AICAR
The Exercise-Mimetic AMPK Activator
01
Overview
AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide, Acadesine) is a nucleotide analogue that activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) without requiring cellular energy depletion. It entered research prominence after being described as an exercise mimetic capable of enhancing endurance in sedentary animals. It is studied for metabolic syndrome, ischemia protection, and exercise physiology research.
02
Mechanism of Action
AICAR is taken up by cells and converted to ZMP (AICAR monophosphate), which mimics AMP and allosterically activates AMPK. This triggers downstream metabolic reprogramming: increased fatty acid oxidation, GLUT4 translocation for glucose uptake, mitochondrial biogenesis via PGC-1α, and inhibition of anabolic processes. The net effect mimics the metabolic state of endurance exercise.
03
Research Highlights
Salk Institute research shows sedentary mice gain 44% improvement in running endurance after AICAR
Cardiac ischemia models demonstrate preconditioning protection equivalent to exercise training
Metabolic syndrome research shows improved insulin sensitivity and reduced hepatic lipogenesis
04
Dosage
Administration & Timing
Subcutaneous (SC) injection into abdominal or gluteal subcutaneous tissue or Oral administration (capsule or solution). Research protocols in animal models use once-daily SC; oral bioavailability is very limited.
Dosage Guidelines
Cycle Length
1–4 weeks; research is largely preclinical.
05
Reconstitution
Solvent
Bacteriostatic Water (0.9% benzyl alcohol)
Volume
Per research formulation
Concentration
Per protocol
Storage
Lyophilized powder: store at -20 °C long-term. Reconstituted: refrigerate 2–8 °C, use within 30 days.
Notes
AICAR is an AMPK activator. Prohibitively expensive for human-scale research; most published data is in animal models.
Research Reference Only
Dosage and reconstitution values reflect commonly cited ranges from published research literature and are presented for educational and research reference only. This is not medical advice or a dosing recommendation. HEXAGEN does not endorse human use of any compound. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Research Disclaimer
AICAR is for educational and research purposes only. Not intended as medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
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AICAR — Common Research Questions
What is AICAR?
AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide, Acadesine) is a nucleotide analogue that activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) without requiring cellular energy depletion. It entered res... AICAR belongs to the Non-Peptide Research research category and is studied for its the exercise-mimetic ampk activator.
How does AICAR work?
AICAR is taken up by cells and converted to ZMP (AICAR monophosphate), which mimics AMP and allosterically activates AMPK. This triggers downstream metabolic reprogramming: increased fatty acid oxidation, GLUT4 translocation for glucose uptake, mitochondrial biogenesis via PGC-1α, and inhibition of anabolic processes. The net effect mimics the metabolic state of endurance exercise.
What are the key research benefits of AICAR?
Direct AMPK activation without exercise. Exercise-mimetic endurance enhancement. Insulin sensitization and glucose uptake. Fatty acid oxidation enhancement. Ischemic preconditioning for cardiac protection. Inflammation and metabolic syndrome research.
What is the molecular structure of AICAR?
AICAR is a research compound in the Non-Peptide Research category. Detailed molecular structure data is being compiled. Refer to primary literature for structural analysis.
What does the research say about AICAR?
Salk Institute research shows sedentary mice gain 44% improvement in running endurance after AICAR Cardiac ischemia models demonstrate preconditioning protection equivalent to exercise training Metabolic syndrome research shows improved insulin sensitivity and reduced hepatic lipogenesis These findings are based on preclinical and clinical research. AICAR is a research compound and these studies do not constitute medical advice.
Is AICAR FDA approved?
No. AICAR is not FDA-approved for any indication. It is a research chemical studied in preclinical and early clinical research. These compounds are not approved for human therapeutic use and should only be studied in appropriate research settings.
What category does AICAR belong to?
AICAR belongs to the Non-Peptide Research category, which focuses on selective androgen receptor modulators and other novel research compounds studied for their unique pharmacological profiles. You can explore more compounds in this category on the Non-Peptide Research pillar page.
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Scientific References
Salk Institute research shows sedentary mice gain 44% improvement in running endurance after AICAR
Cardiac ischemia models demonstrate preconditioning protection equivalent to exercise training
Metabolic syndrome research shows improved insulin sensitivity and reduced hepatic lipogenesis