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Peptide Library / Longevity / Performance

AICAR

AMPK activator (Acadesine)

AICAR Research Protocol

Complete Research Guide 4 min read1 peer-reviewed references

Quickstart Overview

AICAR (acadesine) is an AMP analog that directly activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), the cell's master energy sensor. It is studied as an 'exercise mimetic' for its ability to shift metabolism toward fat oxidation and endurance without training.

Reconstitution
Add 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water to a 50 mg vial → 25 mg/mL
Literature Range
mg-range, study-dependent
Measuring Reference
At 25 mg/mL: 25 mg = 1.0 mL = 100 units
Frequency
Pre-exercise
Route (studies)
Subcutaneous
Class
AMPK activator

Scientific Data

Molecular Formula
—
Molecular Weight
258.23 Da
Sequence
5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide
Sequence Length
39
CAS
Research compound
Peptide Family
Small molecule
Half-life
Refer to published literature
Solubility
Bacteriostatic water, sterile saline
Storage
Lyophilized: -20°C. Reconstituted: 2–8°C, use within 2–4 weeks.
Appearance
White lyophilized powder
Standard: 50 mg vial · 2 mL diluent

Dosing & Reconstitution Guide

Interactive Reconstitution
Adjust vial size, diluent and target dose. Results update live.
Full Precision Calculator →
Concentration
25.00 mg/mL
Draw Volume
1.000 mL
Syringe Units
100.0 U
Doses / Vial
2

Units assume a U-100 insulin syringe (100 units = 1 mL). An AMPK-activating exercise mimetic; dosed in the mg range before activity.

Frequency: Pre-exercise

Reconstitution Steps

  1. 1Allow the lyophilized vial and bacteriostatic water to reach room temperature (~15 min).
  2. 2Swab both vial stoppers with a fresh 70% isopropyl alcohol pad and let them dry.
  3. 3Draw 2.0 mL of bacteriostatic water into a mixing syringe.
  4. 4Insert at an angle and let the water run slowly down the glass wall — never directly onto the powder.
  5. 5Gently swirl (do not shake) until the solution is completely clear.
  6. 6Label with date and concentration (mg/mL) and refrigerate at 2–8 °C immediately.

Supplies Needed

Planning example for a 6-week protocol at approximately 25000 mcg per day.

Peptide (50 mg vials)
Estimate vials from total mass: 25000 mcg/day × 42 days.
Bacteriostatic Water
One 10–30 mL vial typically covers a full cycle.
Insulin Syringes (U-100)
One per administration (29–31 G, 0.3–0.5 mL).
Alcohol Swabs
Two per administration (vial + site).
Sharps Container
Required for safe disposal.

Protocol Overview

Goal
Model AMPK-driven oxidative metabolism and endurance.
Schedule
Pre-exercise, 4–6 weeks.
Dose Range
mg-range, study-dependent.

Dosing Protocol

Standard
Study-dependent; mg-range dosing
Frequency
Pre-exercise in protocols
Target
Per research design
Cycle Length
4–6 weeks
Timing
Before activity
Route
Subcutaneous

Storage Instructions

Lyophilized
−20 °C long term (18–24 months); stable at room temperature for short transit.
Reconstituted
2–8 °C refrigerated; use within 4 weeks.
Light
Protect from direct light; keep in the original carton.
Freeze/Thaw
Avoid repeat freeze–thaw cycles after reconstitution.

Important Notes

  • Prohibited in competitive sport (WADA).
  • Human efficacy data is limited; most evidence is animal.

How This Works

AICAR is converted intracellularly to ZMP, which mimics AMP and allosterically activates AMPK. Active AMPK switches cells to energy-producing pathways: increased glucose uptake, fatty-acid oxidation and mitochondrial biogenesis, while suppressing anabolic energy consumption. In sedentary mice AICAR increased running endurance, establishing its exercise-mimetic reputation; it is also studied in metabolic and cardioprotection research.

Potential Benefits & Side Effects

Reported in research
  • Direct AMPK activation (energy-sensing pathway)
  • Increased fatty-acid oxidation and glucose uptake
  • Enhanced endurance in sedentary animal models
  • Studied for metabolic and cardioprotective effects
Possible considerations
  • Injection-site reactions
  • Potential effects on uric acid/metabolism
  • Limited human data
  • WADA-prohibited in sport

Lifestyle Factors

  • Adequate hydration and 7–9 h of sleep are standard controls in most research protocols.
  • Consistent dose timing improves the reliability of any self-tracked endpoints.
  • Maintain a clean, sterile workflow for every draw to avoid contamination.

Injection Technique

  1. 1Wash hands, then prep the vial top and the target site with separate alcohol swabs.
  2. 2Pinch a subcutaneous skin fold (abdomen, ~2 inches from the navel) and insert at 45–90°.
  3. 3Depress the plunger slowly over 3–5 seconds, hold 5 seconds, then withdraw.
  4. 4Rotate sites each administration and dispose of the syringe in a sharps container.

Frequently Asked Questions

Third-party HPLC testing

CG Labz Verified Batches

No published batches yet.

Research Disclaimer

All compounds are supplied strictly for laboratory research. Dosing figures below summarize ranges reported in published preclinical and clinical literature for reference purposes only. CG Labz does not provide medical advice or individualized dosing recommendations.

Peer-reviewed literature

References

  1. [1] Cell
    Narkar V.A. et al. AMPK and PPARδ agonists are exercise mimetics.
    View Source