AICAR
ZMP, AMPK activator, ATX-304, O-304 · AMPK activator (unapproved)
What it is
A cell-energy-sensor (AMPK) activator with decades of legitimate lab use and a doping history — part of the same 2008-era "exercise mimetic" excitement as Cardarine. ATX-304 (O-304) is a distinct, clinical-stage AMPK activator that circulates under the same umbrella; it is not the same molecule.
What human evidence shows
Real human infusion studies exist (cardiology contexts, decades old) plus the famous mouse endurance work. For fat-loss use: nothing.
Risks
AICAR is a purine pathway intermediate; systemic exposure has documented uric-acid and metabolic effects in the infusion literature. Long-term activation of a master energy switch is uncharacterized in humans. WADA-prohibited (and actually detected in cycling). ATX-304's early-trial data does not transfer to any product sold outside its trials.
Legal status
US: not FDA-approved for human use; WADA-prohibited.
Evidence base
established literature
Real human evidence: randomised trial reports, or review-level evidence backed by at least one human trial report.
- phase 3/4
- 0
- randomised
- 5
- reviews
- 3
- human trials
- 19
Counts are of published papers, not distinct trials, and measure how much research exists — not whether this works or is safe for you.
Research (12)
- AICAr, a Widely Used AMPK Activator with Important AMPK-Independent Effects: A Systematic ReviewCells · 2021
- Liposome-encapsulated AICAR hydrogel regulates macrophage metabolic reprogramming via SIK1 activation to alleviate osteoarthritisJ Nanobiotechnology · 2025
- Administration of AICAR, an AMPK Activator, Prevents and Reverses Diabetic Polyneuropathy (DPN) by Regulating MitophagyInt J Mol Sci · 2024
- AICAR confers prophylactic cardioprotection in doxorubicin-induced heart failure in ratsJ Mol Cell Cardiol · 2024
- AICAr Inhibition of cardiomyocyte autophagy promotes p62-dependent NRF2 expression and protection against doxorubicin toxicityCell Mol Life Sci · 2025
- AICAR attenuates postoperative abdominal adhesion formation by inhibiting oxidative stress and promoting mesothelial cell repairPLoS One · 2022
- AICAR stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis and BCAA catabolic enzyme expression in C2C12 myotubesBiochimie · 2022
- Quantification of AICAR and study of metabolic markers after administrationRSC Adv · 2024
- AICAR decreases acute lung injury by phosphorylating AMPK and upregulating heme oxygenase-1Eur Respir J · 2021
- An intrinsic purine metabolite AICAR blocks lung tumour growth by targeting oncoprotein mucin 1Br J Cancer · 2023
- AMPK activation by AICAR reduces diet induced fatty liver in C57BL/6 miceTissue Cell · 2023
- AICAR, an AMPK activator, protects against cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury through the JAK/STAT/SOCS pathwayBiochem Biophys Res Commun · 2019
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