AICAR
Also known as Acadesine
A compound (not a peptide) that tricks your cells into thinking you've exercised. Banned in sport.
Quick facts
- Status
- Not an approved medicine
- Evidence
- Preclinical for performance and fat loss; studied in humans only for other indications
- Taken as
- Injection
- Common sizes
- 50 mg
- Category
- AMPK activator · metabolism (experimental)
How it works
It switches on AMPK — the cell's "low fuel" sensor — which makes muscles burn more sugar and fat.
What people use it for
- Endurance
- Fat loss
What the research shows
- Sedentary mice ran longer after taking it.
- No human studies for performance or fat loss.
Side effects & risks
- Can change blood sugar and uric acid
- Unknown long-term effects
- Banned in sport
Is it legal?
Not an approved medicine in the EU, UK or US. In most countries it is illegal to sell it for use in people. Products labelled "research use only" are not checked for quality or purity. Prohibited in sport (WADA, metabolic modulators).
Storage & safe handling
- Mix with bacteriostatic water: let it run slowly down the inside of the vial and swirl gently — never shake.
- Store the mixed vial in the fridge and follow the use-by period on the label.
- Wipe the vial top with alcohol and use a new sterile needle and syringe every time.
- Rotate injection sites so the same spot is not used again and again.
- Put used needles in a sharps container, not the household bin.
- Get medical help for redness that spreads, fever, swelling or trouble breathing.
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Sources: Narkar VA et al., "AMPK and PPARδ agonists are exercise mimetics", Cell 2008; WADA Prohibited List.
Last updated 12 October 2026. Information — not medical advice. PepTimer does not replace a doctor. Many peptides are not approved medicines in the EU, UK or US. Talk to a qualified healthcare provider before starting, changing or stopping any treatment.
Last updated 12 October 2026. Information — not medical advice. PepTimer does not replace a doctor. Many peptides are not approved medicines in the EU, UK or US. Talk to a qualified healthcare provider before starting, changing or stopping any treatment.