AC-262: Benefits, Side Effects, and Mechanism Explained

What is AC-262? 

Researchers explore AC-262 as a promising SARM in preclinical lab settings. AC-262 draws attention for its potential in studies on muscle tissue, bone density, and androgen-related pathways. Researchers use it to investigate tissue-selective effects without the broad binding seen in traditional androgens in preclinical models. BehemothLabz supplies AC-262 in high-purity forms, ideal for controlled experiments on cellular mechanisms.

AC-262,356

Mechanism of Action

AC-262 selectively binds to androgen receptors (AR). Research indicates that it stimulates AR in muscle and bone cells but does not affect the prostate and other tissues. This discriminatory nature is caused by its chemical structure. AC-262 is a non-steroidal quinolinone derivative. Scientists observe that it recruits co-activators to the AR differently than steroidal androgens do. It triggers gene transcription for muscle protein synthesis without overstimulating AR in reproductive tissues in cell cultures.

Key pathways include the PI3K/Akt/mTOR route. They are associated with skeletal muscle model hypertrophy. It enhances Akt phosphorylation and, hence, global protein synthesis in myoblast cultures.AC-262 also modulates MAPK/ERK signaling, which stimulates cell proliferation in bone osteoblasts. 

It promotes the upregulation of follistatin and the downregulation of myostatin in animals. Experiments demonstrate greater AR nuclear translocation in muscle fibers, which results in increased expression of genes such as IGF-1 and myosin heavy chain.

Preclinical evidence shows that it activates PPARδ in fat cells. This activation shifts the energy use toward oxidation in muscle tissues. The mechanism has been observed in ovariectomized rat models, where it preserves lean mass under stress.

Chemical Properties of AC-262

• Synonyms:AC-262,536; 4-[(2S)-2-(3-chlorophenoxy)propylamino]-2-quinolinecarboxamide.
• Molecular Formula: C18H18ClN3.
• Molecular Weight:  311.81 g/mol.
• PubChem CID: 9864875.
• Shelf Life: Stable for 24–36 months at -20°C in lyophilized form; avoid light and moisture.
• Solubility: Soluble in DMSO and ethanol; limited in water, aiding reconstitution protocols.
• Purity: Typically >99% via HPLC from verified suppliers like BehemothLabz.

Potential Research Applications/Benefits of AC-262

Preclinical data spotlight AC-262 across muscle, bone, and metabolic investigations and found these benefits:

Muscle Hypertrophy

AC-262 increases fiber cross-sectional area in rodent models of muscle atrophy. Researchers attribute this to upregulated AR-mediated protein synthesis. AC-262 also reverses glucocorticoid-induced atrophy in lab models. It restores IGF-1 signaling in dexamethasone-exposed myoblasts to avert FOXO3a upregulation and muscle breakdown.

Bone Density Effects

AC-262 maintains the volume of the trabecular bone in mice. Fracture healing models benefit, too. AC-262 accelerates callus formation in tibial defects. It serves as a tool for research on the mechanisms of osteoporosis.

Metabolic and Lipid Effects

AC-262 influences fat distribution in high-fat diet rodents. It reduces visceral fat pad weights while sparing subcutaneous depots. Glucose tests increase insulin sensitivity. It also increases the endurance metrics in mice. Mice performing on wheel-running indicate increased voluntary movement and fatigue resistance.

Vascular and Cardiovascular Impacts

Vascular smooth muscle cells treated with AC-262 proliferate less than with testosterone in preclinical research. It inhibits neointimal hyperplasia in balloon-injured rat carotids, reducing lesion area. This bias is helpful to atherosclerosis models. Studies of the heart tissue show that cardiac function was intact in pressure-overload hypertrophy mice.

Neurological and Cognitive Angles

Emerging data explore AC-262 in androgen-deprived brain models. It upregulates BDNF in hippocampal neurons. It supports synaptic spine density. Rodent maze tasks show spatial memory retention, which fuels the AR-neuroplasticity hypotheses.

Side Effects in Preclinical Models

Labs monitor AC-262 closely for dose-dependent effects as it shows a wide therapeutic window, but high doses reveal profiles in preclinical models.

• Minimal prostate weight increase
• Mild testosterone suppression
• Temporary libido decrease
• Transient fatigue
• Elevation of liver enzymes.
• Mild increase in hematocrit
• Transient hypercalcemia
• Liver Injury
• Severe muscle damage
• Tendon rupture
• Behavioral changes

Why Choose BehemothLabz for AC-262?

BehemothLabz is best at providing AC-262 for intensive research. They offer products with purity>99% HPLC, tested by a third party to verify purity.

Key advantages:

• Fast international delivery
• Expert advice
• Verified payments
• Bulk options

Legal Status

AC-262 qualifies as a research chemical. It is not FDA-approved for any clinical trials. Authorities restrict it to licensed lab use only.

Disclaimer: BehemothLabz products are intended for laboratory use only. Strictly for laboratory research use only, not as diagnostic, therapeutic, or human.

FAQs

What are the benefits of AC-262 in the preclinical model?

AC-262 increases muscle weight, and bone density is considered a marker of anabolic activity in castrated rat models.

How does AC-262 work?

AC-262 is a partial agonist at the androgen receptor; that is, it binds receptors in muscle and bone tissue to stimulate growth, but it has a much lower affinity for the prostate and seminal vesicles than testosterone does.

Is AC-262 suppressive to testosterone in preclinical models?

Yes, it is capable of suppressing the production of natural testosterone, as most SARMs do.

Is AC-262 legal?

AC-262 has not been approved by the FDA for use in human food and is considered a research chemical.

Where to buy AC-262 online?

BehemothLabz would be the ideal company where AC-262 of high quality is available, and shipping is trusted in the US and abroad.

References

1.     Barrios, M.M., Deconinck, E., Vanhee, C., Lamme, E.K., ‘t Hart‐Bakker, I., Syversen, P.V., Bøyum, O., Li‐Ship, G., Young, S., Blazewicz, A. and Poplawska, M., 2025. SARMs, Metabolic Modulators and Growth Hormone Secretagogues in Suspected Illegal Medicines, Bought as Sport Performance Enhancers: A Retro‐and Prospective Study Within the GEON. Drug Testing and Analysis.
2.     Wen, J., Syed, B., Leapart, J., Shehabat, M., Ansari, U., Akhtar, M., Razick, D. and Pai, D., 2025. Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) effects on physical performance: a systematic review of randomized control trials. Clinical endocrinology, 102(1), pp.3-27.
3.     Borecki, R., Byczkiewicz, P. and Słowikowska-Hilczer, J., 2025. Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs)—potential anabolic drugs for the treatment of cachexia and frailty syndrome. Endokrynologia Polska.
4.     Barsky, S.T. and Monks, D.A., 2025. The role of androgens and global and tissue-specific androgen receptor expression on body composition, exercise adaptation, and performance. Biology of Sex Differences, 16(1), p.28.