(331) A Novel Epidemiological Approach to Geographically Mapping Selective Androgen Modulator Receptors (SARMs) in the United States Through Google Trends

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) are a class of compounds known for their ability to exert agonistic and/or antagonistic effects on androgen receptors. Although there are currently no U.S. Food and Drug Agency-approved indications for SARMs, investigators are exploring the potential uses for these compounds. Objective This study aims to comprehensively assess the level of public interest in SARMs over the past ten years. Methods Google Trends data spanning the past decade was meticulously analyzed to evaluate the public interest in specific SARMs, (Ostarine, LGD-4033, GSK2881078, PF-06260414, AC-262,356), in comparison to testosterone replacement therapy and androgen replacement therapy. As benchmarks, control search terms, such as “news," "weather," "sports," "Google," "Netflix," and "Facebook" were employed. Results The 10 geographical areas with the highest SARM search rate were military instillations or towns surrounding military instillations. Within these areas, the search interest accounted for a median of 4.5% of the control search interest, while the areas displaying the greatest interest reached a substantial 12%. It is noteworthy that even in the presence of an awareness campaign against the use of unapproved supplements (such as SARMs) by the Department of Defense, SARM use steadily increased in close proximity to these identified areas. In contrast, metropolitan areas unrelated to military installations accounted for less than 1% of the control search interest. Search interest for “Testosterone” was 6% nationally, however, in areas associated with high SARM interest, search interest was 6.8%. Conclusions Our results suggest there is a higher rate of internet searches for SARMs at or near military instillations compared to other geographic regions. Since these medications are not FDA approved and still undergoing clinical investigation, the side effect profiles are not well understood potentially leading to adverse events. Further work is needed to understand if this increased interest translates to use of SARMs among our service members. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Advisory board and speaker for Coloplast; consultant for Cynosure; advisory board and speaker for Halozyme; intellectual property with Masimo; advisory board for Promescent; consultant for Sprout; advisory board for Xialla.