AICAR — Vendor Pricing & Purity Guide
Research Overview
AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside, also called Acadesine) is an adenosine analog that activates AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), the cell's master energy sensor. AMPK activation triggers a cascade of metabolic effects that mimic exercise: increased glucose uptake, enhanced fatty acid oxidation, improved insulin sensitivity, and mitochondrial biogenesis. AICAR gained notoriety as a potential "exercise in a pill" after studies showed it improved running endurance in sedentary mice.
AICAR has been studied clinically for cardiac protection during bypass surgery, where it reduced ischemic injury. It was added to WADA's prohibited list in 2009 as a metabolic modulator due to its exercise-mimetic properties.
Key Research Findings
- •Improved running endurance by 44% in sedentary mice without exercise training (Narkar et al., Cell 2008)
- •Activates AMPK — the same metabolic master switch activated by exercise and caloric restriction
- •Added to WADA prohibited list in 2009 as a metabolic modulator
- •Reduced ischemic cardiac injury during coronary artery bypass surgery in clinical trials
- •Stimulated mitochondrial biogenesis and shifted muscle metabolism toward fatty acid oxidation
Research Dosage Protocols
AICAR is a small molecule supplied as powder or solution. In the landmark mouse study, doses of 500 mg/kg were used via subcutaneous injection daily for 4 weeks. It has also been studied intravenously in cardiac surgery patients at doses of 0.1 mg/kg/min.
For research reference only. Not medical advice. Not for human consumption.
Price Comparison (3 products from 3 vendors)
| Vendor | Price | Stock |
|---|---|---|
| Biotech Peptides | $56.00 $1.12/mg 50mg vial | In Stock |
| Core Peptides | $62.00 $1.24/mg 50mg vial | In Stock |
| Peptide Sciences | $65.00 $1.30/mg 50mg lyophilized | In Stock |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AICAR?
AICAR is an AMPK activator that mimics exercise at the cellular level. It improved running endurance 44% in sedentary mice and is banned by WADA as a metabolic modulator.
Is AICAR a peptide?
No, it is a nucleoside analog (small molecule). It is sold through peptide vendors due to its metabolic enhancement applications.