AICAR

350.00 AED — In stock

AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide) is a well-characterized AMPK activator originally developed for metabolic and cardiovascular research. By activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) — the body’s central cellular energy sensor — AICAR mimics key molecular effects of exercise, influencing glucose uptake, fat oxidation, and energy balance. Due to AMPK’s central role in mitochondrial function and metabolic health, AICAR has gained interest in performance optimization, metabolic regulation, and longevity-focused research models. Key Features 🧫 cGMP manufactured in an FDA-registered facility✔️ ≥98% purity verified by HPLC analysis📑 Batch-specific Certificates of Analysis (COAs) included💉 Sterile, lyophilized vials for research use only Human-Relevant Research Applications 🔥 AMPK activation & metabolic regulation in humansHuman research confirms that AICAR directly activates AMPK in skeletal muscle, triggering downstream pathways involved in energy balance, fat metabolism, and metabolic adaptation.🔗 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16176927/ 🍬 Enhanced glucose uptake & insulin-independent pathwaysStudies in human muscle tissue demonstrate that AICAR stimulates glucose uptake via AMPK activation independently of insulin, highlighting its relevance for metabolic and glycaemic research.🔗 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11818544/ ⚙️ Mitochondrial biogenesis & cellular energy signalingAMPK activation through agents like AICAR is strongly linked in human metabolic research to improved mitochondrial signaling and oxidative metabolism — mechanisms central to endurance and longevity research.🔗 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19332493/ Mechanism Summary Activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), the master regulator of cellular energy status Promotes glucose uptake through insulin-independent pathways Enhances fat oxidation and metabolic efficiency Supports mitochondrial signaling pathways associated with metabolic health and aging Provides a translational model for studying exercise-mimetic cellular responses Reconstitution & Handling Guidance 1️⃣ Use sterile bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol)2️⃣ Add 3 ml of bacteriostatic water to reconstitute the peptide3️⃣ Gently swirl until fully dissolved (do not vortex)4️⃣ Store reconstituted peptide at 4 °C–10 °C for 2–3 months5️⃣ Unreconstituted peptide may be stored at 4 °C–10 °C until the expiration date Legal & Research Disclaimer This material is supplied exclusively for laboratory research use. It is not intended for diagnostic, therapeutic, cosmetic, human, or veterinary applications. The purchaser assumes all responsibility for compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations governing research compounds.

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What is AICAR?

AICAR is a nucleoside analogue, not a peptide. Its full name is 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside, and it is also known as acadesine. It occurs naturally as an intermediate in the body's production of purines.

Inside cells, AICAR is converted to ZMP, which mimics AMP. This activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an enzyme that acts as a cellular energy sensor. AMPK is involved in glucose uptake and fat use in muscle, which is why AICAR is widely used as a research tool.

Also known as: Acadesine, AICA riboside, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside, Z-riboside

What are peptides?

What the research covers

AICAR has been studied extensively in cells and animals. A well-known 2008 mouse study reported that AICAR improved running endurance in sedentary mice, leading to the term 'exercise mimetic'. It has also been studied for effects on glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity. As acadesine, it was tested in human trials for heart protection during surgery and in some blood cancers, but it was not approved for those uses. AICAR is not approved as a medicine by the US FDA. It is also on the World Anti-Doping Agency prohibited list.

References

Narkar VA, Downes M, Yu RT. AMPK and PPARdelta agonists are exercise mimetics. Cell. 2008.

Formats available

Pen

Pre-filled pen prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy for subcutaneous use.

Vial (injectable)

Vial for subcutaneous injection, prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy.

Storage and handling

Storage: Keep pens refrigerated at 2-8C and protect them from light. Lyophilised vials should be refrigerated at 2-8C after reconstitution, kept away from light and never frozen. Follow the storage instructions on your pharmacy label.

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Specification

Property	Value
Type	Nucleoside analogue (AMPK activator), not a peptide
Molecular formula	C9H14N4O5
Molecular weight	approx. 258 g/mol
Formats	Pen, Vial (injectable)

Frequently asked questions

Is AICAR a peptide?

No. AICAR is a nucleoside analogue that activates the energy-sensing enzyme AMPK. It is listed alongside peptides because it is prescribed and supplied in the same way.

What does the research show?

Most research is in cells and animals, where it has been studied for endurance, glucose uptake and fat use. Human trials of acadesine looked at other uses and did not lead to approval.

Is AICAR allowed in sport?

No. AICAR is on the World Anti-Doping Agency prohibited list. Athletes subject to testing should not use it.

How should I store it?

Keep pens in the fridge, and refrigerate vials after reconstitution, away from light and never frozen. Follow the storage instructions on your pharmacy label.

Are there side effects?

Side effects can occur. Your GP will review your health, medication and, where relevant, blood results before prescribing, and you should report anything unexpected.