AC-262536 | Pen

AC-262536 is a SARM positioned for controlled research settings where androgen receptor–selective anabolic signaling is being studied in relation to lean mass preservation, muscle strength/function endpoints, and tissue-selective androgenic load (e.g., prostate-associated markers).

Supports

1. Androgen receptor (AR) partial-agonist signaling with tissue selectivity (model-dependent)
2. Lean tissue maintenance markers during catabolic or immobilization paradigms
3. Strength and functional performance readouts in skeletal muscle models
4. Lower relative androgenic signaling in non-target tissues (prostate/seminal vesicle endpoints)
5. Endocrine-axis feedback markers (LH/FSH/testosterone panels) in controlled studies

Description

AC-262536 is a non-steroidal selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) investigated for anabolic-biased signaling in skeletal muscle with reduced relative androgenic activity in other androgen-sensitive tissues. In experimental pharmacology, it is commonly characterized as a potent AR ligand with partial agonist behavior compared with testosterone, allowing research designs to probe “anabolic vs androgenic” separation using standardized tissue readouts.

Preclinical work has evaluated AC-262536 in androgen-deprived and castrated animal models to quantify muscle-associated outcomes (e.g., levator ani or other anabolic proxies) alongside prostate/seminal vesicle endpoints used as androgenic surrogates. This framework is frequently used to test whether a candidate modulator can support muscle-directed signaling while limiting off-target androgenic effects.

AC-262536 is presented for research positioning only. Findings depend on dose, duration, species, baseline androgen status, and endpoint choice, and should be interpreted within controlled experimental protocols.

Clinical Status

AC-262536 is primarily supported by preclinical pharmacology and mechanistic assays (in vitro and animal studies) describing AR binding, tissue-selective activity profiles, and anabolic/androgenic endpoint separation. Human clinical trial evidence specific to AC-262536 is not established as a primary basis for interpretation.

Evidence type:
Human RCT ☐ | Observational ☐ | Animal ✔ | In vitro ✔ | Regulatory approval ☐

Mechanism of Action

AC-262536 selectively binds the androgen receptor and is described as a partial agonist in functional assays. In research models, AR activation can drive anabolic transcriptional programs in skeletal muscle (protein synthesis and myofiber remodeling pathways), while tissue-selective modulators are evaluated for comparatively reduced activation of androgen-responsive programs in prostate-associated tissues.

In vivo, SARM profiling often includes measurement of anabolic proxies (e.g., levator ani growth in androgen-deprived models) alongside androgenic proxies (e.g., prostate and seminal vesicle weights). AC-262536 has been reported to produce substantial anabolic effects relative to testosterone with a lower relative androgenic signal in these surrogate endpoints, though outcomes remain model-dependent.

Benefits

• Muscle-directed anabolic signaling:
  Studied for increasing anabolic endpoints in skeletal muscle models using standard SARM profiling readouts.
• Tissue-selective androgenic load:
  Evaluated for reduced relative androgenic effects in prostate-associated surrogate endpoints compared with testosterone in controlled animal studies.
• Lean mass preservation paradigms:
  Positioned for research on maintaining lean tissue markers during catabolic stress, reduced activity, or deficit-like models.
• Strength/function endpoints:
  Used in experimental designs that track functional performance markers alongside tissue and biomarker outcomes.
• Limited steroid-like conversions:
  As a non-steroidal AR ligand, it is studied without assuming classic steroid conversion pathways, supporting mechanistic separation studies.
• Comparative SARM benchmarking:
  Frequently contextualized alongside other SARMs (e.g., ostarine, ACP-105, LGD-class ligands) to compare potency and selectivity profiles under matched assays.

Research Data

Stack Suggestions

In extended experimental designs, AC-262536 is sometimes paired with:

• Ibutamoren (MK-677) → to co-study GH/IGF-axis signaling markers alongside AR-driven anabolic endpoints
• Cardarine (GW-501516) → to compare endurance/metabolic readouts with muscle maintenance outcomes (distinct receptor systems)
• SS-31 (Elamipretide) → to explore mitochondrial stress markers in parallel with training- or disuse-related muscle models

Stacks discussed are for experimental design only, not safety/efficacy guidance.

Possible Side Effects

Although AC-262536 is considered one of the safer compounds among SARMs, there are observations of some side effects, especially with prolonged use or higher doses:

• Temporary suppression of testosterone production, depending on the duration of intake;
• Individual sensitivity to androgen stimulation, especially in more sensitive models;
• Limited long-term data.

Compliance with the optimal dosage and control over the duration of the application play a key role in limiting the manifestation of side effects.

Scientific References

• Pharmacological characterization of AC-262536, a novel selective androgen receptor modulator — Animal/In vitro
• Discovery of potent and muscle selective androgen receptor modulators (medicinal chemistry series) — In vitro
• AC-262536 related compound record (chemical identity and annotations) — Database
• AC-262536 (DrugBank) — Database
• Deciphering the selective androgen receptor modulators paradigm — Review
• Considerations, possible contraindications, and potential mechanisms for deleterious effect in recreational and athletic use of SARMs: a narrative review — Review
• Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (LiverTox) — Review
• Equine metabolism of the selective androgen receptor modulator AC-262536 in vitro and in urine, plasma and hair following oral administration — Animal
• Monitoring of selective androgen receptor modulators in dietary supplements and related analytical workflows — In vitro
• Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs): effects on performance/body and safety profile (systematic review) — Review

Cautions

• For educational and scientific context only; not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
• If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or use prescription medication, consult a qualified professional.
• Discontinue use if sensitivity occurs.