RAD-150 vs. RAD-140: Which is the Superior SARM?

Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) are gaining traction in bodybuilding due to their legal status when sold for experimental use.

SARMs are designed to mitigate the side effects of anabolic steroids through tissue selectivity, specifically targeting androgen receptors. Their objective is to stimulate receptors that promote anabolism rather than those that trigger side effects.

While SARMs aim to mimic the benefits of anabolic steroids with less potency, we have found that they can reproduce several of the same side effects while yielding less overall anabolic activity.

Despite the potential cardiotoxic and hepatotoxic effects of SARMs, users may experience increases in:

• Muscle mass
• Muscular strength
• Fat loss
• Endurance

Consequently, various drug-testing organizations have listed SARMs—including RAD-140 and RAD-150—as prohibited substances. The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) states that SARMs provide athletes with an unfair advantage due to their anabolic properties. Furthermore, USADA warns that these substances pose health risks to athletes and the general public, as there are limited long-term studies demonstrating their safety in humans.

What is RAD-140?

RAD-140 (Testolone) can produce significant gains with moderate side effects. It is often compared to testosterone in the anabolic steroid world, though its reward-to-risk ratio is considered more favorable than that of several other SARMs.

Based on our observations, RAD-140 may increase lean muscle mass by up to 10 pounds during a cycle. This weight gain can make a notable difference in physique, especially since users often burn fat simultaneously.

We have also seen users’ strength increase by 50 pounds on compound exercises during their first RAD-140 cycle. Consequently, RAD-140 may produce strength gains that are disproportionately large relative to muscle growth. Because of this, we have found it to be more popular among gym-goers seeking raw strength rather than pure hypertrophy. Weightlifters who supplement with RAD-140, expecting it to replicate the muscle-building effects of anabolic steroids, may be underwhelmed with the results.

Gary Hattersley, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Radius Health, states that RAD-140 shows potential as a therapeutic agent for cancer patients due to its unique mechanism of action. Hattersley explains that tumors resistant to conventional estrogen receptor (ER)-targeted therapies may be effectively treated with RAD-140 because it selectively stimulates the androgen receptor, which can inhibit tumor growth [1]. Importantly, this mechanism does not significantly impact reproductive tissues and may, therefore, reduce the risk of exacerbating estrogen-related cancers.

What is RAD-150?

RAD-150 (TLB-150) is an esterified version of RAD-140 featuring an added benzoate ester. This modification extends the compound’s half-life, resulting in steadier serum concentrations.

Dr. Patricia LoRusso, a leading researcher on RAD-140, states that the compound’s half-life in humans is approximately 45 hours. In contrast, RAD-150 is expected to remain in the system for an extended period, which may delay the onset of peak effects.

Consequently, users concerned about fluctuations in side effects may prefer RAD-150, as more stable blood levels can mitigate adverse reactions. Conversely, those seeking more rapid results in the early stages of a cycle may find RAD-140 more suitable due to its faster onset of action.

Our Findings and Observations

RAD-150 appears to exhibit slightly lower hepatotoxic and lipid-altering effects than RAD-140, with approximately 15% fewer fluctuations in cholesterol levels and liver enzymes. Consequently, individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular or hepatic concerns may face higher risks when using RAD-140.

Furthermore, our observations suggest that RAD-150 can cause greater testosterone suppression, likely due to its longer half-life and prolonged androgen receptor activation. An effective post-cycle therapy (PCT) is therefore more critical following a RAD-150 cycle to restore natural testosterone production.

This recovery process may take several weeks longer with RAD-150 because the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis (HPTA) remains suppressed for an extended duration. As a result, individuals with baseline low testosterone are likely to experience more pronounced suppression on RAD-150 compared to RAD-140.

Patients using RAD-150 have demonstrated muscle gains roughly 10–15% greater than those using RAD-140, with strength improvements proving even more significant, often approaching a 20% increase.

Disclosure: We do not accept advertising on Inside Bodybuilding. Instead, we monetize our practice through medical consultations and carefully selected supplement recommendations that have consistently delivered excellent results for our patients.

Best SARM Companies in 2026

Dosing

SARM companies typically recommend lower doses of RAD-150 compared to RAD-140 due to its enhanced potency. In our experience, a standard cycle of RAD-150 is dosed at 10–15 mg/day for 8 weeks. Beginners often opt for the lower end of this range, while intermediate and experienced users typically administer dosages toward the higher end.

Cost

RAD-150 is slightly more expensive per bottle than RAD-140. Therefore, individuals with budget constraints may find RAD-140 to be a more appealing option.

In the table below, you can see how the prices at Sports Technology Labs compare for these two SARMs.

SARM	Price	Volume	Concentration
RAD-140	$64.99	30 mL	15 mg/mL
RAD-150	$69.99	30 mL	10 mg/mL

Taste

Anecdotally, our patients report that RAD-150 has a more pleasant taste, which can be attributed to the addition of the benzoate ester.

Anabolism

Research in monkeys demonstrated a 10% increase in lean mass following a RAD-140 dosage of 0.1 mg/kg per day for 28 days [2]. For a 75 kg man, this would translate to a daily dose of 7.5 mg. Notably, dosages exceeding 0.1 mg/kg did not produce further mass increases. Researchers also observed that liver enzymes and prostate mass remained stable throughout the study.

A rodent study indicated that a 3 mg/kg daily dose of RAD-140 produced muscle gains equivalent to a 1 mg/kg dose of testosterone [3]. This suggests that, at very high doses, RAD-140 may rival the muscle-building effects of certain anabolic steroids; however, a 3 mg/kg dose in humans would likely result in severe side effects.

Furthermore, evidence suggests that excessive doses of RAD-140 may lead to muscle atrophy. Rodents at risk of sarcopenia showed a higher mortality rate when administered 5 mg/kg per day [4]. To avoid potential reductions in lean body mass (LBM), users are discouraged from megadosing the compound.

Neuroprotection

Research has shown that androgens possess neuroprotective qualities [5]. We have observed similar cognitive-enhancing effects with RAD-140 in patients, suggesting its potential for treating dementia-related diseases. Additionally, RAD-140 may offer advantages for researchers exploring treatments for myelin sheath damage.

RAD-140 may be considered a more optimal treatment for neurodegenerative conditions than testosterone, as the latter is associated with prostatic hyperplasia. However, RAD-140 must demonstrate acceptable safety profiles in human clinical trials before receiving FDA approval for neurological use.

Currently, there is a lack of peer-reviewed medical research specifically on RAD-150. Despite promising anecdotal findings, it remains a strictly experimental SARM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which SARM is More Common?

RAD-140 has been available longer; consequently, more researchers are inclined to use it. In comparison, RAD-150 is a newer SARM, and its effects are less established. As a result, RAD-140 remains the more popular choice among weightlifters, despite anecdotal reports suggesting it may be less anabolic than RAD-150.

Is RAD-140 or RAD-150 Safe?

There is currently insufficient clinical research to confirm that RAD-140 or RAD-150 is safe for human use. Both compounds are legal only for experimental purposes; therefore, human consumption is prohibited.

Our observations suggest that SARMs like RAD-140 replicate some of the anabolic effects of steroids, but with lower overall anabolic activity and similar side effects. Dr. Thomas O’Connor, who has treated hundreds of patients using RAD-140 and other SARMs, states that “at sufficiently high doses, these substances negatively affect high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and liver enzyme function.”

Given the potential for cardiotoxicity and hepatotoxicity associated with RAD-140 and RAD-150, individuals with the following conditions are considered high-risk:

• Pre-existing cardiovascular disease (e.g., hypertension, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias)
• Liver disease or impaired liver function
• Blood clotting disorders
• A history of stroke or cerebrovascular issues

Is RAD-140 or RAD-150 Suppressive?

RAD-140 and RAD-150 are both suppressive SARMs; therefore, a PCT is commonly implemented upon cycle cessation to accelerate the recovery of endogenous testosterone.

Dr. George Touliatos states that he has observed clinically low testosterone levels in patients who have used SARMs, including RAD-140 and RAD-150. He also notes that a PCT may be necessary to restore optimal testosterone production.

Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), such as Nolvadex and Clomid, typically produce effective results in restoring HPTA function. Clomid is considered more potent than Nolvadex for stimulating endogenous testosterone production, making it preferable for individuals experiencing significant suppression. However, we have found that Clomid can cause users to become increasingly emotional. Consequently, Nolvadex may be a more optimal choice for users susceptible to mood swings or mental health concerns.

Without a PCT, it can take several weeks for a user’s testosterone levels to return to baseline following a RAD-140 or RAD-150 cycle. Notably, RAD-150 can be more suppressive than RAD-140, potentially requiring multiple PCT medications for a swift recovery.

Is it Necessary to Take Liver Support with RAD-140 or RAD-150?

Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) supplementation is beneficial when using hepatotoxic compounds. Research indicates that this bile salt supplement can reduce hepatic stress by decreasing alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels [6].

In our experience, a dosage range of 500–1,000 mg/day is effective for TUDCA. Our recommended dose to minimize hepatotoxicity during SARM cycles is often personalized and adjusted based on the patient’s weight, as detailed below:

Body Weight (lbs)	Body Weight (kg)	Recommended Daily Dose
Up to 130 lbs	Up to 60 kg	250–500 mg
130–175 lbs	60–80 kg	500–750 mg
176–220 lbs	80–100 kg	750–1,000 mg
Over 220 lbs	Over 100 kg	Up to 1,500 mg

Users prone to digestive distress are encouraged to split the dose, taking half in the morning and the remaining half in the evening.

Expert Consensus

Dylan Gemelli, a National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)-certified personal trainer, has extensively observed the effects of RAD-140. He warns, however, that limited information currently exists regarding RAD-150.

Gemelli states that the primary difference is that “RAD-150 is esterified, meaning it has an extended half-life.” Consequently, RAD-150 can lead to more stable serum levels. Gemelli notes that this extended half-life is advantageous for users who prefer administering SARMs every two days rather than daily.

Ryan Ankrom, a certified personal trainer with firsthand experience using both compounds, describes them as “very similar.” He adds that “RAD-150 does the same thing as RAD-140 but with added potency,” which he attributes to the structural advantage of the additional benzoate ester.

Conclusion

Based on our experience, RAD-150 appears to offer a more favorable risk-to-reward ratio. However, given the limited research available, it remains a relatively unknown substance—especially when compared to the more established RAD-140.

To ensure the integrity of research, it is essential to obtain these substances from reputable sources that provide third-party testing for purity. Utilizing suppliers that adhere strictly to quality and safety standards is a critical step in any experimental protocol.

Chemyo and Sports Technology Labs are two providers that adhere to these standards. Their purity reports can be viewed below.

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