ACE-031 vs LGD-4033
Emerging vs Moderate Research
monitor Mechanism-based · 46% Both ACE-031 and LGD-4033 suppress the HPTA axis. Combined suppression deepens shutdown and extends recovery time. Plan PCT accordingly and monitor LH/FSH/testosterone.
Molecular Data
ACE-031 LGD-4033
Weight — 338.25 Da
Half-life 12-15 days ~24-36 hours
Type Soluble activin receptor type IIB-Fc fusion protein Nonsteroidal selective androgen receptor modulator (C14H12F6N2O)
Key Benefits
ACE-031
01 Significant lean mass increases (up to 1.7% in 29 days) observed in Phase 1 trials
02 Simultaneous reduction in fat mass alongside muscle gains
03 Long half-life (12-15 days) allows infrequent dosing
04 Broad TGF-beta ligand neutralization for robust anti-catabolic effects
05 Dose-dependent increases in thigh muscle volume confirmed by MRI
LGD-4033
01 Strongest SARM for lean muscle mass accrual, with clinical trial data supporting dose-dependent increases in lean body mass
02 Tissue-selective action with minimal stimulation of the prostate and other androgen-sensitive tissues
03 Clinical evidence of improved physical function (leg press strength, stair-climbing speed) in hip fracture patients
04 No aromatization to estrogen (no estrogen-related water retention or gynecomastia at the receptor level)
05 No conversion to DHT (reduced risk of androgenic hair loss and prostate stimulation compared to testosterone)
06 Convenient once-daily oral dosing due to 24-36 hour half-life
07 Phase 2 clinical data available, providing a stronger evidence base than most other SARMs
Dosing Protocols
ACE-031
0.5-3 mg/kg IV every 2 weeks (clinical research doses only) / Every 2 weeks
Phase 1 Research Protocol (Healthy Volunteers) 0.1-3 mg/kg Single IV dose
Phase 2 Research Protocol (DMD) 0.5-2.5 mg/kg Every 2 weeks
LGD-4033
5-10 mg/day / Once daily (oral)
Side Effects
ACE-031
Nosebleeds (epistaxis) - most frequently reported adverse event
Gum bleeding
Telangiectasia (dilated small blood vessels visible on skin)
Skin erythema (redness)
Minor injection site reactions
LGD-4033
Testosterone suppression (dose-dependent; more suppressive than Ostarine at equivalent doses, occurs in most users by week 4-6)
Water retention (non-estrogenic mechanism, typically mild to moderate, contributes to scale weight increase)
HDL cholesterol reduction (dose-dependent lipid impact observed in clinical trials)
Headaches (most common in the first 1-2 weeks, usually transient)
Fatigue or lethargy (related to testosterone suppression, typically becomes noticeable mid-cycle)
Reduced libido (related to HPG axis suppression, severity varies by dose and individual)
Contraindications
NEVER approved for human use - clinical development discontinued
History of bleeding disorders or vascular malformations
Concurrent anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy
Known hypersensitivity to Fc fusion proteins
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Pre-existing liver disease or elevated liver enzymes at baseline
Hormone-sensitive cancers (prostate cancer or other androgen-driven malignancies)
Pregnancy or potential pregnancy (teratogenic risk from androgen receptor agonism)
Breastfeeding
Age under 25 (incomplete endocrine system maturation and higher risk of HPG axis disruption)
Concurrent use of hepatotoxic medications without medical supervision
Known cardiovascular disease (insufficient long-term safety data for this population)
History of significant lipid abnormalities (LGD-4033 suppresses HDL)
Research Evidence
ACE-031 LGD-4033
Status Emerging Moderate Research
References 4 studies 5 studies
Latest — 2018
FDA Approved No No
This comparison is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.