AICAR
AICAR is a research peptide in the AMPK Activator class. AICAR is taken into cells and phosphorylated to ZMP, an AMP mimetic that binds the gamma subunit of AMP-activated protein kinase and activates it without changing cellular AMP:ATP ratios. AMPK activation shifts metabolism toward catabolic, ATP-generating pathways โ increased fatty acid oxidation and glucose uptake, decreased lipogenesis.
For research use only.
Key Facts
- CAS
- 3031-94-5
- Molecular Weight (MW)
- 338.21 g/mol
- Half-life
- โ
- FDA status
- Not Approved
- Administration Route
- subcutaneous, intravenous
- Frequency
- โ
- Last updated
- Aug 30, 2026
- Reviewed
- Aug 30, 2026
Vendor price snapshot
Price per mg is list price divided by vial size in milligrams when both are known from public vendor listings. Peptide Library does not sell peptides. Confirm live prices on the vendor site.
- Vendors listing this peptide
- 1
- Listed offers
- 1
- Price per mg range
- $1.00/mg
Research summary
Adenosine analog studied as an AMP-activated protein kinase activator in metabolic and exercise-physiology research. Not FDA-approved. It is prohibited in sport under the WADA gene and metabolic modulators category.
Peptide Library's AICAR profile summarises 5 cited studies listed in the Science section, the compound's regulatory status, and research-protocol parameters reported for it. It is a research reference, not medical advice.
Protocol
- Dosage Range
- โ
- Frequency
- โ
- Cycle
- โ
- Administration Route
- subcutaneous, intravenous
- Reconstitution Guide
- โ
Sequence & molecular data
| Molecular formula | C9H15N4O8P |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 338.21 g/mol |
| CAS number | 3031-94-5 |
| PubChem CID | 65110 |
| FDA UNII | F0X88YW0YK |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL483849 |
| DrugBank | DB01700 |
Identifiers link to the public PubChem, FDA Substance Registration (UNII), ChEMBL and DrugBank records for the same entity.
Science
Mechanism of Action
AICAR is taken into cells and phosphorylated to ZMP, an AMP mimetic that binds the gamma subunit of AMP-activated protein kinase and activates it without changing cellular AMP:ATP ratios. AMPK activation shifts metabolism toward catabolic, ATP-generating pathways โ increased fatty acid oxidation and glucose uptake, decreased lipogenesis. Its reported effects on endurance capacity in rodents are what led to its prohibition in competition.
Studies
- AICA-riboside (acadesine), an activator of AMP-activated protein kinase with potential for application in hematologic malignancies
- Acadesine, an adenosine-regulating agent with the potential for widespread indications
- Acadesine alleviates acute pancreatitis-related lung injury by mediating the barrier protective function of pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells
- Acadesine suppresses TNF-ฮฑ induced complement component 3 (C3), in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells
- Acadesine: preclinical overview
Regulatory & research status
AICAR is not an FDA-approved product. It is sold for laboratory research and has no approved medical use.
| FDA status | Not Approved |
|---|---|
| Research status | Research-only compound; no approval pathway listed |
| Availability | Research-Only |
| WADA (sport) | Unknown / Not Listed |
| Library classification | Research-Only |
Benefits
โ
Potential Side Effects
No side effects listed yet for this entry.
Storage & stability
Lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptide powder is far more stable than the reconstituted solution. Keep sealed vials cold, dry and away from light; long-term storage is typically frozen, with short-term refrigeration for vials in use.
Once reconstituted in bacteriostatic water, keep the solution refrigerated, avoid repeated freezeโthaw cycles and agitation, and label the vial with the reconstitution date and concentration. Discard any solution that turns cloudy or shows particulates.
Degradation rates differ by sequence: peptides containing methionine, cysteine, asparagine or glutamine are more prone to oxidation and deamidation, so shelf life after reconstitution is compound-specific rather than universal.
Read the full guide: how to store peptides before and after reconstitution โ
Source: Manning MC, Chou DK, Murphy BM, Payne RW, Katayama DS. Stability of protein pharmaceuticals: an update. Pharm Res. 2010;27(4):544โ575. (PMID 20143256). General guidance for research handling; not product-specific instructions.
AICAR: frequently asked questions
What is AICAR?
Adenosine analog studied as an AMP-activated protein kinase activator in metabolic and exercise-physiology research. Not FDA-approved. It is prohibited in sport under the WADA gene and metabolic modulators category.
How does AICAR work?
AICAR is taken into cells and phosphorylated to ZMP, an AMP mimetic that binds the gamma subunit of AMP-activated protein kinase and activates it without changing cellular AMP:ATP ratios. AMPK activation shifts metabolism toward catabolic, ATP-generating pathways โ increased fatty acid oxidation and glucose uptake, decreased lipogenesis.
Is AICAR FDA approved?
No. AICAR is not approved by the FDA for any indication and is categorised as research-only. It has not been reviewed for safety or efficacy as a medicine, and published research should be read as investigation rather than established use.
What peptides are similar to AICAR?
Compounds most often compared with AICAR include 5-Amino-1MQ, SLU-PP-332, BAM15 and Tesofensine. They are grouped by shared mechanism or research area rather than by equivalence, and their regulatory status and evidence base differ.
References
- AICA-riboside (acadesine), an activator of AMP-activated protein kinase with potential for application in hematologic malignancies โ Expert Opin Investig Drugs, 2010External reference
- Acadesine, an adenosine-regulating agent with the potential for widespread indications โ Expert Opin Pharmacother, 2008External reference
- Acadesine alleviates acute pancreatitis-related lung injury by mediating the barrier protective function of pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells โ Int Immunopharmacol, 2022External reference
- Acadesine suppresses TNF-ฮฑ induced complement component 3 (C3), in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells โ PLoS One, 2020External reference
- Acadesine: preclinical overview โ Adv Exp Med Biol, 1994External reference
Related research, comparisons & guides
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Compiled by Peptide Library Editorial ยท Reviewed Aug 30, 2026 ยท Updated Aug 30, 2026 ยท Version 1
This AICAR profile is compiled from published literature (5 cited studies linked above), public regulatory records and chemical registries. It describes what research reports; it is not medical advice, and nothing here is a dosing recommendation for humans. Peptide Library does not sell peptides. Editorial policy ยท How profiles are compiled ยท Report an error
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