AICAR

AICAR 50 mg – nucleotide analogue that activates AMPK

Peptology Ltd. · Peptides for energy and regeneration

AICAR is a nucleotide analogue that activates AMPK that Peptology supplies strictly for laboratory research, in 50 mg. You can buy AICAR in Cyprus online from €40.00, with same-day dispatch for orders placed by 15:00. 99%+ purity, HPLC/MS certificate for every batch, so every vial comes with documented quality data. Delivery in 5–7 working days with BOX NOW, free from €50; you pay on delivery – by card through the BOX NOW payment link, before you open the locker. The product is not intended for human or veterinary use.

40,00 € · Out of stock

For research use only / Not a medicine

Last updated: 18/10/2026

What is AICAR?

AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide, AICA ribonucleotide) is a nucleotide analogue — an intermediate molecule of purine synthesis — that acts as a direct activator of AMPK, the cell’s central “energy sensor”. It is one of the best-known “exercise mimetics” in metabolism research.

Note on accuracy: Unlike most products in the catalogue, AICAR is not a peptide but a nucleotide analogue (an AMP mimetic). It is included here as a metabolic/mitochondrial research tool, alongside molecules such as MOTS-c.

Inside the cell it is converted to ZMP, a molecule that mimics AMP and activates AMPK — triggering metabolic pathways similar to those of natural exercise. It is studied for metabolic control, mitochondrial biogenesis, endurance and glucose/lipid utilisation. See the range in the all products category.

In the Peptology version, it is supplied as a lyophilised research-grade powder with purity > 99%, in a 50 mg format. It is intended exclusively for scientific, research and in vitro applications — it is not a medicine and is prohibited in sport (WADA).

Available format: 50 mg

50 MG

High content

A large amount per vial, for extended metabolic protocols.

PURITY

> 99%

Validated per batch, for reliable and repeatable research results.

How AICAR works — direct AMPK activation

ZMP → AMPK

It is converted intracellularly to ZMP, which mimics AMP and directly activates AMPK — without the need for a real energy crisis.

ENERGY UTILISATION

Promotes glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation, increasing metabolic “flexibility”.

MITOCHONDRIAL BIOGENESIS

Via AMPK it enhances mitochondrial biogenesis and endurance — effects similar to those of training.

An “exercise mimetic” via AMPK

AMPK is activated physiologically when the cell “spends” energy (e.g. during exercise). AICAR activates it pharmacologically, reproducing many of the metabolic effects of training — which is why it became a classic tool in the study of metabolism, endurance and mitochondrial function.

Compared with the peptide MOTS-c (which also activates AMPK but is a peptide of mitochondrial origin) and NAD+ (an energy/redox cofactor), AICAR is a small molecule that targets AMPK directly. The mechanisms come from preclinical studies.

Properties and pharmacology

Class: nucleotide analogue (AMP mimetic) — not a peptide
Active metabolite: ZMP, which activates AMPK
Main pathway: direct AMPK activation
Studied actions: glucose uptake, fat oxidation, mitochondrial biogenesis, endurance
Characterisation: “exercise mimetic”
Status: research molecule; prohibited in sport (WADA)

AICAR vs. MOTS-c vs. NAD+

Comparison of three molecules with a central role in energy metabolism and mitochondrial function. Reference data.

	AICAR	MOTS-c	NAD+
Molecule type	Nucleotide analogue	Mitochondrial peptide	Coenzyme (dinucleotide)
Relationship with AMPK	Direct activation	AMPK activation	Supports redox
“Exercise mimetic”	Yes (classic)	Yes	Indirectly
Main focus	Metabolism / endurance	Metabolic regulation	Energy / ageing
Status	Research (WADA-prohibited)	Research	Research

Sources: literature on AICAR, AMPK signalling and metabolic molecules.

Research

AMPK, metabolism and endurance

AICAR is the “classic” pharmacological tool for activating AMPK in research: in studies it increases glucose uptake, fatty acid oxidation and mitochondrial biogenesis, with improved endurance in experimental models.

Mitochondrial studies

Because of its direct action on AMPK, it is widely used as a means of investigating mitochondrial function and metabolic adaptation in cell and animal models.

Data limitations

The data come mainly from preclinical studies; human bioavailability and long-term safety are not fully characterised. AICAR is prohibited by WADA.

Note: Scientific reference based on preclinical data. It is not medical advice or a claim for the product.

In brief — scientific profile

AMPK

energy sensor

ZMP

active metabolite (AMP mimetic)

Nucleotide

not a peptide

50 mg

available form

AMPK activator Exercise mimetic Nucleotide analogue Mitochondrial biogenesis Endurance / metabolism 50 mg WADA-banned

Nucleotide analogue (AMP mimetic) — not a peptide
Direct activator of AMPK — via the metabolite ZMP
“Exercise mimetic” — reproduces the metabolic effects of training
Mitochondrial biogenesis & endurance — glucose uptake, fat oxidation
50 mg format — lyophilised powder, purity > 99%
Research product — prohibited in sport (WADA)

Side effects and safety

The safety profile of AICAR in humans is not fully characterised, as the data come mainly from preclinical studies. The reactions reported are generally mild.

Common

Injection-site reactions
Transient fatigue
Mild headache

Less common

Transient glucose changes
Effect on uric acid (purine metabolism)
Dizziness

Precautions

Allergic reaction / hypersensitivity
Caution with glucose regulation
Caution with gout/purines

Because it is related to purine metabolism, there is a theoretical precaution regarding uric acid. Scientific reference, not instructions for use.

Related products

MOTS-c

Mitochondrial peptide (AMPK)

NAD+ 1000 mg

Energy and redox metabolism

SS-31

Mitochondrial antioxidant

Peptide Matrix Water™

Recommended reconstitution solvent

See: All products · Blog

Laboratory tested

Discreet packaging

Purity certificate

Research product

Research warning: AICAR is offered exclusively for scientific, research and in vitro purposes. It is not intended for human/veterinary use, or for the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of any condition, and does not constitute medical advice. AICAR is prohibited in sport (WADA).

Is AICAR a peptide?

No. It is a nucleotide analogue (an AMP mimetic), an intermediate of purine synthesis. It is included in the catalogue as a metabolic/mitochondrial research tool, but it is not a peptide.

How does it differ from MOTS-c?

Both activate AMPK and are described as “exercise mimetics”. MOTS-c is a peptide of mitochondrial origin; AICAR is a small molecule (a nucleotide analogue) that targets AMPK directly.

What distinguishes AICAR from other AMPK agonists?

AICAR is an AMP mimetic (ZMP) with rapid cellular activation of AMPK. New small molecules are being developed with the aim of better stability/selectivity .

Molecule identity

CAS number	2627-69-2
Molecular weight	258.23 g/mol
Molecular formula	C₉H₁₄N₄O₅
Class	Nucleotide analogue, AMPK activator
Form	Lyophilised powder in a glass vial
Storage	Lyophilisate: 2–8 °C, dry and protected from light · after reconstitution: 2–8 °C

Buy AICAR in Cyprus – price

You can buy AICAR in Cyprus online from Peptology. Prices by strength:

AICAR: €40.00

Orders placed by 15:00 on working days ship the same day and are delivered in 5–7 working days with BOX NOW. Shipping costs €2 and is free from €50; you pay on delivery – by card through the BOX NOW payment link, before you open the locker.

AICAR 50 mg: which strength

AICAR is available in: 50 mg.

Research protocols

Important: Reference information for research purposes — not a recommendation for use or medical advice.

In the research literature, AICAR schedules are shaped around its metabolic/AMPK action:

In preclinical models it is studied in cycles, with metabolism/endurance markers for monitoring
It is often combined with physical activity or with other metabolic molecules
Bioavailability is a point of attention, since the molecule is not a peptide

It is sometimes studied together with metabolic molecules such as MOTS-c. The schedules come from the literature and do not constitute a recommendation for individual use.

Storage and reconstitution

It is supplied as a lyophilised powder in a 50 mg vial. Lyophilised, it is stable at room temperature, away from light/humidity. For reconstitution, the recommended solvent is Peptide Matrix Water™, which significantly extends the shelf life of the solution.

Before reconstitution: room temperature, away from light/moisture; up to 24 months.
With Peptide Matrix Water™ (recommended): refrigerator 2–8 °C up to 60 days — the best stability option.
With bacteriostatic water or sterile water: refrigerator 2–8 °C up to 28 days. No re-freezing.
Reconstitution: add the solvent slowly down the wall, without vigorous agitation.

Laboratory tip: Add Peptide Matrix Water™ to your basket — the recommended stabilising solvent for all reconstituted products.

Laboratory protocol — reconstitution, research protocols, storage

Standard protocol, applicable to all research peptides in the Peptology catalogue. For the concentration of the solution (mg/mL) per vial, use the peptide reconstitution calculator.

The 60-second protocol

1. SOLVENT

Peptide Matrix Water

2. RECONSTITUTION

The solvent is added to the wall of the vial, without agitation, then wait 10–15 minutes.

3. CALCULATION

Calculator → concentration in mg/mL

4. STORAGE

+2 °C to +8 °C, up to 60 days with Peptide Matrix Water

Quick reference

Parameter	Value
Form	Lyophilised powder
Solvent	Peptide Matrix Water
Volume for reconstitution	1–3 mL — 3 mL maximum (capacity of the standard vial)
Storage before reconstitution	Room temperature, protected from direct light (refrigeration is not mandatory)
After reconstitution	Up to 60 days at +2 °C to +8 °C with Peptide Matrix Water

What you will need

Precision pipette

Calibrated, 100–1000 µL — for accurate measurement of the volume of solvent added to the vial.

70% alcohol pads

Two pads — to disinfect the peptide vial and the solvent vial.

Peptide Matrix Water

Stabilised solvent for lyophilised peptides. Why this one.

Five rules for reconstitution

✅ Correct	❌ Wrong
Disinfect the stoppers and the work surface with 70% alcohol, work with gloves	Working without disinfection
The solvent is added slowly down the wall of the vial	Direct jet onto the powder — foaming and denaturation
Light swirling between the palms	Shaking — foam, on which the peptides denature
Wait 10–15 minutes at room temperature	Mechanical mixing or heating
Visual inspection: clear, without particles	Using a cloudy or coloured solution

Calculating the concentration

⚠️ Maximum 3 mL of solvent. The standard vial does not allow a larger volume — do not exceed it during reconstitution.

Concentration (mg/mL) = mg in the vial ÷ mL of solvent
Volume per sample (mL) = amount per sample (mg) ÷ concentration (mg/mL)
1 mg/mL = 1 µg/µL · 1 mL = 1000 µL

Reconstitution per vial — solvent: Peptide Matrix Water. Concentration after addition (1 mg/mL = 1 µg/µL):

Vial	+ 1 mL	+ 2 mL	+ 3 mL
50 mg	50 mg/mL	25 mg/mL	16.67 mg/mL

👉 For any vial and solvent volume — use the calculator. It calculates the concentration (mg/mL, µg/µL) and the volume per sample (mL, µL).

Storage

BEFORE RECONSTITUTION

Room temperature, protected from direct light, in the original packaging. Refrigeration is not mandatory.

AFTER RECONSTITUTION

+2 °C to +8 °C, up to 60 days with Peptide Matrix Water. Discard the remainder after this period.

FREEZING

Not recommended. Freeze/thaw cycles degrade the structure of the peptide.

Four mistakes to avoid

1. Shaking for “faster dissolution”

Foam = denaturation. Only gentle swirling between the palms.

2. Unsuitable solvent

For the stability of the peptide structure, use only a sterile, purpose-designed solvent — Peptide Matrix Water is recommended.

3. Ignoring slight cloudiness

If it is not completely clear = the sample does not meet the criteria for work.

4. Removing it from the refrigerator “for an hour or two”

Short exposures add up and jeopardise stability.

Research status: All Peptology products are intended exclusively for laboratory use and research. They are not pharmaceutical products, have not been approved for human or veterinary use and do not replace medical advice. The protocol described is standard laboratory practice for working with lyophilised peptides.

How is it stored?

The lyophilised vial is stored at room temperature, away from light. After reconstitution: with Peptide Matrix Water™ — up to 60 days at 2–8 °C; with bacteriostatic water — up to 28 days.

Purity and certificate of analysis

99%+ purity, HPLC/MS certificate for every batch.

Shipping and payment

🚚 Delivery information

Orders placed by 15:00 are dispatched the same day, delivery in 5–7 working days.
Shipping with BOX NOW, chosen at checkout. Free shipping from €50, otherwise €2.

Frequently asked questions about AICAR

Where can I buy AICAR in Cyprus and what does it cost?

In Cyprus you can buy AICAR online from Peptology, from €40.00. Delivery in 5–7 working days with BOX NOW, free from €50; you pay on delivery – by card through the BOX NOW payment link, before you open the locker.

What is AICAR?

In rodents, AICAR increases endurance and oxidative capacity without training – it activates AMPK and transcriptional programmes similar to those during endurance exercise.

In what form is AICAR available?

As a lyophilised powder in a glass vial (50 mg). It is reconstituted in the laboratory with Peptide Matrix Water™ or bacteriostatic water; you can work out the concentration (mg/mL) with the <a href="/page/peptide-calculator">reconstitution calculator</a>.

Which side effects have been reported in clinical studies of AICAR?

The safety profile of AICAR in humans is not fully characterised, as the data come mainly from preclinical studies. The reactions reported are generally mild.

How long does delivery take and how do I pay?

Peptides for energy and regeneration