research chemical comes up often in conversation and rarely with the context attached. Here we lay out the basics in order, then work through the practical considerations.
Updated 2026-03-30. Numbers and descriptions here follow the published literature rather than marketing material.
Legal status varies by country. In some places, cardarine is controlled under medicines or psychoactive substances laws; in others, it may be sold with minimal oversight as a research chemical. Customs agencies have intercepted shipments, and several national health agencies have issued warnings about products marketed for bodybuilding or performance enhancement. The lack of a standardized pharmaceutical supply means identity, purity, and contamination levels can differ widely between samples. These factors make cardarine a regulatory and public health concern rather than a conventional prescription drug.
Cardarine is a common name for GW501516, a synthetic compound first described in the 1990s as a selective agonist of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta. It was studied in preclinical models for metabolic and cardiovascular conditions, but it has not been approved as a medicine in the United States, Europe, or other major jurisdictions. Retail products labeled as cardarine are generally research chemicals or supplements, not pharmaceutical formulations. Because human safety and efficacy data remain limited, regulatory agencies treat it as an unapproved substance rather than a therapeutic product.
Sporting authorities added GW501516 to prohibited lists after it appeared in athlete samples and online markets. The World Anti-Doping Agency classifies it as a hormone and metabolic modulator, and its use can lead to an anti-doping rule violation. Some early laboratory work suggested effects on fatty acid oxidation and endurance-related metabolism in animals, but those findings do not establish safe or effective use in people. Reports of adverse events in humans are scarce and often anecdotal, which complicates risk assessment.
Detection of GW501516 in biological samples generally relies on liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Urine is a common matrix in anti-doping analysis, while blood or plasma may be used in research settings. Sample preparation can involve enzymatic hydrolysis, protein precipitation, or solid-phase extraction before instrumental analysis. Because the compound undergoes metabolism, assays may target the parent molecule, one or more metabolites, or both. Detection windows are not fixed; they depend on factors such as dose, route, individual metabolism, and assay sensitivity. Reference standards are required for accurate identification and quantification.
Handling and quality assessment of cardarine reference material follow general laboratory practices for poorly characterized compounds. It typically appears as a white to off-white powder and is sparingly soluble in water but soluble in organic solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide and ethanol. Storage recommendations usually specify a cool, dry, dark place, with long-term storage at low temperature and desiccation. Purity may be checked by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection, while identity is confirmed by mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance. No pharmacopeial monograph exists, so reported purity and stability depend on the supplier’s methods.
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IUPAC name | {4-[({4-methyl-2-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1,3-thiazol-5-yl}methyl)sulfanyl]phenoxy}acetic acid | Systematic name for GW501516 |
| CAS Registry Number | 317318-70-0 | Unique identifier for the parent compound |
| Molecular formula | C21H18F3NO3S2 | Includes carbon, hydrogen, fluorine, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur |
| Molecular weight | 453.5 g/mol | Approximate value for the neutral form |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder | Typical description for purified laboratory material |
Laboratory handling focuses on identity, purity, and stability. Reference standards are typically stored cold and dry, protected from light, because solutions can degrade over time. Analytical checks may use high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection or mass spectrometry. Impurities and related substances can be separated chromatographically and compared with a known standard. Because cardarine is not an approved drug, compendial monographs are absent, and laboratories often rely on in-house methods. Reported purity varies among unregulated products and should not be assumed from a label.
GW501516 binds and activates PPARδ, a nuclear receptor that influences transcription of genes involved in fatty acid oxidation and energy use. Activation shifts some metabolic pathways in preclinical models, which is why the compound has been studied for lipid disorders and exercise-related endpoints. The exact downstream effects in humans are incompletely mapped. PPARδ is expressed in many tissues, including skeletal muscle, liver, and adipose tissue, so broad activation may have varied consequences. Researchers continue to examine how selective or partial activation might alter the balance between benefits and risks.
PPARδ is a nuclear receptor that regulates gene expression related to fatty acid oxidation, glucose homeostasis, and mitochondrial function. GW501516 binds to this receptor with high affinity and activates downstream signaling in skeletal muscle and other tissues. Animal studies reported increased endurance and altered fuel preference, but human data remain limited and inconsistent. The precise relationship between receptor activation and observed physiological changes is still an area of active investigation. Researchers have also examined whether the compound affects inflammation or cell proliferation. No approved therapeutic indication exists for cardarine.
In laboratory settings, cardarine is studied as a tool compound for probing PPARδ biology. Published experiments often use cell cultures, rodent models, or isolated tissues. Some investigations focus on metabolic effects, while others assess potential risks such as carcinogenicity observed in long-term animal studies. Because human trials are sparse, most knowledge comes from preclinical work and adverse event reports. Scientific literature frequently notes the gap between animal findings and human outcomes. The compound is not a dietary supplement and is not intended for human consumption.
It was also in the Basque Country where a higher percentage of negative votes was registered (23.5%). A different situation to that of Catalonia, where the level of participation was similar to that of the rest of Spain, and the positive votes exceeded 90%.
=== Clarifications on terminology === Macrophages have been classified as M1 or M2 depending on the adaptive immune response that elicited the phenotype: Th1 or Th2 respectively. The phrase 'alternatively activated macrophage' is used to refer to M2 macrophages. Regulatory macrophages do not fit into the M1/M2 classification system, and they display different markers.
=== Immunomodulatory Properties === One critical action of CGB, among many, is the immunomodulatory effects that it has on the maternal response to the embryo. This activation of a highly specific immune system tolerance to the embryo is essential to preventing the rejection of the embryo by the maternal immune system, and therefore the successful embryo development and implantation. While miscarriages and spontaneous abortions obviously have a multitude of different causes, the maternal immune response to the implanting embryo is one of the major ones, with specific action being related to CD4+ T cells of the immune system. In order to effectively describe their influence on whether a pregnancy is successful or not, a brief overview of these cells is needed. They are classified into 4 different subsets: T helper (Th) 1, Th2, Th17, and T regulatory (Treg) cells. Studies have indicated that patients who suffer from recurrent miscarriages possess an immunity dominated by what is called the Th1/Th2 hypothesis. But subsequent studies have shown that the Th1/Th2 paradigm is not sufficient to describe the immunological affects by which the fetus is rejected, and has thus been expanded to the Th1/Th2/Th17 and Treg cell paradigm. Th17 and Treg cells, according to the field of immunology, have been described as lymphocyte subsets that show a clear differentiation from Th1 and Th2 cells. They play a major role in the development of autoimmune diseases and infection. Multiple studies have reported that a Th17/Treg imbalance is associated with recurrent spontaneous abortion.
Hogan, C.Michael (2010). "Laurus Nobilis L." Encyclopedia of Life. Retrieved 2010-12-30. MeSH: Laurus – Laurus nobilis (Bay Laurel) PubMed search: "Laurus"[MAJR] Laurus nobilis – Israel Wildflowers and native plants
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
=== Preclinical === AB-300 (AB300) – non-hallucinogenic serotonin 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptor agonist AB-5006 (AX-5006) – Escherichia coli csgA protein aggregation inhibitor and gastrointestinal microbiome modulator [96] AEX-23 – orexin OX1 receptor agonist and α-synuclein aggregate/modulator [97] Afamelanotide ([Nle4,DPhe7]-α-MSH; CUV-1647; EPT-1647; Melanotan I; Melanotan; MT-I; Prenumbra; Scenesse) – melanocortin receptor agonist [98] Alpha-synuclein aggregation inhibitor (ACI-5755; morphomer α-synuclein) – α-synuclein inhibitor [99] BEBT-758 – RNA interference and α-synuclein expression inhibitor [100] Bevemipretide (SBT-272) – cardiolipin ligand and stabilizer [101] BSC-3301 – receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) inhibitor [102] BXQ-350 (SapC; SapC-DOPS; sphingolipid activator protein C) – sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase stimulant and sphingosine 1-phosphate stimulant [103] Cannabidiol (CBD) – cannabinoid receptor modulator and other actions [104] Carbon monoxide (CO; HBI-002) – heme oxygenase 1 modulator [105] CB-401 – amyloid β-protein modulator [106] CBT-102 – undefined mechanism of action [107] CJRB-301 (MRx-0005) – bacteria replacement and microbiome modulator [108] CJRB-302 (MRx-0029) – bacteria replacement and microbiome modulator [109] CK-0803 – regulatory T-lymphocyte replacement [110] CU-13001 – 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX/ALOX15) inhibitor [111] EHP-102 (VCE-003.2) – cannabinoid CB2 receptor agonist and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) modulator (cannabigerol (CBG) derivative) [112] Estianeptine ((S)-tianeptine; TNX-4300) – peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor PPARβ/δ and PPARγ agonist [113] FHL-401 – toll-like receptor 2 antagonist [114] FHL-701 – interleukin-12 (IL-12) subunit p40 inhibitor [115] FKK-01PD (FKK-01PD; TGHW-01AP; apomorphine prodrug) – non-selective dopamine receptor agonist and other actions [116] HT-4403 – leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) inhibitor [117] IC-100 (ICCN-100) – various actions [118] KFRX-05 (BK-40195) – leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) inhibitor and protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor [119] KP-405 – undefined mechanism of action [120] LB-P4 – bacteria replacement and microbiome modulator [121] Mbiotix – bacteria replacement and microbiome modulator [122] ML-021 – muscarinic acetylcholine M4 receptor antagonist [123] MP-201 – 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) prodrug and various actions [124] NB-003 – gene transference and parkin protein replacement [125] NB-129 – undefined mechanism of action [126] NLY-02 – glial cell inhibitor [127] NLY-03 – undefined mechanism of action [128] NNI-362 – 70 kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase modulator [129] NRG-5051 – mitochondrial permeability transition pore inhibitor [130] PMN-442 – monoclonal antibody against α-synuclein [131] PP-003 – α-synuclein degrader [132] Research programme: 3100 programme - DigmBio/Daegu Catholic University – G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) modulators [133] Research programme: enzyme targeted therapeutics - Nitrase Therapeutics – enzyme modulators and α-synuclein inhibitors [134] Research programme: neurodegenerative disease therapeutics - Caraway Therapeutics – autophagy stimulants and MCOLN1 stimulants [135] RGL-193 – undefined mechanism of action [136] ST-502 – gene therapy and α-synuclein genetic transcription inhibitor [137] Tomaralimab (NM-101; NM-102; NM-103; OPN-305) – monoclonal antibody against toll-like receptor 2 [138] Zervimesine (CT-1812; Elayta) – sigma σ2 receptor antagonist [139]
== Applications == Coatings can be both decorative and have other functions. A pipe carrying water for a fire suppression system can be coated with a red (for identification) anticorrosion paint. Most coatings to some extent protect the substrate, such as maintenance coatings for metals and concrete. A decorative coating can offer a particular reflective property, such as high gloss, satin, matte, or flat appearance. A major coating application is to protect metal from corrosion. Automotive coatings are used to enhance the appearance and durability of vehicles. These include primers, basecoats, and clearcoats, primarily applied with spray guns and electrostatically. The body and underbody of automobiles receive some form of underbody coating. Such anticorrosion coatings may use graphene in combination with water-based epoxies. Coatings are used to seal the surface of concrete, such as seamless polymer/resin flooring, bund wall/containment lining, waterproofing and damp proofing concrete walls, and bridge decks. Compare with tradition coatings, moisture curing polyurethane has been widely used because of the excellent adaptability and ease of construction. The mechanical properties could be enhanced by introducing multiple hydrogen bonds and optimize the microphase separation structure. Most roof coatings are designed primarily for waterproofing, though sun reflection (to reduce heating and cooling) may also be a consideration. They tend to be elastomeric to allow for movement of the roof without cracking within the coating membrane.
== Production == Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky developed the idea for Hacks on a road trip in 2015. The three worked together previously on Broad City, and Aniello and Downs are romantic partners. HBO Max ordered the pilot for Hacks, a single-camera comedy series, from co-creators Aniello, Downs, and Statsky in January 2020, and then picked it up for a 10-episode order in May 2020. The series is co-executive produced with Michael Schur (Fremulon), and David Miner and Morgan Sackett (3 Arts Entertainment). Hacks is produced by Universal Television. On February 8, 2021, Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder were announced as the two lead cast members and Carl Clemons-Hopkins was announced as a main cast member. Additional recurring cast members were also announced: Kaitlin Olson, Christopher McDonald, co-creator Paul W. Downs, Mark Indelicato, Poppy Liu, Johnny Sibilly, Meg Stalter, and Rose Abdoo. The series premiered on May 13, 2021, with the release of episodes one and two.
Scarification involves scratching, etching, burning/branding, or superficially cutting designs, pictures, or words into the skin as a permanent body modification or body art. The body modification can take roughly 6–12 months to heal. In the process of body scarification, scars are purposely formed by cutting or branding the skin by various methods (sometimes using further sequential aggravating wound-healing methods at timed intervals, like irritation). Scarification is sometimes called cicatrization.
APICS, Founded in 1957 as American Production and Inventory Control Society and re-branded as The Association for Supply Chain Management in 2018, launched their CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional) programme in 2006. Three years after ISCEA's CSCM. Institute for Supply Management, Founded in 1915 as National Association of Purchasing Agents, launched their CPSM Certified Professional in Supply Management programme in 2008. Five years after ISCEA's CSCM. Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, Founded in 1963 as Council of Logistics Management, launched their SCPro programme in 2011. Eight years after ISCEA's CSCM.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
No. Major drug regulators have not approved GW501516 for treating any medical condition. Products sold as cardarine are typically unapproved research chemicals or supplements, so their contents and safety are not assured.
It is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency as a hormone and metabolic modulator. Athletes who test positive for GW501516 can face sanctions, including suspensions and loss of results.
Cardarine is a common or trade-style name, while GW501516 is the research code for the same chemical entity. Some sources also use Endurobol or GSK-516. The names refer to the same compound, not distinct drugs.
Cardarine targets PPARδ, a nuclear receptor involved in lipid and energy metabolism. It does not bind the androgen receptor in the way SARMs do.