YK-11 (10MG per ml x 30ml)

YK-11 is a synthetic small-molecule compound frequently discussed in gray literature and online communities as a “SARM-like” androgen receptor (AR) ligand. In formal scientific contexts, YK-11 has been described in limited in vitro research as an AR-acting compound with atypical signaling characteristics compared with well-characterized steroidal and nonsteroidal AR ligands. It is also commonly associated (in secondary sources) with claims about myostatin modulation; however, the evidence base is comparatively sparse, and much of the discourse extends beyond robust, replicated datasets. As such, YK-11 should be treated as an investigational research chemical with significant uncertainty regarding pharmacology, safety, and translational relevance.

RESEARCH APPLICATIONS (Preclinical / Mechanistic)

Scientific investigations and mechanistic discussions have explored YK-11 for:

• Androgen receptor binding and reporter (transactivation) assays
• Comparative AR signaling vs. reference ligands (e.g., DHT/testosterone in vitro)
• Gene-expression profiling of AR-regulated transcripts in cell models
• Mechanistic study of myogenic differentiation markers in vitro
• Exploratory evaluation of myostatin pathway–related readouts (often indirect)
• Off-target pharmacology screening (nuclear receptor / receptor panel studies)
• Basic ADME-relevant profiling in research settings (solubility, stability in matrices)
• Analytical method development for identification/impurity profiling (QC research)

MECHANISM OF ACTION (Research Context)

YK-11 is generally discussed as an androgen receptor–interacting compound:

• Primary target (putative): Androgen receptor (AR)
• Putative action: AR agonism/partial agonism with non-canonical signaling reported in some in vitro systems
• Downstream effects studied/discussed: AR-driven transcriptional programs related to myogenesis and muscle cell differentiation in cell models
• Myostatin-related claims: Often framed around changes in pathway markers (e.g., myostatin or associated regulators) in limited experimental contexts; the strength, reproducibility, and in vivo relevance of these findings are not well established

QUALITY / IDENTITY VERIFICATION (Analytical)

For research-grade chemical identity confirmation and documentation, commonly used approaches include:

• LC-MS/HRMS for molecular ion confirmation and impurity profiling
• NMR (¹H/¹³C) for structural confirmation where feasible
• HPLC/UPLC assay for purity and related substances
• Residual solvent analysis (GC) where applicable
• Stability testing under defined storage conditions (light/heat/moisture sensitivity)
• Batch traceability practices (lot ID, COA linkage, documentation controls)