Soluble ActRIIB-Fc fusion protein / myostatin (activin receptor) decoy
ACE-031
Research use only
Written by pep4U Editorial Team · Last reviewed July 8, 2026
ACE-031 is an experimental biologic decoy receptor that blocks myostatin to promote muscle growth.
| Class / type | Soluble ActRIIB-Fc fusion protein / myostatin (activin receptor) decoy |
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| Category | Growth Hormone & Muscle |
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| Status (Jul 2026) | Research use only |
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How it works
It is a soluble form of activin receptor type IIB fused to an IgG1 Fc region; it acts as a decoy that binds myostatin (and related ligands) in circulation before they can signal muscle, removing the brake on muscle growth.
Known / used for
Developed by Acceleron and Shire and studied in clinical trials for Duchenne muscular dystrophy; development was discontinued.
Positives
Produced substantial increases in muscle mass and reported gains in bone and lean tissue in early studies.
Negatives & risks
Trials were halted in 2011 over safety concerns because the decoy also traps BMP-9 and BMP-10, causing nosebleeds, gum bleeding, and skin telangiectasia; development was formally ended in 2013.
What people like most (reported community sentiment - not endorsement)
Users cite the dramatic muscle-building potential reported in trials; anecdotal sentiment only and not an endorsement given the safety signals.
Frequently asked questions
What is ACE-031?
ACE-031 is an experimental biologic decoy receptor that blocks myostatin to promote muscle growth. It is a soluble form of activin receptor type IIB fused to an IgG1 Fc region; it acts as a decoy that binds myostatin (and related ligands) in circulation before they can signal muscle, removing the brake on muscle growth.
What is ACE-031 used or researched for?
Developed by Acceleron and Shire and studied in clinical trials for Duchenne muscular dystrophy; development was discontinued.
Is ACE-031 FDA-approved or legal?
NOT FDA-approved. Its clinical development was halted for safety in 2011 and discontinued in 2013; it has no approved use and is prohibited by WADA under class S4.5.
What are the main risks or downsides of ACE-031?
Trials were halted in 2011 over safety concerns because the decoy also traps BMP-9 and BMP-10, causing nosebleeds, gum bleeding, and skin telangiectasia; development was formally ended in 2013.
Legal / regulatory status
NOT FDA-approved. Its clinical development was halted for safety in 2011 and discontinued in 2013; it has no approved use and is prohibited by WADA under class S4.5.
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