Ostarine (MK-2866 / Enobosarm) vs SR-9009 (Stenabolic)

Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.

✅ Stacking Partners — These compounds are commonly used together and may have synergistic effects.
Ostarine (MK-2866 / Enobosarm)SR-9009 (Stenabolic)
CategorySARMsSARMs
Standard DoseResearch indicates 10-25 mg daily orally for 8-12 weeks. Phase 2 clinical trials used 1-3 mg/day with significant lean mass gains.Research indicates 20-30 mg daily orally, split into 3-4 doses due to very short half-life (~4 hours). Some users prefer sublingual administration for improved bioavailability.
TimingOnce daily, morning or evening. Consistent timing. Half-life approximately 24 hours. No food timing requirements.Split into 3-4 doses throughout the day due to ~4-hour half-life. Example: 7am, 11am, 3pm, 7pm. Avoid late-night dosing as REV-ERB modulation may affect circadian rhythm and sleep.
Cycle Duration8-12 week cycles. PCT may be required depending on suppression level and cycle length.8-12 week cycles. No HPG suppression. Cycling recommended due to limited long-term data.
Evidence Levelmoderate_humananimal_plus_anecdotal

Mechanism

Ostarine (enobosarm/GTx-024) is a nonsteroidal selective androgen receptor modulator that binds the androgen receptor with high affinity, inducing a conformational change that recruits coactivator proteins preferentially in muscle and bone tissue over prostate and seminal vesicles. This tissue selectivity arises from differential AR cofactor recruitment and 5-alpha reductase metabolism. Ostarine promotes lean body mass by activating AR-mediated transcription of anabolic genes (MYC, IGF-1) in myocytes while minimizing androgenic effects in reproductive tissues. It has demonstrated dose-dependent increases in lean mass in Phase 2 trials.

Standard Dosing

Research indicates 10-25 mg daily orally for 8-12 weeks. Phase 2 clinical trials used 1-3 mg/day with significant lean mass gains.

Timing

Once daily, morning or evening. Consistent timing. Half-life approximately 24 hours. No food timing requirements.

Cycle Duration

8-12 week cycles. PCT may be required depending on suppression level and cycle length.

Side Effects

  • Testosterone suppression (dose and duration dependent — mild to moderate)
  • Elevated liver enzymes (hepatotoxicity reports)
  • HDL suppression
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Back pain
  • Joint dryness (from estradiol reduction secondary to testosterone suppression)

Contraindications

  • Androgen-sensitive cancers (prostate, breast)
  • Pre-existing liver disease
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Individuals under 21 (potential endocrine development disruption)
  • Athletes subject to WADA testing (prohibited substance)

Best Stacking Partners

Cardarine GW-501516 (endurance complement without androgenic suppression)MK-677 (GH secretagogue for recovery and sleep)NAC / TUDCA (liver support)

Mechanism

SR-9009 is a synthetic agonist of REV-ERBa and REV-ERBb, nuclear receptors that form the repressive limb of the circadian clock and regulate metabolic gene expression. REV-ERB activation represses BMAL1/CLOCK transcription, modulating circadian rhythm. In skeletal muscle, SR-9009 increases mitochondrial count and oxidative capacity by upregulating mitochondrial biogenesis genes. It enhances fatty acid and glucose oxidation, increases exercise endurance, and reduces lipogenesis in the liver. SR-9009 also reduces inflammatory gene expression via NF-kB pathway suppression. Recent research has identified significant REV-ERB-independent effects, suggesting the mechanism is more complex than initially characterized.

Standard Dosing

Research indicates 20-30 mg daily orally, split into 3-4 doses due to very short half-life (~4 hours). Some users prefer sublingual administration for improved bioavailability.

Timing

Split into 3-4 doses throughout the day due to ~4-hour half-life. Example: 7am, 11am, 3pm, 7pm. Avoid late-night dosing as REV-ERB modulation may affect circadian rhythm and sleep.

Cycle Duration

8-12 week cycles. No HPG suppression. Cycling recommended due to limited long-term data.

Side Effects

  • Insomnia or sleep disruption (circadian clock modulation)
  • Anxiety or wakefulness
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Potential circadian rhythm disruption with chronic use

Contraindications

  • Circadian rhythm disorders or shift work (may exacerbate disruption)
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Individuals under 21
  • Severe insomnia

Best Stacking Partners

Cardarine GW-501516 (complementary fat oxidation pathways)Ostarine (body recomposition — SR-9009 adds metabolic enhancement without suppression)MK-677 (counters potential sleep disruption)

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