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AICAR
Last reviewed: July 11, 2026 by The Peptide Catalog Team
An AMPK-activating research compound (acadesine) studied as an exercise mimetic for endurance and fat metabolism; reached cardiac-surgery trials, never approved, and WADA-banned in sport. AICAR (acadesine) is an investigational AMPK-activating compound studied as an exercise mimetic for endurance and fat metabolism.
Overview
Core Benefits
Key AdvantagesThese are educational summaries of commonly discussed effects in wellness/regenerative contexts, not guarantees.
AICAR Results Timeline
ProgressionTimeline is illustrative and non-guaranteed. Outcomes vary and are commonly discussed alongside training, nutrition, sleep, and cycling practices.
How It WorksAMPK Activator — Exercise Mimetic (Research Compound)
Target → AMPK Activation → Metabolic Adaptation → Outcomes
AMPK (AMP-Activated Protein Kinase)
AICAR (acadesine) is taken up by cells and converted to ZMP, an analog of AMP. ZMP directly activates AMPK — the same "energy sensor" pathway triggered by exercise — without requiring a change in the cell's actual energy charge. This is why the research literature describes it as an "exercise mimetic."
AMPK Activation → Fat Oxidation + Mitochondrial Biogenesis
Published research describes AMPK activation increasing glucose uptake, shifting cells toward fatty-acid oxidation, and upregulating PGC-1α, a driver of mitochondrial biogenesis. In animal models these signals were associated with changes in muscle fiber metabolism and endurance capacity.
Endurance + Metabolic Shifts (Preclinical)
Rodent studies reported improved running endurance and metabolic markers with AICAR, in some cases without training. Whether these effects translate to humans at tolerable, safe doses has not been established — the human trial program (acadesine) targeted cardiac protection, not fitness.
No Established Human Fitness Benefit
There is no controlled human evidence that AICAR improves body composition or athletic performance. It is sold as a research chemical and is prohibited in competition by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Effects described here come from preclinical and community sources, not confirmed human outcomes.
What Makes This Peptide Different
AICAR is a synthetic small molecule, not a peptide — it activates AMPK directly by mimicking AMP. It is frequently compared with MOTS-C, a mitochondrial-derived peptide that also engages AMPK but signals more broadly. Unlike MOTS-C, AICAR reached a human clinical trial program (as acadesine, for cardiac surgery) yet was never approved for any use.
AICAR Vendors
Ion Peptide
Dosing ProtocolEndurance / Fat Metabolism (Research / No Human Efficacy Data)
Educational reference only. Individual responses vary. Consult healthcare provider before use.
Why This Dosing Protocol
Why the caution? Most human safety data comes from the acadesine surgical program, and preclinical work has raised questions about effects on cell proliferation. It remains an unapproved research compound.
Reconstitution Calculator
Dilution math and unit conversions. Prefilled using a common vial size for this peptide.
Open calculatorStorage & Handling
Storage at a glance
Proper storage temperatures, shelf life, reconstitution best practices, and travel tips for lyophilized and reconstituted peptides.
Handling specifics
Educational overview on storage, labeling, and traceability considerations for lab environments. Consult primary literature and vendor documentation for specifics.
- Freezer (-20°C): 1+ year
- Refrigerator (2-8°C): 1-3 months
- Room temperature: 2-3 weeks (emergency only)
- MUST refrigerate at 2-8°C
- 4-week maximum shelf life
- NEVER freeze after reconstitution
- Use bacteriostatic water for multi-dose
FAQ
What does research document about how AICAR works?
AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide, also called acadesine) is a direct activator of AMPK — the cellular energy sensor also engaged by exercise. Published research describes downstream effects on glucose uptake, fatty-acid oxidation, and mitochondrial biogenesis, which is the basis for its "exercise mimetic" label. Human efficacy for fitness or fat loss has not been established.
Is AICAR approved for any use?
No. As acadesine, AICAR was investigated in clinical trials as a cardioprotective agent during cardiac surgery, but it was never approved by the FDA or any regulator for any indication. It is sold as a research chemical, and it is prohibited in competition by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
How is AICAR compared to MOTS-C?
Both are discussed as AMPK-activating exercise mimetics. Review and community sources describe AICAR as a synthetic small molecule that mimics AMP to activate AMPK directly, while MOTS-C is a mitochondrial-derived peptide that signals more broadly. Neither has established human efficacy for fitness outcomes — see the MOTS-C page for that peptide's profile.
What do sources report about AICAR safety?
Most human safety data comes from the acadesine cardiac-surgery trial program; there is little independent data on the research-chemical forms sold today or on the doses circulated in community sources. Preclinical literature has also raised questions about effects on cell proliferation. It remains an unapproved research compound.
How long does reconstituted peptide last?
Once mixed with bacteriostatic water, peptides remain stable for up to 4 weeks when refrigerated at 2-8°C (36-46°F). Unopened powder can last 1+ year in the freezer. Get our complete Storage & Travel Guide.
Is this peptide legal to purchase?
Peptides sold "for research purposes only" are legal to purchase in the US, but are not FDA-approved for human use outside of specific medical applications. Always consult a healthcare provider before use.
New to peptides?
Take our Peptide Match tool to find the best peptide for your goals. You can also read our Complete Guide to Peptides to learn the basics.
AICAR Research Articles
AICAR Dosage: No Validated Human Protocol
The only human AICAR dose on record is an IV cardiac protocol that failed. What mouse studies used, what forums claim, why neither translates.
comparisonAICAR vs MOTS-C: Two Paths to AMPK
AICAR and MOTS-C flip the same AMPK switch by two different routes. Both show promise in mice, neither is proven in humans. The mechanism split.
side-effectsAICAR Side Effects: What Human Trials Reported
The only human safety data comes from failed cardiac trials: uric-acid spikes, transient kidney effects, infusion-related low blood pressure.
resultsAICAR Results Timeline: What Rodent Data Shows
AICAR has no human efficacy trials. So what does a results timeline rest on? Rodent endurance data and unverified community reports, unpacked.
Disclosure: we may earn affiliate commission from qualifying purchases. Educational information only — not medical advice.