Pitavastatin vs RAD-140
FDA Approved vs Emerging
avoid Mechanism-based · 53% Both Pitavastatin and RAD-140 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
Pitavastatin RAD-140
Weight 421.46 Da 393.83 Da
Half-life ~12 hours ~60 hours
Type Synthetic statin (C25H24FNO4) Nonsteroidal selective androgen receptor modulator (C20H16ClN5O2)
Key Benefits
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
RAD-140
01 Potent anabolic activity in muscle tissue with high oral bioavailability
02 Tissue-selective action sparing the prostate and other androgen-sensitive organs
03 No aromatization to estrogen (no estrogen-related side effects such as water retention or gynecomastia)
04 No conversion to DHT (reduced risk of hair loss and prostate stimulation compared to testosterone)
05 Long half-life (~60 hours) permitting convenient once-daily oral dosing
06 Neuroprotective properties observed in preclinical models
07 Increased lean body mass and reduced fat mass in preclinical studies
Side Effects
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
RAD-140
Testosterone suppression (dose-dependent, occurs in virtually all users by week 4-6)
Liver enzyme elevation (ALT, AST increases reported in clinical and anecdotal data)
Hair shedding (temporary, typically resolves after discontinuation)
Headaches (most common in the first 1-2 weeks, often transient)
Nausea (mild, usually with initial doses or on an empty stomach)
Lipid disruption (HDL suppression, LDL elevation)
Mild insomnia or sleep disturbance
Reduced libido and mood changes related to testosterone suppression
Contraindications
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
Pre-existing liver disease or elevated liver enzymes at baseline
Hormone-sensitive cancers (prostate cancer, certain breast cancers not being treated under clinical supervision)
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 safety data for this population)
Research Evidence
Pitavastatin RAD-140
Status FDA Approved Emerging
References 5 studies 5 studies
Latest 2023 July 2020
FDA Approved Yes No
This comparison is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.