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Growth recoveryMetabolicIn StockSubQ injection

AICAR

Nucleotide analogue · AMPK activator · Synthetic

Half-life

~2-3h

After administration

Delivery Method

SubQ injection

Route of administration

Storage (Lyophilised)

12-24 months

2–8°C

Storage (Reconstituted)

4–6 weeks

Refrigerate at 2-8C

Known For

AMPK activator. Mimics exercise at the cellular level by activating AMP-activated protein kinase. Improves endurance, glucose uptake, and fat oxidation. Originally studied for cardiac ischemia protection. Banned in competitive sports.

Mechanism of Action

AMPK activator — "exercise in a pill." Mimics metabolic effects of exercise: fat oxidation, glucose uptake, mitochondrial biogenesis. Also purine synthesis intermediate.

Body vs. External Supply

🟡 Natural/Topping Up

Brand / Trade Names

Acadesine (INN name) No commercial pharmaceutical brand for human use WADA prohibited substance Research chemical

Typical Research Dosage

150-500mg/day SubQ or IV. Often cycled: MAXIMUM 14 days on, 4 weeks off. Some use 50mg daily.

Vial Duration Guide

50mg vial at 50mg/day = 1 day per vial. Expensive at effective doses.

Recommended Vial Size

★ 50mg (only size) At 50mg/day = 1 vial per day. Used immediately. No shelf life concern. Expensive at effective doses.

Time to Effects

EARLY: 1-3 days FULL: 2-4 weeks Day 1-3: Improved exercise endurance — this is one of the faster-acting metabolic peptides. AMPK activation is rapid. Week 1-2: Significant endurance improvements. Enhanced fat oxidation during exercise. Glucose uptake improved. Week 2-4: Peak metabolic benefits. Exercise capacity substantially enhanced. Cycle 4-6 weeks max. Effects are noticeable quickly but compound is expensive and cycles are short. Minimum commitment: 2 weeks.

Contraindications & Do Not Combine

• Caution with diabetes medications (AICAR improves glucose uptake — combined with metformin/insulin = hypoglycaemia risk)

Common Side Effects

Lactic acidosis (dose-dependent — serious at high doses), hypoglycaemia, GI discomfort, potential cardiac effects at high doses

Drug Interactions

Metformin (additive AMPK — risk of excessive metabolic activation), insulin/anti-diabetics (↑hypoglycaemia risk)

Reversibility

Fully reversible — enzyme activation, no structural changes

Key Peer-Reviewed References

All studies are published in indexed journals unless otherwise noted.

• Narkar et al. (2008) Cell 134:405-15 — 'Exercise pill' paper • Merrill et al. (1997) J Biol Chem 272:32530-6 — AMPK activation • Extensive preclinical literature on AMPK pathway • NOT FDA APPROVED • WADA prohibited substance • No large-scale human clinical trials for performance/aging

Research Disclaimer

Almost all data is preclinical (animal or in-vitro). No large-scale randomised controlled human trials are available for most compounds on this catalogue. This information is provided for research reference only.

Storage Requirements

2-8°C. Solution: use quickly (less stable).

State	Condition	Duration
Lyophilised (sealed)	2–8°C	12-24 months
Reconstituted	2-8C	4–6 weeks

Reconstitution Note

Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water (BAC water). Do not shake vigorously -- swirl gently to dissolve. Inject BAC water slowly down the side of the vial to avoid denaturing the peptide.

Video Resources

AICAR discussed by researchers & practitioners

Independent educational content from researchers, clinicians, and science communicators. Not affiliated with Pepnerd — provided as supplementary reading.

Educational resources only. The videos above are independent third-party content from researchers, clinicians, and science communicators. Pepnerd is not affiliated with any of these creators and does not endorse or make any claims based on their content. All products are sold strictly for in-vitro scientific research.

Select Vial Size

$65.00 per vial

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Quick Reference

Half-life	~2-3 hours
Delivery	SubQ injection
Typical dose	150-500mg/day
Storage (lyoph.)	2–8°C
Storage (recon.)	4–6 weeks
Endogenous?	Natural/Topping Up
Suppression	None known
WADA	Prohibited (S4)
FDA status	Preclinical only