AICAR Research Compound (Acadesine / AMPK Activator)
Powder Format • ≥99% HPLC Purity • Ships in 1–2 Business Days • U.S. Warehouses
AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribofuranoside, Acadesine, CAS 2627-69-2) is a cell-permeable synthetic purine nucleoside analog and indirect activator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), supplied by Nextday Peptides in powder format for laboratory and analytical research applications. AICAR is taken up into cells via adenosine transporters and phosphorylated by intracellular adenosine kinase to its active form ZMP (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribofuranosyl-5′-monophosphate) — an AMP analog that mimics the allosteric activating effects of AMP on the AMPK heterotrimer complex without affecting cellular AMP/ATP ratios directly. This indirect, ZMP-mediated AMPK activation mechanism makes AICAR one of the most widely used pharmacological tools in cellular energy sensing and metabolic pathway research. For scientific research use only.
Compound Specifications
| Compound Name | AICAR / Acadesine / 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside / AICA Riboside |
| Classification | Purine nucleoside analog — indirect AMPK activator via ZMP metabolite |
| Mechanism | Phosphorylated by adenosine kinase → ZMP → allosteric AMPK activation |
| Primary Target | AMPK (AMP-Activated Protein Kinase) — via ZMP AMP mimicry |
| Additional Targets | Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase inhibition; adenosine production stimulation; FoxO3a autophagy activation |
| Molecular Formula | C₉H₁₄N₄O₅ |
| Molecular Weight | 258.23 g/mol |
| PubChem CID | 2154 |
| CAS Number | 2627-69-2 |
| Form | Powder |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Purity | ≥99% (HPLC verified) |
| Solubility | Water (up to 15 mg/mL); DMSO (soluble) |
| Storage | -20°C; stable ≥2 years when stored properly |
| Synonyms | Acadesine, AICA Riboside, NSC105823, 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribofuranoside |
Why Research Laboratories Select AICAR
AICAR is the single most widely used pharmacological AMPK activator in cell-based metabolic research — referenced across thousands of published studies from Abcam, Sigma-Aldrich, Selleckchem, Focus Biomolecules, and MedChemExpress. Its indirect ZMP-mediated activation mechanism provides cell-penetrant AMPK pathway engagement without the direct AMP/ATP ratio disruption associated with other energy stress inducers, making it the preferred tool compound for dissecting AMPK-specific signaling from broader cellular energy stress responses in controlled laboratory systems.
- Most widely used pharmacological AMPK activator — referenced across thousands of peer-reviewed publications
- Cell-permeable — enters cells via adenosine transporters without membrane disruption
- Indirect ZMP mechanism — AMPK activation without direct AMP/ATP ratio perturbation
- AMPK heterodimer activation — phosphorylates metabolic enzymes activating catabolic pathways (ketogenesis) and inhibiting anabolic pathways (protein synthesis, lipogenesis)
- FoxO3a-mediated skeletal muscle autophagy activation studied in myocyte research models
- Ligand-independent insulin receptor activation studied in glucose metabolism research
- Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase inhibition — studied in hepatic gluconeogenesis pathway research
- Phase 3 clinical trial data available — studied as Acadesine in lymphoma and cardiac ischemia research
- Batch and lot identifiers on all labeling for full laboratory documentation compliance
Research Background
AICAR was originally identified as having three pharmacological applications — stimulation of cardiac adenosine production during ischemia, inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenesis via fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, and AMPK activation. Corton et al. (1995) published foundational AMPK activation data establishing AICAR as the standard pharmacological AMPK tool compound. Sullivan et al. (1994) published the hepatic gluconeogenesis inhibition mechanism. Acadesine advanced to Phase 3 clinical trials for B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) — Montillo et al. and other groups published clinical data. AICAR is on the WADA prohibited list as a metabolic modulator. All information provided here is for educational and reference purposes only and does not constitute medical or clinical guidance.
Reference sources: PubChem — AICAR (CID 2154) | Sigma-Aldrich — AICAR (A9978)
Shipping & Fulfillment
- Ships from U.S. warehouses — Florida, North Carolina, and California
- Overnight and 2-day shipping available at checkout
- Same-day processing on orders placed before 3:30 PM ET
- Discreet packaging with full tracking provided
- Bulk research orders welcome — contact us for volume pricing
Storage & Handling
- Store powder at -20°C away from light and moisture
- Stable for ≥2 years when stored properly at -20°C
- Soluble in water (up to 15 mg/mL) and DMSO
- Prepare aqueous solutions fresh and use promptly for optimal experimental consistency
- Handle using appropriate laboratory safety protocols
- Keep containers tightly sealed when not in use
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AICAR?
AICAR (Acadesine, CAS 2627-69-2) is a cell-permeable synthetic purine nucleoside analog and indirect AMPK activator. It is phosphorylated intracellularly by adenosine kinase to ZMP — an AMP analog that mimics the allosteric activating effects of AMP on the AMPK heterotrimer. The most widely used pharmacological AMPK tool compound in cell-based metabolic research. Supplied strictly for scientific, analytical, and in-vitro laboratory research use only.
How does AICAR activate AMPK?
AICAR enters cells via adenosine transporters and is phosphorylated by adenosine kinase to ZMP (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribofuranosyl-5′-monophosphate). ZMP structurally mimics AMP and binds the γ-subunit of the AMPK heterotrimer, inducing conformational changes that activate AMPK kinase activity. Critically, ZMP does not affect cellular AMP or ATP concentrations — allowing AMPK-specific pathway activation without the confounding effects of broader energy stress.
How does AICAR differ from direct AMPK activators like A-769662?
AICAR is an indirect AMPK activator — it requires intracellular conversion to ZMP to activate AMPK, making it cell-permeable dependent on adenosine transporter expression and adenosine kinase activity. Direct activators like A-769662 bind the AMPK complex directly at the β-subunit carbohydrate-binding module. AICAR is preferred for cell-type studies where transporter and kinase activity is present; direct activators are used when bypassing the conversion step is required.
Is AICAR on the WADA prohibited list?
Yes. AICAR (Acadesine) is listed on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list as a metabolic modulator. This product is for laboratory research use only and must not be used in competitive athletics or for any human administration purposes.
What purity is your AICAR?
Every batch is independently verified to ≥99% HPLC purity. A Certificate of Analysis is available for each lot.
How fast does Nextday Peptides ship?
We ship from U.S. warehouses in Florida, North Carolina, and California. Overnight and 2-day shipping options are available. Orders placed before 3:30 PM ET are processed same day.
Are bulk orders available?
Yes. We accommodate bulk research orders. Contact us directly for volume pricing and availability.
Is this product approved for medical use?
No. This product is for laboratory research use only. It is not approved for human or veterinary use, and is not intended for diagnostic, therapeutic, or clinical applications of any kind.
What other compounds does Nextday Peptides carry?
We also carry SLU-PP-332, NAD+, MOTS-C, and Glutathione GSH. View our full research compounds catalog.
For Research Use Only — Not for human or veterinary consumption • Not evaluated by the FDA • Supplied by Nextday Peptides for controlled in-vitro laboratory research use only
