Cardarine (GW501516)
Cardarine (GW501516) is commonly grouped with SARMs online but is mechanistically different.
Last reviewed: 2026-08-09Aliases: GW501516; cardarine
Safety contextAvoid assuming SARM class data applies to this compound.
Regulatory / research statusUnapproved for bodybuilding/performance use.
Classification correction
Cardarine (GW501516) is a pparδ agonist. Not a SARM; it does not work by selectively modulating the androgen receptor.
Why the distinction matters
Online “SARM” catalogs often group mechanistically unrelated research chemicals together. Mechanism, evidence, metabolism, safety signals and legal status should be evaluated compound by compound rather than inferred from a marketing category.
References
- FDA warning on selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs)
This page is an educational reference, not individualized medical advice. Inclusion of a compound is not endorsement. LiftLab does not provide nonmedical cycles, stacks, sourcing, injection instructions or personalized dosing.