MK-2866 vs Pitavastatin
Moderate Research vs FDA Approved
avoid Mechanism-based · 64% Both MK-2866 and Pitavastatin carry hepatotoxic risk. Combining hepatotoxic compounds significantly increases liver damage potential. If unavoidable, include liver support (TUDCA/NAC) and monitor ALT/AST frequently.
Molecular Data
MK-2866 Pitavastatin
Weight 389.33 Da 421.46 Da
Half-life ~24 hours ~12 hours
Type Non-steroidal selective androgen receptor modulator (C19H14F3N3O3) Synthetic statin (C25H24FNO4)
Key Benefits
MK-2866
01 Increases lean body mass in a dose-dependent manner with clinical trial support
02 Preserves muscle mass during caloric deficit or catabolic conditions
03 Selective tissue activity reduces androgenic side effects compared to anabolic steroids
04 Oral bioavailability eliminates the need for injections
05 Does not aromatize to estrogen, avoiding gynecomastia and water retention
06 Improves physical function and stair-climbing power in clinical populations
07 Long 24-hour half-life allows convenient once-daily dosing
08 Mild side effect profile at commonly studied doses
Pitavastatin
01 Minimal CYP450 metabolism — does not interact with CYP3A4, making it ideal for users taking multiple compounds
02 Lowest risk of new-onset diabetes among all statins, supported by the LIVES study and J-PREDICT trial data
03 LDL reductions of 38-45% at standard doses (2-4 mg/day)
04 More robust HDL-raising effect (5-15%) compared to other statins in the class
05 12-hour half-life supports convenient once-daily dosing
06 Favorable safety profile with low incidence of muscle-related side effects
07 Compatible with CYP3A4 inhibitors and inducers that would alter levels of other statins
08 Effective at counteracting AAS-induced lipid disturbances without adding to drug interaction burden
Side Effects
MK-2866
Mild testosterone suppression (dose-dependent, typically 10-30% reduction at 25 mg)
HDL cholesterol reduction (10-20% suppression observed in clinical trials)
Headaches, particularly during the first 1-2 weeks
Mild back pain or muscle cramps
Transient fatigue toward the end of longer cycles
Slight reduction in libido at higher doses or extended cycle lengths
Pitavastatin
Myalgia and muscle discomfort (approximately 3-5% of users) — generally mild and less frequent than with lipophilic statins
Headache
Minimal liver enzyme elevation — typically transient and clinically insignificant
Back pain
Constipation or diarrhea
Contraindications
Active liver disease or significantly elevated liver enzymes
Hormone-sensitive cancers (breast, prostate) without oncologist clearance
Pregnancy or breastfeeding (potential endocrine disruption to fetus/infant)
Individuals under 21 years of age (risk of premature HPTA disruption during development)
Concurrent use of hepatotoxic medications without liver function monitoring
Known hypersensitivity to MK-2866 or any formulation excipients
Competitive athletes subject to WADA or USADA anti-doping testing
Active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations in hepatic transaminases
Known hypersensitivity to pitavastatin or any excipients
Pregnancy and breastfeeding (Category X — statins are teratogenic)
Concomitant use with cyclosporine (significantly increases pitavastatin levels via OATP1B1 inhibition)
Concomitant use with lopinavir/ritonavir or atazanavir/ritonavir combinations
Research Evidence
MK-2866 Pitavastatin
Status Moderate Research FDA Approved
References 5 studies 5 studies
Latest — 2023
FDA Approved No Yes
This comparison is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.