S4 Studies- (1) World Anti Doping Agency identify metabolites, (2) Impurities/DANGER

[thegodfather]

Drug Test Anal. 2009 Aug;1(8):387-92.

Detection of the arylpropionamide-derived selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) S-4 (Andarine) in a black-market product.Thevis M, Geyer H, Kamber M, Schänzer W.

Center for Preventive Doping Research - Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933 Cologne, Germany. [email protected]

Abstract
Non-steroidal and tissue-selective anabolic agents such as selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs ) represent a promising class of therapeutics for the treatment of various diseases such as sarcopenia or cancer cachexia. Advanced compounds of SARMs are based on an arylpropionamide-derived structure and leading drug candidates have successfully completed phase-II-clinical trials. Although none of these therapeutics have been approved, their performance-enhancing qualities and the black-market availability of these products makes them a viable target for misuse in the athletic community. In 2008, SARMs were added to the Prohibited List established by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). That SARMs are the subject of misuse even without clinical approval was proved for the first time by the detection of the drug candidate Andarine (also referred to as S-4, S-3-(4-acetylamino-phenoxy)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-N-(4-nitro-3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-propionamide), advertised, sold and supplied via the Internet. The oily liquids, declared as green tea extracts and face moisturizer, were assayed using state-of-the-art analytical procedures and S-4 was found at concentrations of approximately 150 mg/mL. The authenticity of the product was demonstrated in comparison to reference material by liquid chromatography, high resolution/high accuracy (tandem) mass spectrometry using positive and negative electrospray ionization, and comparison to reference material. Moreover, an impurity resulting from poor product purification was detected, accounting for approximately 10% of S-4. This consisted of 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-N-(4-nitro-3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-3-(4-nitro-3-trifluoromethyl-phenylamino)-propionamide. The ease of purchasing non-approved drug candidates that could potentially increase athletic performance demonstrates the need to operate proactively in the continued fight against doping. The early inclusion of emerging drugs into routine sports drug testing procedures is a key element of preventive doping research, limiting the options for cheating athletes who aim to undermine the doping control system.

Copyright 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PMID: 20355219 [PubMed - in process]

The first study is of particular importance because it clearly shows that black market products such as this SARM are being produced with impurities as high as 10%. This should be telling for many of the early users. We already don't know much about SARMs, but putting an even more unknown substance into your body could result in great damage. Just look into what happened with dangerous byproducts in L-Tryptophan.

Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom. 2010 Aug 15;24(15):2245-54.

Mass spectrometric characterization of urinary metabolites of the selective androgen receptor modulator andarine (S-4) for routine doping control purposes.Thevis M, Thomas A, Fusshöller G, Beuck S, Geyer H, Schänzer W.

Institute of Biochemistry - Center for Preventive Doping Research, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933 Cologne, Germany. [email protected]

Abstract
Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) are potent anabolic agents with tissue-selective properties. Due to their potential misuse in elite sport, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has prohibited SARMs since 2008, and although no representative drug candidate has yet received full clinical approval, recent findings of SARMs illegally sold via the internet have further supported the need to efficiently test for these compounds in doping controls. In the present communication, the mass spectrometric characterization of urinary metabolites of the SARM Andarine (also referred to as S-4) compared with earlier in vitro and animal studies is reported. Liquid chromatography interfaced to high-resolution/high-accuracy (tandem) mass spectrometry was used to identify phase I and II metabolites, confirming the predicted target analytes for sports drug testing purposes including the glucuronic acid conjugates of the active drug, its monohydroxylated and/or deacetylated product, the hydrolysis product resulting from the removal of the compound's B-ring, as well as the sulfate of the monohydroxylated and the deacetylated phase I metabolite. The obtained data will support future efforts to effectively screen for and confirm the misuse of the non-approved drug candidate Andarine.

Copyright (c) 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PMID: 20623476 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[number twelve]

hm I wonder if lion would chime in on this topic