Does Ligandrol (LGD-4033) work?

Read Off Label rates the evidence for Ligandrol (LGD-4033) as Weak-Moderate and the benefit magnitude as med, producing an overall grade of C (4.8/10). Basaria 2013 early-phase showed lean mass increase over 3 weeks.

Is Ligandrol (LGD-4033) safe?

Ligandrol (LGD-4033) has a med risk profile in published human data. Legal status: NOT FDA-approved; gray market; banned sport (WADA). This is not medical advice — see the disclaimer.

Rankings / Muscle & Strength

Ligandrol (LGD-4033)

Muscle & Strength · SARM

Tier C

Reviewed by Read Off Label · Last reviewed Jun 8, 2026 · How we grade

anabolicbannedresearch-only

4.8 / 10

Tier C

Ev 4.5 Bn 5 Sf 5

Bottom line

Read Off Label grades Ligandrol (LGD-4033) as C (4.8/10) based on weak-moderate evidence, med benefit magnitude, and a med-risk safety profile.

Basaria 2013 early-phase showed lean mass increase over 3 weeks.

Typical use: Typical illicit: 5-10 mg/day PO — NOT FDA-approved; gray market; banned sport.

What this is

Basaria 2013 early-phase showed lean mass increase over 3 weeks. Will Grier NCAA quarterback tested positive 2015 — common sport issue. Liver injury case reports published. More HPG-suppressive than Ostarine despite tissue-selectivity claims.

Mechanism

Non-steroidal SARM; high oral bioavailability; tissue-selective AR agonist; originally Ligand Pharmaceuticals, licensed to Viking Therapeutics (cachexia indication)

Dose & route

Typical illicit: 5-10 mg/day PO

Citations

Links go to the source. If a link is dead or you want something re-checked, let me know.

Common questions

Does Ligandrol (LGD-4033) work?: Read Off Label rates the evidence for Ligandrol (LGD-4033) as Weak-Moderate and the benefit magnitude as med, producing an overall grade of C (4.8/10). Basaria 2013 early-phase showed lean mass increase over 3 weeks.
Is Ligandrol (LGD-4033) safe?: Ligandrol (LGD-4033) has a med risk profile in published human data. Legal status: NOT FDA-approved; gray market; banned sport (WADA). This is not medical advice — see the disclaimer.
What is the typical dose for Ligandrol (LGD-4033)?: Typical illicit: 5-10 mg/day PO
How does Ligandrol (LGD-4033) work?: Non-steroidal SARM; high oral bioavailability; tissue-selective AR agonist; originally Ligand Pharmaceuticals, licensed to Viking Therapeutics (cachexia indication)

This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.