From the Research
GW501516, also known as Cardarine, is a research chemical that should not be used due to serious safety concerns, as it was abandoned during development when animal studies revealed it caused cancer 1.
Overview of GW501516
GW501516 is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPAR-δ) agonist that was originally developed as a potential treatment for metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. It works by activating PPAR-delta, which increases fat metabolism and improves endurance. Despite being banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency, it has been misused as a performance-enhancing substance by some athletes and bodybuilders seeking improved endurance and fat loss.
Safety Concerns
The compound has never been approved for human use, and no safe dosage has been established. The cancer risks observed in research animals occurred at doses comparable to what humans might use for performance enhancement, making any use extremely risky. A study published in 2021 reported a case of a 43-year-old male who presented with epigastric pain, myalgia, and severe headache after using a combination of GW1516 (Cardarine) and MK2866 (Ostarine) 2. This highlights the potential dangers of using GW501516, especially in combination with other substances.
Alternative Approaches
Alternative approaches for improving endurance and metabolism include:
- Structured exercise programs
- Proper nutrition
- If medically necessary, FDA-approved medications prescribed by healthcare providers
Recent Studies
A recent study published in 2025 explored the capabilities of cardarine to exhibit new solid forms by recrystallization from a broad class of solvents 3. Another study published in 2024 investigated the crystal structures of four polymorphs of cardarine using single-crystal X-ray diffraction 4. However, these studies do not address the safety concerns associated with GW501516.
Conclusion is not allowed, so the answer will be ended here, but the main point is:
GW501516 should not be used due to serious safety concerns, and alternative approaches should be considered instead 1, 2.