# AICAR

> AMP-mimicking AMPK activator (AICA riboside) used as an exercise-mimetic research tool

All products are sold strictly for laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.

- Web page: https://peptidemedixeu.com/en/products/aicar/
- Brand: Peptide Medix EU
- Category: [Fat-Loss & Metabolic Peptides](https://peptidemedixeu.com/en/collections/fat-loss-peptides/)
- Purity: ≥98% by HPLC; lot-matched COA available
- CAS number: 2627-69-2
- from €68 (EUR)

## Sizes and prices (EUR)

| Size | Price | SKU |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 50 mg | €68 | AICAR-50-MG |
| 100 mg | €110 | AICAR-100-MG |

_Catalog prices at build time; the web page and checkout are authoritative._

## Specifications

- **CAS number:** 2627-69-2
- **Molecular formula:** C9H14N4O5
- **Molecular weight:** 258.23 g/mol
- **Form:** Lyophilized powder, sealed glass vial
- **Purity:** ≥98% by HPLC; lot-matched COA available
- **Available sizes:** 50 mg, 100 mg
- **Solubility:** Soluble in water and aqueous buffers; also soluble in DMSO for concentrated stocks
- **Storage (lyophilized):** −20 °C, sealed and protected from light and moisture
- **Chemical name:** 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribofuranoside
- **Also known as:** AICA riboside, acadesine, AICA-riboside, ZMP precursor
- **Compound class:** Purine nucleoside analogue (small molecule, not a peptide)
- **Active intracellular species:** ZMP (AICAR 5'-monophosphate), an AMP mimetic
- **Molecular target:** AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), γ-subunit allosteric site
- **Research areas:** AMPK signalling, GLUT4 translocation and glucose uptake, fatty-acid oxidation, mitochondrial biogenesis, autophagy and mTOR crosstalk
- **Storage (in solution):** 2–8 °C short term; aliquot and freeze for longer study windows

## Description

AICAR — 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribofuranoside, also known as AICA riboside or acadesine — is a nucleoside, not a peptide. It is a small analogue of an intermediate in purine biosynthesis, formula C9H14N4O5, molecular weight 258.23 g/mol. Nucleoside transporters carry it into cells, where adenosine kinase adds a phosphate to give ZMP, a monophosphate that looks structurally like AMP.

This resemblance to AMP is exactly why AICAR is a fixture in the lab. ZMP docks onto the γ-subunit of AMP-activated protein kinase and turns the kinase on even though the cell has plenty of energy, giving researchers a controlled way to trigger AMPK signalling. It has been used to examine glucose uptake, fatty-acid oxidation, mitochondrial biogenesis and mTOR signalling in muscle, liver and fat models, and it is best known from rodent endurance studies that earned it the label “exercise mimetic”.

We supply AICAR as lyophilised powder in a sealed vial; identity and purity are determined by HPLC, and the Certificate of Analysis for each lot can be viewed before you buy. It is sold for laboratory research only and is banned in competitive sport.

## Frequently asked questions

### What kind of compound is AICAR?

It is 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide riboside, a small nucleoside also referred to as AICA riboside or acadesine. Cells convert it into ZMP, an AMP mimic that switches on AMP-activated protein kinase — which is why it is such a common reagent in AMPK research.

### Is AICAR a peptide?

It is not. Although we list it next to metabolic research peptides, AICAR is a nucleoside small molecule, C9H14N4O5, with a molecular weight of 258.23 g/mol. There is no amino acid sequence, and its chemistry is that of a nucleoside.

### How do you confirm purity?

Every lot is analysed by HPLC to a purity of 98% or higher and its identity is checked against the expected mass. You can see the Certificate of Analysis for the lot on this page before ordering; it records identity, purity and the complete analytical data.

### Which sizes can I buy?

We offer lyophilised vials of 50 mg and 100 mg. The 50 mg size fits pilot dose-response work in cell culture; the 100 mg size is the usual choice for bigger assay series or repeated tissue preparations.

### How should AICAR be stored and dissolved?

Store the sealed vial at −20 °C, protected from light and humidity. Because AICAR dissolves readily in water, aqueous buffer suits most preparations; DMSO can be used for concentrated stocks. Keep solutions cold, divide them into aliquots, and log the lot number and date prepared.

### Is AICAR prohibited in sport?

Yes. The World Anti-Doping Agency lists AICAR among prohibited metabolic modulators, and validated tests can detect it. Nothing on this page encourages use in sport — the material is supplied solely for laboratory research.

---

All products offered on this website are intended solely for in-vitro laboratory research and development by qualified professionals. They are not drugs, foods, cosmetics or dietary supplements, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Products must not be introduced into humans or animals in any manner. By purchasing, you confirm that you are a qualified researcher and accept full responsibility for handling and storage in accordance with applicable laws.

Peptide Medix EU · https://peptidemedixeu.com/en/products/aicar/