Patrick Arnold, the Chemist Who Created Designer Steroids, Dies at 59

Patrick Arnold, the chemist who invented different types of steroids that eluded detection, has died. He was 59.

Among the steroids he developed during the course of his career was the famous drug THG, a liquid athletes could put under their tongue that went undetected in doping tests, according to the New York Times. THG was distributed by the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Op (BALCO) which sold steroids to professional athletes.

Baseball player and home run king Barry Bonds, football player Bill Romanowski, and Olympic track sprinter and Gold medalist Marion Jones were a few who were embroiled in the steroid scandal, and their reputations were tarnished.

A federal investigation took place in 2003 and under oath of a grand jury, Bonds testified that he used "the cream and the clear" but didn't know they were illegal performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). The cream, which was testosterone-based, was used to mask the presence of illegal steroids.

BALCO was led by Victor Conte, who is considered one of the masterminds of the steroids revolution. He pleaded guilty in 2005 to conspiracy to distribute steroids to high-profile athletes. and money laundering, serving time in jail before he died in 2025, at age 75.

Conte's work is highlighted in a 2023 Netflix special, "Untold: Hall of Shame."

Arnold Saw Himself As a Victim

"I was the guy that made the undetectables so I was considered a huge target," he said on a podcast about chemistry in 2023. "There was no point in fighting the wrath of the federal government."

Undeterred by the fallout, Arnold entered the early internet era, creating blogs and chat rooms to support people who wanted to improve their strength and build muscle.

Arnold was also a researcher into the keto diet, and he focused on epilepsy and longevity.

Cause of Death

Arnold's family said his cause of death is unknown. He never married or had kids, rather he devoted all of his time to his work.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published May 14, 2026 at 3:46 PM.