of Venezuela as a "drug state" is a "geopolitically motivated smear campaign" by the US government; he refers to the World Drug Report 2025 and his own experience, according to which the Venezuelan government's cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking is among the best in South America. According to Arlacchi, the US has taken an interest in Venezuelan oil reserves, which are among the largest in the world. The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) in the Americas demands an immediate cessation of aggression against Venezuela. The U.S. government's instrumentalisation of the "fight against drugs" conveys a disproportionate use of force and sets a dangerous precedent. Russia and China reiterated their condemnation of US actions against Venezuela at an emergency UN Security Council meeting on 23 December. Russia's Foreign Ministry called the deployment "excessive military force" and spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that Russia "confirms our firm support for the Venezuelan leadership in defending its national sovereignty". On 19 November 2025, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that China opposes "any interference in Venezuela's internal affairs under any pretext" and called on the United States to "choose a course of action conducive to peace and stability".
== Early life and education == Tanaka was born and raised in Toyama, Japan, his biological mother died one month after he was born. Tanaka graduated from Tohoku University with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering in 1983, afterward he joined Shimadzu Corporation, where he engaged in the development of mass spectrometers.
== Adverse effects == Meningococcal (a type of bacteria) infections can occur in people taking pegcetacoplan. Pegcetacoplan may also predispose individuals to serious infections, especially infections caused by encapsulated bacteria. These infections include but are not limited to Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Common adverse effects associated with the medication include stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, cold sores, common-cold like symptoms, tiredness as well as any itching, redness, or sensitivity at the injection site. Pegcetacoplan may cause fetal harm. Pegcetacoplan may also interfere with silica reagents in laboratory coagulation panels.
=== March === 8 March The report of a 20-year survey by The Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland revealed that 56% of Ireland's native plant species are in decline due to habitat loss, altered grazing pressure, and degradation (re-seeding, over-fertilising, nitrogen deposition, herbicides, soil drainage, mineral enrichment), rather than rising temperatures whose botanical effects – so far – are minor. By contrast, 80% of non-native plants introduced into Ireland since 1500 have increased. The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar marked International Women's Day by announcing the Government's intention to hold a referendum to enshrine gender equality in the Constitution by amending Articles 40 and 41. 13 March – President of the United States Joe Biden announced that he will visit Ireland, north and south, in April for the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement (signed on 10 April 1998). It was reported two weeks later that Biden will arrive in Belfast on 11 April, then he will be based in Dublin from 12 to 15 April from where he will make trips to other parts of the country. Former US president Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary will visit Belfast the following week. 15 March – 46-year-old Stephen Silver was found guilty of the capital murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan who was shot dead in Castlerea, County Roscommon in June 2020. 16 March – Ryan Tubridy announced that he would be stepping down as the presenter of The Late Late Show after 14 years, with his last show in May.
Additionally, models accounting for the simultaneous effect of pH, micelle and organic concentration have been suggested. These models allow for further enhancement of the optimization of the separation of weak acids and bases. One research group, Rukhadze, et al. derived a first order linear relationship describing the influence of micelle and organic concentration, and pH on the selectivity and resolution of seven barbiturates. The researchers discovered that a second order mathematical equation would more precisely fit the data. The derivations and experimental details are beyond the scope of this discussion. The model was successful in predicting the experimental conditions necessary to achieve a separation for compounds which are traditionally difficult to resolve. Jandera, Fischer, and Effenberger approached the modeling problem in yet another way. The model used was based on lipophilicity and polarity indices of solutes. The lipophilicity index relates a given solute to a hypothetical number of carbon atoms in an alkyl chain. It is based and depends on a given calibration series determined experimentally. The lipophilicity index should be independent of the stationary phase and organic modifier concentration. The polarity index is a measure of the polarity of the solute-solvent interactions. It depends strongly on the organic solvent, and somewhat on the polar groups present in the stationary phase. 23 compounds were analyzed with varying mobile phases and compared to the lipophilicity and polarity indices.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
== Pathophysiology == Hutchinson–Gilford progeroid syndrome (HGPS) is an extremely rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder in which symptoms resembling aspects of aging are manifested at an early age. Its occurrence is usually the result of a sporadic germline mutation; although HGPS is genetically dominant, people rarely live long enough to have children, preventing them from passing the disorder on in a hereditary manner.
== Liquid chromatography == Back pressure is the term used for the hydraulic pressure required to create a flow through a chromatography column in high-performance liquid chromatography, the term deriving from the fact that it is generated by the resistance of the column, and exerts its influence backwards on the pump that must supply the flow. Back-pressure is a useful diagnostic feature of problems with the chromatography column. Rapid chromatography is favoured by columns packed with very small particles, which create high back-pressures. Column designers use "kinetic plots" to show the performance of a column at a constant back-pressure, usually selected as the maximum that a system's pump can reliably produce.
=== Gelator === Gelators serve as stabilizers and thickeners, thickening the gel solution while simultaneously maintaining the gel's flexible nature. When dispersed through the solvent as a colloid, gelators offer a stable internal structure to the gel. Gelators are usually chosen based on their affinity for the solvent and the purpose of the gel. The nature of the gelators used determines the rigidity of the gel. There are many types of gelators, of which carbomers are more frequently used due to their ability to thicken gels across a wide range of pH. Gelators can be classified by polymer types, namely natural, semi-synthetic and synthetic polymers. Natural gelators include tragacanth, gelatin, collagen, and guar gum; semi-synthetic gelators include methylcellulose and other cellulose derivatives; while synthetic gelators include carbomers, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene and its copolymers.
=== Nutrient delivery system === Immunoliposomes can also be used as nutrient delivery systems to help stimulate brain activity. The effective transport of certain nutrients to the hypothalamus in order to regulate brain activity is currently a huge problem. The leptin gene is used to regulate feedback loops and send signals from the adipose tissue to the hypothalamus. Using this physiological function of leptin, immunoliposome nutrient delivery systems can be integrated into the body to help with nutrition transport to the brain as seen in Figure 5. Transferrin receptors have high expression at the BBB (blood brain barrier) and can be used as targets for immunoliposomes to transport p-glycoprotein substances.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
=== Pyridine derivatives === Pyridine derivatives on market are axitinib, regorafenib and apatinib. Pyridine derivatives with thiazolyamino-substituted heterocycle derivatives are kinase inhibitors. They show antiangiogenesis activity and anti-proliferation in tumor cells. The presence of sulfur atom in the heterocyclic ring is hypothesized to enhance potency on VEGFR-2 inhibition. Compounds with thieno [3,2-b] pyridine urea moiety are inhibitory for VEGF receptor signaling and HGF receptor signaling. HGF and HGF receptors undermine the activity of VEGF inhibition. Pyridine derivatives with benzazepine have stronger selectivity and anti-tumor activity and less toxic side effects. They target many receptors like c-Met, VEGFR2, EGFR and therefore show inhibitory activity on a variety of tumors. Compounds with no fluorine atom in the benzazepine inhibit multiple targets and have better in vitro enzyme inhibiting activity. 3-chloro derivatives and 3-methoxy-N-methyl-2-pyridine carboxamide derivatives inhibit, modulate and regulate tyrosine kinase signal transduction. VEGFR2 related diseases are treated with the compounds mentioned above in conjugation with other cancer therapies. 1-(5-tert-butyl-2-aryl-pyrazol-3-yl)-3-[2-fluoro-4-[(3-oxo-4H-pyrido[2,3-b] pyrazin-8-yl) oxy] phenyl] urea compounds are RAF inhibitors and treat disorders associated with mutated forms of RAF, like cancer, proliferative disorders, inflammation, immunological disorders, viral infections and fibrotic disorders.
However, markedly elevated liver enzymes have occasionally occurred with enobosarm in clinical trials and have necessitated discontinuation. There have been several published case reports of hepatotoxicity with enobosarm as of 2023. Between 2020 and 2022, there has been a rapid increase in reported cases of liver toxicity with SARMs. The hepatotoxicity with SARMs may be related to their resistance to hepatic metabolism, analogously to the case of 17α-alkylated anabolic steroids. SARMs are often advertised and sold on the Internet at doses higher than have been described in the literature. Sometimes doses are recommended as several-fold or more greater than the doses used in clinical trials, or seemingly arbitrary doses are advised. For instance, enobosarm has been provided at doses of greater than or equal to 20 mg per serving and recommended by bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts at doses of 10 to 30 mg/day, relative to the most widely assessed highest dose in clinical trials of 3 mg/day—an up to 10-fold difference. SARMs, particularly when used at high or excessive doses for prolonged periods of time, may result in substantial suppression of endogenous sex hormones like testosterone and estradiol, in turn producing widespread unintended deleterious effects on physiological function. As examples, SARMs may produce potent anabolic effects with deficiency in important androgenic effects, may result in estrogen deficiency with consequences like bone loss among others, and, due to suppression of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis (HPG axis), may cause infertility.
=== Quantitative aspects === To properly control the polymer molecular weight, the stoichiometric imbalance of the bifunctional monomer or the monofunctional monomer must be precisely adjusted. If the nonstoichiometric imbalance is too large, the polymer molecular weight will be too low. It is important to understand the quantitative effect of the stoichiometric imbalance of reactants on the molecular weight. Also, this is necessary in order to know the quantitative effect of any reactive impurities that may be present in the reaction mixture either initially or that are formed by undesirable side reactions. Impurities with A or B functional groups may drastically lower the polymer molecular weight unless their presence is quantitatively taken into account. More usefully, a precisely controlled stoichiometric imbalance of the reactants in the mixture can provide the desired result. For example, an excess of diamine over an acid chloride would eventually produce a polyamide with two amine end groups incapable of further growth when the acid chloride was totally consumed. This can be expressed in an extension of the Carothers equation as
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
Cardarine is commonly known as GW501516 or GW-1516. These names refer to the same synthetic compound. It is not a brand-name approved medicine.
No, cardarine is not a steroid. It is classified as a PPARδ agonist. Its structure and receptor target differ from anabolic steroids.
No regulatory agency has approved cardarine as a medicine. It was investigated in early research but development was discontinued. It is not available as a prescription drug.
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.