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.
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.
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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.
Every batch ships with a matching Certificate of Analysis. The batch number printed on your vial corresponds directly to its published certificate. Verify any batch on our Testing & COAs page.
Orders placed before 5 PM ET ship the same business day via Xpresspost. Most Canadian addresses receive delivery within 1–2 business days. Free shipping applies automatically on orders over $200.
Store refrigerated at 2–8 °C, protected from light. For laboratory research use only — not for human consumption.
