AICAR — 50mg | AMPK Activator & Exercise Mimetic

AICAR (commonly used as the trade name for acadesine / 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside) is a synthetic adenosine analog that functions as a cell-permeable precursor to the AMP-mimetic intracellular metabolite ZMP. After cellular uptake, AICAR is phosphorylated by adenosine kinase to ZMP, which directly activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) by binding the regulatory γ-subunit. AMPK is the central energy-sensing kinase in eukaryotic cells, governing the balance between catabolic ATP-generating pathways and anabolic ATP-consuming pathways. AICAR has been studied extensively as a research tool compound for probing AMPK signaling and its downstream effects on mitochondrial biogenesis, fatty acid oxidation, glucose uptake, protein synthesis, and metabolic adaptation to energetic stress. It is one of the most widely cited compounds in exercise physiology, metabolic disease, and cellular energy homeostasis research.

Benefits (Research Focus)

• AMPK pathway activation — studied as a primary cell-permeable AMPK activator via ZMP metabolite formation

• Mitochondrial biogenesis — investigated for PGC-1α activation and downstream mitochondrial gene expression

• Glucose uptake research — explored for GLUT4 translocation and insulin-independent glucose transport

• Fatty acid oxidation — examined for ACC inhibition and increased β-oxidation in metabolic models

• Exercise mimetic signaling — researched for endurance capacity and slow-twitch muscle fiber adaptation endpoints

What Researchers Look At

• AMPK phosphorylation (Thr172) and downstream substrate panels (ACC, TSC2, Raptor)

• ZMP intracellular concentrations after AICAR administration

• PGC-1α expression, mitochondrial DNA copy number, and biogenesis markers

• Glucose uptake (2-deoxyglucose) and GLUT4 translocation assays in muscle and adipose

• Comparative AMPK pharmacology versus metformin, A-769662, MK-8722, and other direct AMPK activators

Quick Specs

• Form: Lyophilized white powder

• Net Content: 50 mg per vial

• Quantity: 1 vial

• Appearance: White to off-white lyophilizate

• Reconstitution: Bacteriostatic or sterile water (added by the end researcher)

• Purity: ≥99% by HPLC-UV

• Testing Lab: Testides (Toronto, Canada)

• Storage: Protect from light

Identity Basics

• Compound: AICAR (Acadesine / AICA Ribonucleoside)

• Synonyms: Acadesine; AICA Riboside; AICA Ribonucleoside; 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribofuranoside

• Class: Adenosine analog; cell-permeable AMPK activator (via intracellular phosphorylation to ZMP)

• Formula / M.W.: C₉H₁₄N₄O₅, ~258.23 g/mol (acadesine, the nucleoside form shipped)

• Active metabolite: ZMP (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribofuranosyl-5′-monophosphate) formed intracellularly

• CAS: 2627-69-2

⚠️ Disclaimer

• This product is intended for laboratory research use only.

• Not for human or veterinary use.

• Not approved for diagnostic, therapeutic, or medical applications.

• Handle using appropriate laboratory safety procedures and personal protective equipment.

COA Verification Notice: Even if the vial label or product image states a certain concentration, always go by the COA for the true verified value. We reference the COA to determine the verified concentration and purity of each product, regardless of what the label or product image indicates.

Testides COA — Third-Party Testing (Canadian Lab)

• AICAR 50mg Batch COA (HPLC-UV) — April 15, 2026