Partial SARM • Oral • ~66% Anabolic Ratio

AC-262,536: The Selective Mild SARM With a Favorable Ratio

Last updated: March 2026

AC-262,536 is a non-steroidal partial androgen receptor agonist with an impressive selectivity profile in animal studies: approximately 66% of testosterone's anabolic activity with only 27% of its androgenic activity. Among the milder, more selective SARMs — though human data remains essentially absent. All figures from preclinical rodent studies.

0
Anabolic Activity vs T
Animal study ratio
0
Androgenic Activity vs T
Animal study ratio
0
AR Activation Type
Selective tissue activity

How AC-262,536 Works

AC-262,536 selectively binds the androgen receptor as a partial agonist, producing anabolic signaling in muscle and bone while generating significantly lower androgenic stimulation in tissues like the prostate. The resulting 66%/27% ratio (anabolic vs androgenic) in rodent models makes it one of the more selective compounds studied.

🎯
Selective Partial AR Agonism

AC-262,536 binds the androgen receptor with partial agonist activity. In the Hershberger assay (standard androgenic activity test in rats), it stimulated levator ani muscle growth to 66% of testosterone's effect while stimulating prostate growth to only 27% of testosterone's effect. This ratio represents strong tissue selectivity.

💪
Muscle Anabolic Activity

The 66% anabolic ratio means AC-262,536 delivers meaningful muscle AR stimulation in animal models. While below full agonists like LGD-4033 or testosterone in absolute potency, the selectivity advantage is significant. Muscle preservation effects were observed in rodent castration models at doses producing the selective ratio.

🛡️
Reduced Prostate Androgenic Activity

Only 27% androgenic activity at the prostate compared to testosterone is a key feature. This was originally studied as a therapeutic angle for prostate conditions — delivering androgenic signaling where beneficial (muscle, bone) while sparing prostate tissue. Note: human prostate data does not exist for this compound.

🧪
HPG Axis Impact

Despite its milder androgenic profile, AC-262,536 still suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis as an AR agonist. LH and FSH suppression occurs at research doses in animals. The degree of suppression may be proportionally lower than stronger agonists, but it is not suppression-free. Post-cycle recovery is still a consideration.

What Preclinical Studies Show

⚠️ All data below is from animal studies (rodent models). AC-262,536 has no human clinical trial data. All ratios are from the Hershberger assay in rats.

Anabolic Activity vs Testosterone (muscle)
Levator ani stimulation in Hershberger assay — animal study
~66%
Androgenic Activity vs Testosterone (prostate)
Ventral prostate stimulation in Hershberger assay — animal study
~27%
Selectivity Ratio (anabolic:androgenic)
Comparative tissue selectivity — animal study
~2.4:1
HPG Suppression (LH/FSH)
Gonadotropin suppression at anabolic dose — animal study
Moderate
Human Clinical Trial Data
Published peer-reviewed human studies
None

Side Effects & Risks

Testosterone Suppression
Lower than full agonists — still expected
Mild–Moderate
Androgenic Side Effects
Reduced due to partial agonism and selectivity
Low
Liver Enzyme Changes
Unknown — no human hepatotoxicity data
Unknown
Long-Term Safety Profile
No chronic studies in humans or animals
Unknown

Key Takeaways

✅ What We Know
  • ~66% anabolic / ~27% androgenic ratio vs testosterone in rat studies
  • Among the more selective SARMs in preclinical data
  • Partial AR agonist — lower absolute potency than full agonists
  • Oral bioavailability demonstrated in animal models
  • Still causes HPG suppression — post-cycle needed
⚠️ What We Don't Know
  • No human clinical trials — zero human pharmacokinetic data
  • Actual suppression level in humans is uncharacterized
  • Whether animal selectivity ratio translates to humans
  • Long-term safety profile is completely unknown

🛒 Recommended Products

Research monitoring supplies for SARM protocols.

Related Resources

📚

Want the Complete Protocol Guide?

Dosing schedules, interaction warnings, and cycle protocols for 50+ compounds — all in one place.


Get the Guide →
⚠️ Important Disclaimer

This page is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. AC-262,536 is not FDA approved and is not intended for human use. All selectivity ratios and efficacy data are from preclinical rodent studies and may not translate to humans. Do not use any research chemical without consulting a qualified medical professional.