YK-11 Powder 1g

YK-11 Powder — Research Overview

YK-11 is a steroidal selective androgen receptor modulator with a unique dual mechanism that distinguishes it from all other compounds in the SARM class. Developed by Yuichiro Kanno at Toho University, YK-11 is both a partial androgen receptor agonist and a myostatin inhibitor — a combination not found in any other SARM or androgenic compound.

Dual Mechanism: AR Agonism + Myostatin Inhibition

As a partial AR agonist, YK-11 binds the androgen receptor and activates a subset of AR-dependent gene programs in a tissue-selective manner. Its steroidal scaffold (derived from 19-nortestosterone) enables a binding pose that recruits specific coactivator proteins involved in myogenic differentiation.

Myostatin (GDF-8) is a TGF-β family member that limits skeletal muscle mass. YK-11 has been shown in C2C12 myoblast studies to suppress myostatin expression and increase follistatin levels — the endogenous myostatin antagonist. This dual action theoretically enables anabolic signalling beyond the ceiling imposed by myostatin alone, making YK-11 a uniquely valuable tool compound for muscle biology research.

Follistatin Pathway Research

The follistatin upregulation mechanism is of particular interest in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, muscle atrophy, and cachexia research, where myostatin pathway inhibition is an active therapeutic target. YK-11's ability to modulate this pathway via an orally accessible small molecule makes it a useful tool for in vitro pathway studies.

Powder Format for Research

Powder format is essential for in vitro myoblast assays, gene expression studies (myostatin, follistatin, ActRIIB signalling), and pharmacokinetic profiling. Soluble in DMSO (≥20mg/mL). Limited published in vivo dosing data — most published research is in vitro cell culture.

Purity: ≥98% (HPLC verified) | Format: Lyophilised powder | Quantity: 1g

For research use only. Not for human consumption.