Products
GW1516 is not registered as a drug and is not commercially available. It is reportedly traded on the black market.
Structure and properties
GW1516 (C21H18F3NO3S2, Mr = 453.5 g/mol) is a thiazole derivative.
Effects
GW1516 activates PPAR-delta (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor). It promotes fat loss and muscle building and may increase performance and endurance. It is a “pharmacological training”. GW1516 lowers blood lipid levels and improves insulin response. However, the effects appear to occur mainly when the drug is combined with physical activity. This in contrast to the susbtance AICAR. “Imagine if the health benefits of exercise could be produced simply by taking a so-called exercise pill. This would be every couch potato’s dream” – Warden, Fuchs (2008).
Areas of Application
GW1516 was developed for the treatment of dyslipidemia, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Because GW1516 was observed to cause it to cause cancer in animals, clinical trials at GlaxoSmithKline were discontinued.
Abuse
GW1516 can be abused as a doping agent in competitive sports. According to the doping list, the substance is banned both during and outside of athletic competition.
