Modern nonsteroidal androgen research developed through medicinal chemistry, laboratory experiments and clinical investigation. Its history is not evidence that today's retail research products are safe for human use.
SARMs stands for selective androgen receptor modulators. The research aim is to investigate how compounds acting through the androgen receptor differ in their activity across tissues. “Selective” describes a research objective and observed properties under particular conditions, not a guarantee of no adverse effects.
1998: an early nonsteroidal-androgen milestone
In Discovery of Nonsteroidal Androgens, Dalton and colleagues reported nonsteroidal compounds that bound the androgen receptor and activated receptor-mediated transcription in laboratory experiments.
That publication marks an early milestone in this line of research. It did not establish the safety or effectiveness of the later products sold under the SARMs label.
2011: enobosarm studied in older adults
A phase II enobosarm study examined body composition, physical function and safety in older men and postmenopausal women.
The move into clinical research matters, but so does the population. Results in a defined trial cannot be treated as promises for every age group or sporting goal.
2012: LGD-4033 human findings published
The LGD-4033 study examined healthy men under a controlled protocol. Its assessments included safety, hormone measurements and body composition.
This illustrates why a research history must include what was measured, rather than simply listing compounds as increasingly powerful generations.
Later programmes asked different questions
The RAD-140 first-in-human study investigated a defined breast-cancer population. It was not a bodybuilding trial. Different development programmes have pursued different clinical questions; they cannot be collapsed into one story of proven gym benefits.
Why the history matters
Check the compound, date, population and research question before applying a finding. A milestone for one candidate does not demonstrate effectiveness or safety for another compound or for a retail formulation.
For definitions, start with SARMs 101. For the difference between an investigation and an approved treatment, read SARMs in clinical development.
Research products are not for human consumption. This timeline provides historical context, not use instructions.
Related guides
- SARMs UK: What the Research Says, UK 2026
- PCT After SARMs: What the Research Says, UK 2026
- Are SARMs Safe? What the Evidence Says About Side Effects, UK 2026
- SARMs vs Anabolic Steroids vs Prohormones: The Pharmacology and the Law, UK 2026
- SARMs Capsules vs Liquid: Stability, Dosing Accuracy and Testing, UK 2026
- Lab Testing