AICAR is a cell-permeable AMPK activator that has been described as an “exercise mimetic” — reproducing many of the molecular adaptations of endurance exercise at the cellular level without physical activity. It represents one of the most direct pharmacological approaches to metabolic pathway activation.
Research Applications
AMPK activation, exercise mimetic research, fat oxidation, glucose uptake, mitochondrial biogenesis, and metabolic disease models.
Dosage Information (Research Use)
Animal research: 250-500 mg/kg. Human translation is limited. Subcutaneous or IV administration in research. Research use only.
Reconstitution & Handling
Dissolve in sterile water or saline. Requires higher volumes due to larger doses.
Half-Life & Pharmacokinetics
Approximately 2-3 hours.
Reported Observations in Literature
Potential hypoglycemia, lactic acidosis at high doses, cardiac effects. Research use requires careful monitoring.
Key Research References
- Narkar VA, et al. “AMPK and PPARdelta agonists are exercise mimetics.” Cell. 2008