SR-9009 (Stenabolic)
PharmaceuticalThe large discrepancy arises because the medical evidence is exclusively preclinical (not a single human RCT) [s7], while a portion of the community reports subjective endurance effects [c1, c2]. Subjective reports lacking placebo control, combined with the known low oral bioavailability [s6], suggest that many community outcomes may represent a placebo effect.
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TL;DR
SR-9009 has zero human studies — neither for efficacy nor safety — and an oral bioavailability of roughly 2.2% in rodents, making any clinically meaningful effect from capsules in humans highly implausible. The risk profile is substantial: theoretical hepato- and cardiotoxicity, circadian rhythm disruption, and a WADA ban since 2022. Community reports of efficacy come almost exclusively from injectable administration — a route that carries its own serious safety concerns. SR-9009 has one of the worst evidence-to-risk ratios of any substance in this space; use cannot be recommended.
Description
SR-9009 is a synthetic REV-ERBα/β agonist investigated exclusively in animal and cell studies. No human clinical data available [s2, s3].
SR-9009 (Stenabolic) is a synthetic small-molecule compound originally developed by pharmacologist Thomas Burris. It acts as an agonist at the nuclear receptors REV-ERBα and REV-ERBβ, which play a key role in regulating circadian rhythm, glucose and lipid metabolism, and mitochondrial biogenesis [s2, s4]. Despite intensive marketing as an "endurance SARM," SR-9009 is not a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM), as it does not target androgen receptors [s5]. Animal studies have observed effects such as increased metabolic activity, reduced fat mass, and improved endurance performance [s3, s4]. These findings have not yet been replicated in humans. A fundamental issue is the extremely low oral bioavailability: according to pharmacokinetic investigations by the Burris group, oral absorption in mice was only approximately 2.2% of the administered dose [s6]. No human clinical studies, human pharmacokinetic data, or human safety data are available [s7]. SR-9009 has been on the WADA prohibited list under Rev-ErbA agonists since at least 2022 [s1]. A 2019 PNAS study further found that SR-9009 has substantial REV-ERB-independent effects on cell proliferation and metabolism, indicating uncontrolled off-target activity [s8]. SR-9009 is sold online as capsules or injectable preparations, despite no human safety evaluation having taken place [s7].
Legal Status (DE)
SR-9009 is not approved as a medicinal product in Germany and is classified as a research chemical. Sale for human consumption is not legal. SR-9009 has been on the WADA prohibited list since 2022 (Rev-ErbA agonists) and is banned in competitive athletes [s1, s9].
Mechanism of Action
SR-9009 selectively binds to and activates the ligand-binding domain of the nuclear receptors REV-ERBα and REV-ERBβ as an agonist [s2, s4]. REV-ERBα and -β are transcriptional repressors that regulate circadian and metabolic target genes as part of the molecular clock [s2]. Activation of REV-ERBs produces the following downstream effects as described in animal studies [s3, s4]: - Inhibition of de novo lipogenesis and cholesterol/bile acid synthesis in the liver - Increased mitochondrial content and glucose and fatty acid oxidation in skeletal muscle - Reduction of fat storage in white adipose tissue - Modulation of circadian rhythm and sleep architecture Enhanced endurance performance in mice was associated with increased oxidative capacity in skeletal muscle [s3]. REV-ERBα also regulates the gene controlling fat storage and suppresses its expression [s4]. A 2019 PNAS publication demonstrated that SR-9009 possesses substantial REV-ERB-independent effects, including anti-proliferative activity on cancer cells and senescence induction, indicating complex off-target pharmacology [s8]. The practical relevance of animal data for humans is severely limited by the extremely low oral bioavailability of approximately 2.2% (mouse) [s6].
Dosing
Ausdauersteigerung (nicht-klinisch, Community-basiert)
- Dose
- 20–30 mg/day, divided into 3 individual doses
- Frequency
- 3× täglich alle 4 Stunden
- Route
- oral
- Duration
- 4–8 Wochen (Community-Angabe, keine klinische Basis)
- Timing
- Last dose approx. 1 hour before training
- With food
- optional
Injizierbares Protokoll (Community, nicht-klinisch)
- Dose
- 10–20 mg/day subcutaneously or intramuscularly
- Frequency
- 1× täglich morgens
- Route
- injektion-subkutan
- Duration
- 4–8 Wochen (Community-Angabe)
- Timing
- In the morning, as far before bedtime as possible
- With food
- optional
No established upper limit, as no human clinical data exist [s7]. Community reports cite a maximum of 40 mg/day, but without safety evidence [c1].
Oral bioavailability in animals is approximately 2.2% [s6]; a clinically relevant effect from oral administration in humans has not been demonstrated. All dosing information is derived from uncontrolled community reports and lacks clinical validation [c1, c2, c3].
Side Effects
| Side Effect | Frequency | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Lebertoxizität (hepatotoxisches Potenzial) Metabolic effects on the liver and off-target effects observed in animal and in vitro studies suggest a hepatotoxic risk [s8, s10]. No human data available. | theoretisch | schwer |
| Herzschäden / kardiovaskuläre Risiken REV-ERBα influences cardiac circadian rhythms; uncontrolled activation by SR-9009 could predispose to cardiac arrhythmias. No direct human evidence; theoretically derived from animal data [s10]. | theoretisch | schwer |
| Hypoglykämie (niedriger Blutzucker) SR-9009 analogues exhibited greater hypoglycemic activity than SR-9009 itself in mice; a hypoglycemia risk via metabolic REV-ERB activation cannot be excluded [s10]. | theoretisch | moderat |
| Störungen des zirkadianen Rhythmus / Schlafarchitektur REV-ERBα/β are direct components of the molecular clock; pharmacological overactivation can alter sleep patterns, as demonstrated in laboratory animal models [s3]. | gelegentlich | leicht |
| Gastrointestinale Beschwerden Mild gastrointestinal discomfort was observed in laboratory studies [s11]. Community reports mention occasional GI symptoms with oral administration. | gelegentlich | leicht |
| Potenzielle karzinogene Wirkung (Langzeitrisiko) SR-9009 has been associated with antiproliferative effects on cancer cells in vitro and in vivo [s8]; REV-ERB-independent off-target effects on healthy cells cannot be excluded and theoretically increase long-term risk. | theoretisch | schwer |
Contraindications
Given the theoretical hepatotoxic potential and absence of human safety data, SR-9009 is absolutely contraindicated in pre-existing liver disease [s8, s10].
Uncontrolled modulation of circadian cardiac rhythms via REV-ERB agonism, in the absence of human safety data, poses an incalculable risk in pre-existing cardiovascular conditions [s3, s10].
Potential blood glucose-lowering effect via REV-ERB activation of glucose metabolism; high risk of hypoglycemia, particularly in combination with antidiabetic agents [s10].
No safety data available; influence on circadian developmental processes of the fetus cannot be assessed [s7].
SR-9009 is explicitly listed on the WADA 2025 Prohibited List as a Rev-ErbA agonist; use results in competition bans [s1].
Absence of safety data and potential influence on development preclude use in minors [s7].
Interactions
Synergistic
Frequently combined in the community for endurance purposes; both substances are research chemicals without human safety data and have shown carcinogenic potential in animal studies [c2].
SR-9009 activates the AMPK signaling pathway and promotes mitochondrial biogenesis, while creatine supports ATP resynthesis. A combination could theoretically improve endurance and strength performance additively.
Both substances may support mitochondrial function and energy metabolism. This combination is discussed in the community for endurance purposes, as they act via complementary pathways.
SR-9009 promotes mitochondrial biogenesis via REV-ERB activation; CoQ10 supports the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Combined use may synergistically improve mitochondrial efficiency.
Caution
Additive blood glucose-lowering effects possible; increased risk of hypoglycemia with concurrent use [s10].
REV-ERB regulates circadian hepatic functions; theoretical influence on hepatic metabolism of anticoagulant drugs cannot be excluded [s8].
SR-9009 affects hepatic enzyme activity via REV-ERB signaling pathways; interactions with CYP-metabolized drugs are theoretically possible [s8].
Both substances activate the AMPK signaling pathway and have blood glucose-lowering properties. Combination may result in additive hypoglycemia, particularly when taken concomitantly with antidiabetic agents.
SR-9009 influences circadian rhythm via REV-ERB activation; melatonin also regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Concomitant use may cause unpredictable shifts in circadian rhythm.
SR-9009 alters circadian rhythm and thereby the diurnal cortisol pattern; ashwagandha also lowers cortisol levels. The combination could lead to excessive cortisol suppression and dysregulated HPA axis function.
Studies
Tier B — Moderate Evidence
Outcome: Increased oxidative capacity in skeletal muscle, improved endurance performance
Effect Size: Significant increase in animal models; no human data
Outcome: REV-ERB activation: increased mitochondrial content, enhanced glucose and fatty acid oxidation in skeletal muscle
Effect Size: Pre-clinical effects without human validation
Tier C — Low Evidence
Outcome: Oral bioavailability of SR-9009
Effect Size: Oral absorption approx. 2.2% in mice
Outcome: REV-ERB-independent anti-proliferative effects on cancer cells and senescence induction
Effect Size: Marked off-target effects; clinical relevance unclear
Community Evidence
Top reported benefits
- Subjectively improved endurance performance (especially with injectable form)
- Accelerated fat loss in combination with caloric deficit
- Faster post-training recovery
- Increased energy levels throughout the day
Top reported issues
- Oral capsules show little or no noticeable effect
- Necessity of frequent dosing due to short half-life (3–4 h)
- Unclear legal status and procurement issues in Germany
- Doubts about product quality and actual active ingredient content
Several experienced users in r/sarmssourcetalk and r/PEDs explicitly warn against oral use due to the documented minimal bioavailability [s6, c3]. Community consensus: injectable SR-9009 may be potentially more effective, but is associated with considerable safety concerns. German-language sources emphasize the legal grey area and doping risk [c4].
Scientific Sources
- World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List 2025
World Anti-Doping Agency (2025). WADA International StandardALink - Stenabolic SR-9009: Side Effects, Review & Legal Consequences
Flamechallenge editorial (2023). Flame ChallengeDLink - Powerock Pharma SR-9009 STENABOLIC – Produktbeschreibung mit Laborstudienhinweisen
Gymhub.pro editorial (2024). Gymhub.proDLink - Pharmacological targeting of the mammalian clock regulates sleep architecture and emotional behaviour
Banerjee S, Wang Y, Solt LA, et al. (2014). Nature CommunicationsCPMID:25417704DOI - Pharmacological targeting of the mammalian clock regulates sleep architecture and emotional behaviour (REV-ERB agonist muscle/endurance data)
Banerjee S, Wang Y, Solt LA, et al. (2014). Nature CommunicationsCPMID:25417704DOI - In Vitro Metabolic Studies of REV-ERB Agonists SR9009 and SR9011
Kojetin D, Wang Y, Kamenecka TM, et al. (2016). International Journal of Molecular SciencesCPMID:27735858DOI - Selective androgen receptor modulator – Wikipedia overview: SR9009 classification as non-SARM
Wikipedia contributors (2024). WikipediaDLink - SR9009 Bioavailability: Oral Dosing vs Injections – Pharmacokinetic data (Burris lab mouse study)
Sarms.io editorial (citing Burris lab data) (2021). Sarms.ioCLink - SR9009 (Stenabolic): Research Evidence & Safety Profile
PeptideInsight editorial board (2024). PeptideInsightCLink - SR9009 has REV-ERB–independent effects on cell proliferation and metabolism
Sulli G, Rommel A, Wang X, et al. (2019). Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)BPMID:31209050DOI - SR-9009: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action
DrugBank Online (2024). DrugBankBLink
Community Sources
Storage
Unopened
Store cool (2–8 °C), protected from light, and dry.
Opened
Use opened solutions within a few days; keep capsules in original packaging tightly sealed.
Notes
SR-9009 is intended exclusively as a laboratory research chemical. Storage and handling should follow applicable laboratory safety standards. Not a product for human use [s7].