RAD-140 (Testolone) Safety Profile: 2021 Clinical Study Summary for Canadian Researchers
RAD-140, also known as Testolone, is one of the most widely researched Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) due to its potential for muscle wasting treatment and anabolic activity without the typical side effects associated with traditional anabolic steroids. While preclinical trials have demonstrated promising effects on lean muscle mass, human data has been limited — until recently.
A 2021 Phase 1 clinical study, published in Clinical Pharmacology in Drug Development, provided new insights into the safety, tolerability, and hormonal effects of RAD-140 in healthy male volunteers. This article summarizes the key findings and implications for Canadian researchers.
What is RAD-140 (Testolone)?
RAD-140 is a non-steroidal SARM developed to selectively stimulate androgen receptors in muscle and bone tissue. Unlike anabolic steroids, RAD-140 is designed to avoid unwanted androgenic effects in non-target tissues such as the prostate or skin, reducing potential side effects.
Its anabolic activity has led to ongoing research into its potential for muscle-wasting disorders, osteoporosis, and other conditions where preserving lean body mass is critical.
The 2021 Clinical Study: Safety and Hormonal Impact
Study Design Overview:
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Type: Phase 1, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
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Published: 2021
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Subjects: 25 healthy male volunteers (ages 18-65)
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Dosing: Multiple ascending doses of RAD-140 administered orally over 28 days
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Goals: Assess safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (how the body absorbs and metabolizes RAD-140)
Key Findings from the Study
🔬 1. Safety and Tolerability:
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RAD-140 was well-tolerated at all tested doses.
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No serious adverse events (SAEs) were reported.
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Some participants exhibited mild to moderate increases in liver enzymes (ALT, AST), but these were reversible and considered clinically insignificant.
🔬 2. Hormonal Effects:
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Testosterone Suppression:
RAD-140 administration led to a dose-dependent decrease in luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which are key regulators of natural testosterone production.-
However, total testosterone remained within physiological ranges.
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Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) also decreased, aligning with RAD-140’s androgenic activity.
🔬 3. Pharmacokinetics:
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RAD-140 exhibited predictable absorption and elimination patterns across participants.
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The study confirmed oral bioavailability, supporting ongoing research into oral dosing regimens.
Implications for Canadian Researchers
This Phase 1 human trial provides valuable data for Canadian researchers exploring RAD-140’s potential in muscle-wasting models, hormonal studies, and anabolic activity assessments. The study’s confirmation of safety and tolerability, combined with hormonal modulation effects, helps guide research-only applications of RAD-140 in controlled laboratory settings.
⚠️ Legal Status in Canada:
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RAD-140 is not approved for human consumption in Canada.
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It can only be purchased and used for laboratory research purposes.
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Always source third-party tested SARMs with verified Certificates of Analysis (COAs).
Conclusion
The 2021 clinical study (PubMed ID: 34565686) marks a significant milestone in RAD-140 research, providing the first controlled human data on its safety profile and hormonal impact. While these findings are promising for future therapeutic applications, RAD-140 remains a research chemical, and further studies are necessary to fully understand its long-term effects.
For Canadian researchers, this data reinforces the importance of sourcing high-purity, lab-tested compounds and adhering to research-only use.
📚 References:
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Clague, H. et al. (2021). A Phase 1, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multiple Ascending Dose Study of RAD140 in Healthy Volunteers. Clinical Pharmacology in Drug Development. PubMed ID: 34565686
