Small molecule · 258.2 Da

AICAR (acadesine) studies and research data

PepBank has 330 AICAR studies with results. 274 of them gave AICAR, with 1,442 results, grouped by what the studies measured. In each group, results from studies in people come first. Data as of 2026-10-30.

Searches 1,442 results and 401 papers. Newer studies from Europe PMC

Results in people

3% of 1,442 results

Results in animals

874

61% of 1,442 results

Results in lab cells

518

36% of 1,442 results

From computer models

0% of 1,442 results

The molecule

AICAR identity

Identifiers, parent molecule, targets and development stage, from curated data.

Acadesine is AICA riboside. Cells phosphorylate it to AICA ribotide, also called ZMP, which can activate AMPK as an AMP mimic. The riboside and phosphorylated metabolite have different structures. This record uses the riboside structure, C9H14N4O5. Acadesine reached phase 3 development in cardiac surgery and also entered leukemia trials. It has no confirmed FDA or EMA marketing approval.

Kind: Small molecule
Formula: C₉H₁₄N₄O₅
Identifiers: ChEMBLCHEMBL1551724 (opens in a new tab)PubChem CID17513 (opens in a new tab)UNII53IEF47846 (opens in a new tab)DrugBankDB04944 (opens in a new tab)CAS2627-69-2
Development: Phase 3PeriCor and Schering-Plough cardiac programChEMBL max_phase is 3. PubChem attributes the historical cardiac program to PeriCor and Schering-Plough. Registry NCT00872001 lists phase 3 and Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC. Registry NCT00559624 lists phase 1/2 CLL development and Advancell. Both registry entries describe administration trials. No study results were read. Source (opens in a new tab)

Targets

Molecular targets with action and evidence source
Target	Action	Evidence
AMP-activated protein kinase	Indirect activator via intracellular zmp	curated database or regulator descriptionSource (opens in a new tab)

Structure

Structure from the identity record.

2D structure

Draws the structure in your browser with RDKit (about 2.3 MB, loaded once).

SMILES fromPubChem CID 17513(opens in a new tab)

C1=NC(=C(N1[C@H]2[C@@H]([C@@H]([C@H](O2)CO)O)O)N)C(=O)N

Results by area

AICAR results by year and outcome

Counts are exact and come from studies that gave the peptide.

Studies by year

330 of 401 studies have results (82%), published 1989 to 2026. Top row: every study. Bottom row: studies with results about AICAR (acadesine), by class. The rows use different scales.

Studies
Human
Animal
Lab
Computer model
Natural levels, tool or combination only

Studies400 in all, 1989 to 2026

Studies with results330 in all, 1989 to 2026

Retracted studies are left out. A study with results in two classes counts in both.

AI wrote and checked these results. AI can make mistakes, so check important results against the source.

What the studies measured

People first in each area, then animals, then lab cells. Counts are exact and come from studies that gave the peptide.

AICAR studies on heart and blood vessels

117 results · people 25 · animals 65 · lab 27

Top 5 of 117 results

In coronary bypass patients, low-dose acadesine and placebo showed similar ECG signs of reduced heart blood flow before bypass.Anesthesia and analgesia, 1994
In CABG patients, acadesine did not reduce the primary composite of death, stroke or support for severe heart dysfunction versus placebo.JAMA, 2012
In healthy people, AICA-riboside increased forearm blood flow compared with baseline, with larger responses at higher doses.American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism, 2009
In rats, AICAR lowered systolic blood pressure.Diabetes, 2002
In rats with bile duct ligation, AICAR reduced portal pressure after acute treatment.Journal of molecular medicine, 2019

AICAR studies on side effects

12 results · people 10 · animals 2 · lab 0

Top 5 of 12 results

In coronary bypass patients, adverse event rates were similar with acadesine and placebo, except for higher uric acid at high doses.Anesthesiology, 1995
In patients with CLL, acadesine adverse events included temporary, clinically significant low blood pressure during infusion.Cancer chemotherapy and pharmacology, 2013
In patients with CLL, acadesine adverse events included impaired kidney function.Cancer chemotherapy and pharmacology, 2013
In mice on a standard diet, AICAR treatment from the first day produced some liver toxicity.International journal of molecular sciences, 2022
In coronary bypass patients, the study linked no adverse events to acadesine treatment.The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery, 1995

AICAR studies on blood sugar

98 results · people 5 · animals 70 · lab 23

Top 5 of 98 results

In men with diabetes, AICAR reduced glucose appearance compared with control.Diabetologia, 2008
In rats, AICAR increased insulin-stimulated sugar uptake in epitrochlearis muscle.Diabetes, 2001
In rats, AICAR improved heart glucose uptake compared with bypass without AICAR pretreatment.Cardiovascular therapeutics, 2018
In rats with fatty liver disease, AICAR lowered blood insulin levels.Bioscience reports, 2018
In lab tests, AICAR removed stevioside's insulin secretion benefit compared with stevioside without AICAR.American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism, 2007

AICAR studies on cholesterol and blood fats

71 results · people 3 · animals 31 · lab 37

Top 5 of 71 results

In men with diabetes, AICAR reduced fatty acid appearance compared with control.Diabetologia, 2008
In rats with fatty liver disease, AICAR lowered blood triglycerides.Bioscience reports, 2018
In mice fed a high-fat diet, AICAR reduced free arachidonic acid in the kidneys.Journal of lipid research, 2019
In apoE-deficient mice, AICAR reduced atherosclerotic plaque formation.The Journal of biological chemistry, 2010
In obese mice, AICAR normalized the elevated lipid staining intensity in muscle compared with saline control.American journal of physiology. Regulatory, integrative and comparative physiology, 2010

AICAR studies on receptors and cell signals

538 results · people 2 · animals 294 · lab 242

Top 5 of 538 results

In men with diabetes, AICAR did not increase muscle AMPK phosphorylation compared with control.Diabetologia, 2008
In mice, injected AICAR increased muscle PGC-1alpha mRNA.FASEB journal, 2005
In mice, adding AICAR reversed changes in cardiac functional indices compared with sorafenib plus high-dose COS.Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica, 2026
In rats, AICAR mitigated reduced active AMPK compared with vehicle after STZ.Journal of Alzheimer's disease, 2015
In rats, AICAR activated AMPK.Frontiers in pharmacology, 2021

AICAR studies on survival and serious illness

7 results · people 2 · animals 5 · lab 0

Top 5 of 7 results

In coronary bypass patients, overall death rates were similar with acadesine and placebo.The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery, 1995
In mice given a Western diet, AICAR improved survival after extensive liver surgery.Annals of surgery, 2020
In mice with diet-induced metabolic disease, AICAR improved internal organ pathology.International journal of molecular sciences, 2022
In coronary bypass patients, acadesine reduced deaths during the first postoperative days compared with placebo.The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery, 1995
In mice with mutant Ryr1, AICAR prevented heat-induced sudden death.Nature medicine, 2012

AICAR studies on cancer

10 results · people 2 · animals 1 · lab 7

Top 5 of 10 results

In patients with CLL, acadesine showed a trend toward fewer circulating leukemia cells, but results varied.Cancer chemotherapy and pharmacology, 2013
In cells from human pituitary tumors, four of 15 tumors showed a cell viability response to AICAR.Molecular and cellular endocrinology, 2013
In patients with CLL, acadesine showed a trend toward smaller enlarged lymph nodes, but results varied.Cancer chemotherapy and pharmacology, 2013
In cells from human pituitary tumors, one tumor responded to both AICAR and somatostatin tested separately.Molecular and cellular endocrinology, 2013
In animals, AICAR selectively reduced growth of tumors without p53.Cancer research, 2007

AICAR studies on metabolism and nutrition

8 results · people 1 · animals 7 · lab 0

Top 5 of 8 results

In patients undergoing coronary angiography, acadesine increased blood lactate compared with placebo.European journal of pharmacology, 1997
In mice exposed to fine particulate matter, AICAR increased energy metabolism.Ecotoxicology and environmental safety, 2019
In rats studied alongside cells with kidney injury, AICAR restored multiple metabolites associated with several metabolic pathways.Cellular and molecular life sciences, 2026
In rabbits, acute AICAR increased blood lactate before hemorrhage compared with vehicle.Frontiers in physiology, 2017
In mice, AICAR did not change the effects of olanzapine on whole-body substrate oxidation.The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics, 2018

AICAR studies on immune system and inflammation

151 results · people 0 · animals 113 · lab 38

Top 5 of 151 results

In mice with OVA-induced asthma, AICAR had a small inhibitory effect compared with the model without AICAR.Clinical and experimental allergy, 2007
In mice with LPS-induced lung injury, AICAR was linked to fewer neutrophils in the lungs.American journal of physiology. Lung cellular and molecular physiology, 2008
In rats with EAE, AICAR reduced central nervous system inflammatory signals compared with untreated EAE animals.Journal of neuroscience research, 2006
In mice, AICAR reduced kidney inflammatory infiltration compared with LPS alone.Zhonghua wei zhong bing ji jiu yi xue, 2026
In rats, AICAR inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated cell damage.Frontiers in pharmacology, 2021

AICAR studies on cells, genes and aging

154 results · people 0 · animals 60 · lab 94

Top 5 of 154 results

In sedentary mice, AICAR alone increased metabolic gene activity.Cell, 2008
In rats with kidney I/R, the highest AICAR dose reduced nitrosative stress compared with I/R alone.British journal of pharmacology, 2012
In mice with induced hepatitis, AICAR reduced Bax expression.Innate immunity, 2015
In rats, AICAR mitigated reduced mitochondrial membrane potential compared with vehicle after STZ.Journal of Alzheimer's disease, 2015
In rats, AICAR reduced reactive oxygen species in adhesion tissue compared with control.PloS one, 2022

AICAR studies on brain and nerves

54 results · people 0 · animals 44 · lab 10

Top 5 of 54 results

In rats, AICAR reduced tau phosphorylation at Ser396 compared with vehicle after STZ.Journal of Alzheimer's disease, 2015
In rats with chemically induced retinal injury, AICAR protected nerve cells.International journal of molecular sciences, 2021
In aged mice given AICAR, hippocampal genes related to nerve development and adaptability were enriched.Learning & memory, 2014
In diabetic experimental models, AICAR reduced mitochondrial dysfunction induced by GPR75.Biochemical pharmacology, 2026
In mice, AICAR increased new nerve cell formation in the dentate gyrus.Learning & memory, 2011

AICAR studies on kidneys and bladder

39 results · people 0 · animals 35 · lab 4

Top 4 of 39 results

In mice, AICAR reduced kidney tubule damage compared with LPS alone.Zhonghua wei zhong bing ji jiu yi xue, 2026
In mice, AICAR reduced urination problems caused by cyclophosphamide.Scientific reports, 2016
In rats with kidney I/R, the highest AICAR dose decreased serum creatinine compared with I/R alone.British journal of pharmacology, 2012
In mice with sepsis, AICAR reduced kidney injury compared with vehicle.The Journal of surgical research, 2015

AICAR studies on muscles and tendons

36 results · people 0 · animals 29 · lab 7

Top 5 of 36 results

In mice with muscular dystrophy, AICAR increased diaphragm autophagy.The American journal of pathology, 2012
In rats with sepsis, AICAR injection into the third ventricle reduced hypercatabolism compared with saline.Biochemical and biophysical research communications, 2018
In cells, AICAR reduced cell death from palmitate compared with palmitate alone, and an autophagy inhibitor reversed this effect.Bone & joint research, 2022
In mice with colon tumors, AICAR preserved muscle mass.Scientific reports, 2016
In mice with cancer-induced muscle wasting, AICAR preserved muscle mass.EMBO molecular medicine, 2018

AICAR studies on weight and appetite

27 results · people 0 · animals 26 · lab 1

Top 5 of 27 results

In rats, AICAR showed a tendency toward less abdominal fat.Diabetes, 2002
In diabetic rats, central AICAR increased food energy intake during the first 2 weeks.Brain research bulletin, 2014
In pregnant rats, AICAR did not affect fetal weight.American journal of physiology. Heart and circulatory physiology, 2013
In mice fed a high-fat diet, AICAR reduced epididymal fat compared with untreated mice.Nutrition & metabolism, 2006
In obese mice, AICAR restored normal fat tissue hormone levels compared with untreated mice.Nutrition & metabolism, 2006

AICAR studies on liver

27 results · people 0 · animals 20 · lab 7

Top 3 of 27 results

In mice with sepsis, AICAR reduced liver injury compared with vehicle.The Journal of surgical research, 2015
In rats, AICAR reduced pancreatitis-associated liver injury.Frontiers in pharmacology, 2021
In rats with bile duct ligation, AICAR reduced liver scar formation.Journal of molecular medicine, 2019

AICAR studies on stomach and gut

17 results · people 0 · animals 16 · lab 1

Top 4 of 17 results

In cats with intestinal ischemia, acadesine reduced intestinal lining damage during restored blood flow compared with saline.The American journal of physiology, 1995
In obese mice with pancreatitis, AICAR prevented injury in other organs.Cell death discovery, 2023
In obese mice with pancreatitis, AICAR prevented pancreatic damage.Cell death discovery, 2023
In rats with intestinal injury, AICAR reduced the gut damage score versus vehicle.Molecular medicine, 2015

AICAR studies on daily life and fitness

14 results · people 0 · animals 14 · lab 0

Top 5 of 14 results

In sedentary mice, AICAR alone increased running endurance by 44%.Cell, 2008
In mice with mutated muscle AMPK, AICAR did not improve behavior.Learning & memory, 2014
In postpartum rats exposed to sevoflurane, AICAR improved movement compared with exposure without rescue treatment.Journal of affective disorders, 2026
In diabetic rats, AICAR increased movement.PloS one, 2013
In mice with muscular dystrophy, AICAR treatment was associated with greater maximal diaphragm force.The American journal of pathology, 2012

AICAR studies on mood, stress and behavior

9 results · people 0 · animals 9 · lab 0

Top 3 of 9 results

In mice, AICAR showed potential for a lasting antidepressant effect.Journal of affective disorders, 2014
In mice with removed olfactory bulbs, AICAR reduced prolonged immobility compared with the OBX condition.Brain, behavior, & immunity - health, 2025
In mice, AICAR reduced immobility compared with ABX mice.Neurochemistry international, 2026

AICAR studies on lungs and breathing

8 results · people 0 · animals 8 · lab 0

Top 5 of 8 results

In mice with LPS-induced lung injury, AICAR was linked to less fluid in lung tissue.American journal of physiology. Lung cellular and molecular physiology, 2008
In rabbits, acute or chronic AICAR reduced oxygen deficits during hemorrhage compared with vehicle.Frontiers in physiology, 2017
In rats with intestinal injury, AICAR preserved lung structure versus vehicle.Molecular medicine, 2015
In rabbits, acute or chronic AICAR reduced oxygen debt during hemorrhage compared with vehicle.Frontiers in physiology, 2017
In mice with sepsis, AICAR improved lung structure versus vehicle.Molecular medicine, 2015

AICAR studies on memory and thinking

7 results · people 0 · animals 7 · lab 0

Top 3 of 7 results

In rats, AICAR reduced cognitive impairment compared with vehicle after STZ.Journal of Alzheimer's disease, 2015
In young mice, AICAR improved water maze performance.Learning & memory, 2014
In mice, AICAR treatment for 7 d improved spatial memory.Learning & memory, 2011

AICAR studies on pain

7 results · people 0 · animals 7 · lab 0

Top 3 of 7 results

In mice with CFA-induced inflammation, AICAR reduced pain.Journal of neuroinflammation, 2019
In diabetic rats, AICAR reduced mechanical pain sensitivity.Brain research, 2021
In mice with chronic migraine, AICAR reduced excessive pain sensitivity.The journal of headache and pain, 2024

AICAR studies on eyes

3 results · people 0 · animals 3 · lab 0

3 results

In mice, AICAR at 125 mg/kg increased tear secretion compared with PBS.Investigative ophthalmology & visual science, 2014
In mice, AICAR at 250 mg/kg increased tear secretion compared with PBS.Investigative ophthalmology & visual science, 2014
In diabetic mice, AICAR at 125 mg/kg increased tear secretion compared with PBS.Investigative ophthalmology & visual science, 2014

AICAR studies on blood levels and clearance

4 results · people 0 · animals 2 · lab 2

4 results

In rats, injected AICAriboside rapidly entered cortical fluid and remained there for 90 min.Neurochemistry international, 1989
In lab tests, red blood cells rapidly absorbed AICA-riboside through the equilibrative nucleoside transporter.American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism, 2009
In rats, AICAriboside levels in cortical fluid peaked and then fell rapidly after intravascular dosing.Neurochemistry international, 1989
In lab tests, red blood cells converted absorbed AICA-riboside to AICA-ribotide through phosphorylation.American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism, 2009

AICAR studies on sex hormones and fertility

14 results · people 0 · animals 1 · lab 13

Top 3 of 14 results

In hypoxic pregnant mice, AICAR partially prevented restricted fetal growth compared with vehicle.The Journal of physiology, 2020
In lab tests, prolonged AICAR treatment reduced blastocyst formation in mouse embryos.Molecular human reproduction, 2017
In lab tests, prolonged AICAR treatment reduced total cell numbers in mouse embryos.Molecular human reproduction, 2017

AICAR studies on growth hormone and growth

4 results · people 0 · animals 1 · lab 3

Top 3 of 4 results

In old mice, AICAR increased blood growth factor levels compared with saline.FASEB bioAdvances, 2025
In cells from human pituitary tumors, nine of 15 tumors showed a growth hormone secretion response to AICAR.Molecular and cellular endocrinology, 2013
In cells from eight human pituitary tumors, growth hormone secretion responded to both AICAR and SS-14 tested separately.Molecular and cellular endocrinology, 2013

AICAR studies on bones and joints

3 results · people 0 · animals 1 · lab 2

3 results

In rats with arthritis, AICA riboside improved treatment efficacy compared with methotrexate alone.European journal of pharmaceutical sciences, 2007
In cells, AICAR increased bone-forming differentiation compared with control medium.Stem cell research & therapy, 2020
In cells, adding AICAR to NAM increased bone-forming differentiation compared with NAM alone.Stem cell research & therapy, 2020

AICAR studies on hormones

1 result · people 0 · animals 1 · lab 0

1 result

In rats with insulin deficiency, AICAR did not reduce high glucagon levels.PloS one, 2013

AICAR studies on infections

1 result · people 0 · animals 1 · lab 0

1 result

In rats with intestinal injury, AICAR reduced bacterial movement to the gut versus vehicle.Molecular medicine, 2015

AICAR studies on overall treatment results

1 result · people 0 · animals 1 · lab 0

1 result

In Daphnia pulex, AICAR did not reproduce the protection against low oxygen seen with metformin.Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Part B, Biochemistry & molecular biology, 2012

Trials and papers

AICAR trials

Registered trials that test the peptide, with phase, status and dates. A dot marks trials with posted results.

StatusPhase

3 trials match. Highest phase first. Data from ClinicalTrials.gov.

Trials on this page (3 of 3)

3 trials · 1 completed · 2 stopped early · 1 with posted results

Completed
Ongoing
Not yet recruiting
Stopped
Estimated dates (est.)
Results posted

20082010201220142016

Ph 1/2
Safety and Tolerability Open Label Dose Escalation Study of Acadesine in B-CLL Patients
NCT00559624
Dec 2007 to Dec 2010
Ph 3
RED-CABG
NCT00872001
Apr 2009 to Oct 2010
Terminated
Terminated
Ph 1/2
Acadesine
NCT01813838
Jun 2013 to Jun 2015
Terminated
Terminated

3 trials · 1 completed · 2 stopped early · 1 with posted results · source ClinicalTrials.gov (opens in a new tab)

TerminatedPhase 3Results postedNCT00872001

The Effect Of Acadesine On Reducing Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Adverse Events In Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery (Study P05633 AM1)(TERMINATED)

Merck Sharp & Dohme LLCn = 3,080Apr 2009 to Oct 2010

Coronary Artery Bypass · Myocardial Infarction · Ventricular Dysfunction, Left · Stroke · Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 29 Oct 2015

TerminatedPhase 1/2NCT01813838

GFM-Acadesine: A Phase I-II Trial of Acadesine

Groupe Francophone des Myelodysplasiesn = 5Jun 2013 to Jun 2015

SMD

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 8 Nov 2016

CompletedPhase 1/2NCT00559624

Safety and Tolerability Open Label Dose Escalation Study of Acadesine in B-CLL Patients

Advancell - Advanced In Vitro Cell Technologies, S.A.n = 40Dec 2007 to Dec 2010

Leukemia, B-Cell, Chronic

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 10 May 2011

Papers

Studies on this peptide. Some have results. The others have none yet.

Sort

Design

401 studies match. Retracted studies are left out.

Showing 25 of 401 studiesquery qry_c28e2235b76f3a0a23830627

Studies with results

330 studies in all, 22 on this page

Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 2008

2 results

AMPK and PPARdelta agonists are exercise mimetics.

Narkar et al. 2008Cellcited by 975

PMID 18674809PMC2706130DOI 10.1016/j.cell.2008.06.051PUB-18674809

Rights unknown2 results where AICAR (acadesine) was given

Source link See results (2)

Animal study (in vivo) · 2007

5 results

Systemic treatment with the antidiabetic drug metformin selectively impairs p53-deficient tumor cell growth.

Buzzai et al. 2007Cancer researchcited by 735

PMID 17638885DOI 10.1158/0008-5472.can-06-4447PUB-17638885

Rights unknown5 results where AICAR (acadesine) was given

Source link See results (5)

Not a test of AICAR (acadesine) alone · 2005

2 results

Deficiency of LKB1 in skeletal muscle prevents AMPK activation and glucose uptake during contraction.

Sakamoto et al. 2005The EMBO journalcited by 435

PMID 15889149PMC1142598DOI 10.1038/sj.emboj.7600667PUB-15889149

Rights unknown2 results where AICAR (acadesine) was a tool, carrier or part of a combination

Source link See results (2)

In vitro (cells) · rat · 2005

4 results

AMP-activated protein kinase protects cardiomyocytes against hypoxic injury through attenuation of endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Terai et al. 2005Molecular and cellular biologycited by 308

PMID 16227605PMC1265833DOI 10.1128/mcb.25.21.9554-9575.2005PUB-16227605

Rights unknown2 results where AICAR (acadesine) was given (plus 2 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

Source link See results (4)

Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 2008

10 results

Activation of AMPK attenuates neutrophil proinflammatory activity and decreases the severity of acute lung injury.

Zhao et al. 2008American journal of physiology. Lung cellular and molecular physiologycited by 259

PMID 18586954PMC2536800DOI 10.1152/ajplung.90210.2008PUB-18586954

Rights unknown10 results where AICAR (acadesine) was given

Source link See results (10)

Animal study (in vivo) · dog · 2009

1 result

Metformin prevents progression of heart failure in dogs: role of AMP-activated protein kinase.

Sasaki et al. 2009Circulationcited by 259

PMID 19414638DOI 10.1161/circulationaha.108.798561PUB-19414638

Full text at the publisher1 result where AICAR (acadesine) was given

Publisher page See results (1)

Ex vivo tissue · rat · 2002

1 result

Effects of low-intensity prolonged exercise on PGC-1 mRNA expression in rat epitrochlearis muscle.

Terada et al. 2002Biochemical and biophysical research communicationsn = 6cited by 247

PMID 12163024DOI 10.1016/s0006-291x(02)00881-1PUB-12163024

Full text at the publisher1 result where AICAR (acadesine) was given

Publisher page See results (1)

Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 2005

7 results

Effects of alpha-AMPK knockout on exercise-induced gene activation in mouse skeletal muscle.

Jørgensen et al. 2005FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biologycited by 222

PMID 15878932DOI 10.1096/fj.04-3144fjePUB-15878932

Full text at the publisher5 results where AICAR (acadesine) was given (plus 2 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

Publisher page See results (7)

Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 2001

12 results

Effect of 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-D-ribofuranoside infusion on in vivo glucose and lipid metabolism in lean and obese Zucker rats.

Bergeron et al. 2001Diabetescited by 219

PMID 11334411DOI 10.2337/diabetes.50.5.1076PUB-11334411

Full text at the publisher12 results where AICAR (acadesine) was given

Publisher page See results (12)

In vitro (cells) · 2010

3 results

Skeletal muscle NAMPT is induced by exercise in humans.

Costford et al. 2010American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolismcited by 218

PMID 19887595PMC2806106DOI 10.1152/ajpendo.00318.2009PUB-19887595

Rights unknown3 results where AICAR (acadesine) was given

Source link See results (3)

In vitro (cells) · 2005

1 result

Acute IL-6 treatment increases fatty acid turnover in elderly humans in vivo and in tissue culture in vitro.

Petersen et al. 2005American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolismcited by 213

PMID 15383370DOI 10.1152/ajpendo.00257.2004PUB-15383370

Full text at the publisher1 result where AICAR (acadesine) was given

Publisher page See results (1)

Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 2019

6 results

AMPK activation attenuates inflammatory pain through inhibiting NF-κB activation and IL-1β expression.

Xiang et al. 2019Journal of neuroinflammationcited by 209

PMID 30755236PMC6373126DOI 10.1186/s12974-019-1411-xPUB-30755236

CC BY3 results where AICAR (acadesine) was given (plus 3 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

Download PDF See results (6)

Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 2003

10 results

Effects of chronic AICAR treatment on fiber composition, enzyme activity, UCP3, and PGC-1 in rat muscles.

Suwa et al. 2003Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)cited by 203

PMID 12777406DOI 10.1152/japplphysiol.00349.2003PUB-12777406

Full text at the publisher10 results where AICAR (acadesine) was given

Publisher page See results (10)

Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 2002

13 results

Long-term AICAR administration reduces metabolic disturbances and lowers blood pressure in rats displaying features of the insulin resistance syndrome.

Buhl et al. 2002Diabetesn = 12cited by 190

PMID 12086950DOI 10.2337/diabetes.51.7.2199PUB-12086950

Rights unknown13 results where AICAR (acadesine) was given

Source link See results (13)

Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 2012

7 results

AMPK activation stimulates autophagy and ameliorates muscular dystrophy in the mdx mouse diaphragm.

Pauly et al. 2012The American journal of pathologycited by 184

PMID 22683340DOI 10.1016/j.ajpath.2012.04.004PUB-22683340

Rights unknown7 results where AICAR (acadesine) was given

Source link See results (7)

In vitro (cells) · mouse · 2018

3 results

Metformin improves obesity-associated inflammation by altering macrophages polarization.

Jing et al. 2018Molecular and cellular endocrinologycited by 183

PMID 28935544DOI 10.1016/j.mce.2017.09.025PUB-28935544

Full text at the publisher3 results where AICAR (acadesine) was given

Publisher page See results (3)

In vitro (cells) · mouse · 2013

1 result

Oleate prevents saturated-fatty-acid-induced ER stress, inflammation and insulin resistance in skeletal muscle cells through an AMPK-dependent mechanism.

Salvadó et al. 2013Diabetologiacited by 175

PMID 23460021DOI 10.1007/s00125-013-2867-3PUB-23460021

Full text at the publisher1 result where AICAR (acadesine) was given

Publisher page See results (1)

In vitro (cells) · rat · 2008

1 result

Insulin-like growth factor I receptor signaling is required for exercise-induced cardiac hypertrophy.

Kim et al. 2008Molecular endocrinology (Baltimore, Md.)cited by 169

PMID 18801929PMC2582541DOI 10.1210/me.2008-0265PUB-18801929

Rights unknown1 result where AICAR (acadesine) was given

Source link See results (1)

Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 2005

3 results

Long-term AICAR administration and exercise prevents diabetes in ZDF rats.

Pold et al. 2005Diabetescited by 168

PMID 15793229DOI 10.2337/diabetes.54.4.928PUB-15793229

Rights unknown3 results where AICAR (acadesine) was given

Source link See results (3)

Ex vivo tissue · rat · 2015

16 results

Pharmacological activation of AMPK prevents Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission and alleviates endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated endothelial dysfunction.

Li et al. 2015Journal of molecular and cellular cardiologycited by 165

PMID 26196303DOI 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2015.07.010PUB-26196303

Full text at the publisher13 results where AICAR (acadesine) was given (plus 3 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

Publisher page See results (16)

Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 2016

4 results

Aerobic Exercise and Pharmacological Treatments Counteract Cachexia by Modulating Autophagy in Colon Cancer.

Pigna et al. 2016Scientific reportscited by 155

PMID 27244599PMC4886631DOI 10.1038/srep26991PUB-27244599

CC BY3 results where AICAR (acadesine) was given (plus 1 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

Download PDF See results (4)

Ex vivo tissue · rat · 2002

18 results

Activation of the ERK pathway and atypical protein kinase C isoforms in exercise- and aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-D-riboside (AICAR)-stimulated glucose transport.

Chen et al. 2002The Journal of biological chemistrycited by 153

PMID 11978788DOI 10.1074/jbc.m201152200PUB-11978788

CC BY10 results where AICAR (acadesine) was given (plus 8 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

Download PDF See results (18)

More studies

55 studies in all, 3 on this page

Indexing hint: Animal study · 2002

Corrected

AICAR administration causes an apparent enhancement of muscle and liver insulin action in insulin-resistant high-fat-fed rats.

Iglesias et al. 2002Diabetescited by 222

PMID 12351423DOI 10.2337/diabetes.51.10.2886PUB-12351423

Rights unknown

Source link Read the notice

Indexing hint: Animal study · 2008

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma agonist rosiglitazone reverses the adverse effects of diet-induced obesity on oocyte quality.

Minge et al. 2008Endocrinologycited by 165

PMID 18276752DOI 10.1210/en.2007-1570PUB-18276752

Rights unknown

Source link

PubMed tag: Review · 2003

AMPK as a metabolic switch in rat muscle, liver and adipose tissue after exercise.

Ruderman et al. 2003Acta physiologica Scandinavicacited by 152

PMID 12864749DOI 10.1046/j.1365-201x.2003.01164.xPUB-12864749

Full text at the publisher

Publisher page

Newer studies

PepBank reads each paper before it shows the results. This search looks in Europe PMC for newer papers that PepBank has not read yet.

AICAR (acadesine) studies: 330 papers with results

Page 1 of 7

Effect of adenosine-regulating agent acadesine on morbidity and mortality associated with coronary artery bypass grafting: the RED-CABG randomized controlled trial.
Newman MF · JAMA · 2012
Randomized controlled trial · 2 results
Acadesine: a new drug that may improve myocardial protection in coronary artery bypass grafting. Results of the first international multicenter study. Multinational Acadesine Study Group.
Menasché P · The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery · 1995
Randomized controlled trial · 6 results
Effects of acadesine on the incidence of myocardial infarction and adverse cardiac outcomes after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Multicenter Study of Perioperative Ischemia (McSPI) Research Group.
Anesthesiology · 1995
Randomized controlled trial · 10 results
An initial multicenter, randomized controlled trial on the safety and efficacy of acadesine in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. SPI Research Group.
Leung JM · Anesthesia and analgesia · 1994
Randomized controlled trial · 9 results
Effect of acadesine on myocardial ischaemia in patients with coronary artery disease.
de Jonge R · European journal of pharmacology · 1997
Non-randomized trial · 4 results
Intravenous AICAR administration reduces hepatic glucose output and inhibits whole body lipolysis in type 2 diabetic patients.
Boon H · Diabetologia · 2008
Non-randomized trial · 9 results
Acadesine for patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): a multicenter phase I/II study.
Van Den Neste E · Cancer chemotherapy and pharmacology · 2013
Non-randomized trial · 8 results
Intra-arterial AICA-riboside administration induces NO-dependent vasodilation in vivo in human skeletal muscle.
Bosselaar M · American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism · 2009
Non-randomized trial · 6 results
[Costunolide improves sorafenib-induced cardiomyocyte injury by inhibiting mitophagy].
Niu DD · Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica · 2026
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 7 results
[AMP-activated protein kinase activation alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis-associated acute kidney injury by inhibiting ferroptosis].
Wang M · Zhonghua wei zhong bing ji jiu yi xue · 2026
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 25 results
Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase is elevated in human cachectic muscle and prevents cancer-induced metabolic dysfunction in mice.
Raun SH · Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle · 2023
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 4 results
Acadesine (AICA-riboside) improves postischemic cardiac recovery.
Bolling SF · The Annals of thoracic surgery · 1992
Animal study (in vivo) · dog · 4 results
Long-term AICAR administration reduces metabolic disturbances and lowers blood pressure in rats displaying features of the insulin resistance syndrome.
Buhl ES · Diabetes · 2002
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 13 results
Effect of acadesine treatment on postischemic damage to small intestine.
Schoenberg MH · The American journal of physiology · 1995
Animal study (in vivo) · cat · 4 results
AICA riboside improves myocardial ischemia in coronary microembolization in dogs.
Hori M · The American journal of physiology · 1994
Animal study (in vivo) · dog · 10 results
Effects of intravenous AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboximide riboside) administration on insulin signaling and resistance in premature baboons, Papio sp.
Blanco CL · PloS one · 2018
Animal study (in vivo) · baboon · 16 results
Acadesine reduces the frequency of coronary artery reocclusion following rt-PA induced thrombolysis in the dog.
Young MA · Thrombosis and haemostasis · 1995
Animal study (in vivo) · dog · 8 results
AMPK and PPARdelta agonists are exercise mimetics.
Narkar VA · Cell · 2008
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 2 results
Systemic treatment with the antidiabetic drug metformin selectively impairs p53-deficient tumor cell growth.
Buzzai M · Cancer research · 2007
Animal study (in vivo) · 5 results
Metformin prevents progression of heart failure in dogs: role of AMP-activated protein kinase.
Sasaki H · Circulation · 2009
Animal study (in vivo) · dog · 1 result
Activation of AMPK attenuates neutrophil proinflammatory activity and decreases the severity of acute lung injury.
Zhao X · American journal of physiology. Lung cellular and molecular physiology · 2008
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 10 results
Effects of alpha-AMPK knockout on exercise-induced gene activation in mouse skeletal muscle.
Jørgensen SB · FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology · 2005
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 7 results
Effect of 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-D-ribofuranoside infusion on in vivo glucose and lipid metabolism in lean and obese Zucker rats.
Bergeron R · Diabetes · 2001
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 12 results
AMPK activation attenuates inflammatory pain through inhibiting NF-κB activation and IL-1β expression.
Xiang HC · Journal of neuroinflammation · 2019
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 6 results
Effects of chronic AICAR treatment on fiber composition, enzyme activity, UCP3, and PGC-1 in rat muscles.
Suwa M · Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985) · 2003
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 10 results
AMPK activation stimulates autophagy and ameliorates muscular dystrophy in the mdx mouse diaphragm.
Pauly M · The American journal of pathology · 2012
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 7 results
Long-term AICAR administration and exercise prevents diabetes in ZDF rats.
Pold R · Diabetes · 2005
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 3 results
Aerobic Exercise and Pharmacological Treatments Counteract Cachexia by Modulating Autophagy in Colon Cancer.
Pigna E · Scientific reports · 2016
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 4 results
AICAR inhibits adipocyte differentiation in 3T3L1 and restores metabolic alterations in diet-induced obesity mice model.
Giri S · Nutrition & metabolism · 2006
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 15 results
5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside treatment improves glucose homeostasis in insulin-resistant diabetic (ob/ob) mice.
Song XM · Diabetologia · 2002
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 12 results
Chronic treatment with 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-D-ribofuranoside increases insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation in rat skeletal muscles in a fiber type-specific manner.
Buhl ES · Diabetes · 2001
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 4 results
Effects of AICAR and exercise on insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, signaling, and GLUT-4 content in rat muscles.
Jessen N · Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985) · 2003
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 4 results
AMPK activator AICAR ameliorates ischaemia reperfusion injury in the rat kidney.
Lempiäinen J · British journal of pharmacology · 2012
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 7 results
AMPK activation ameliorates Alzheimer's disease-like pathology and spatial memory impairment in a streptozotocin-induced Alzheimer's disease model in rats.
Du LL · Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD · 2015
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 11 results
AMPK agonist AICAR improves cognition and motor coordination in young and aged mice.
Kobilo T · Learning & memory (Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.) · 2014
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 9 results
AMPK activation attenuates S6K1, 4E-BP1, and eEF2 signaling responses to high-frequency electrically stimulated skeletal muscle contractions.
Thomson DM · Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985) · 2008
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 5 results
Long-term activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase attenuates pressure-overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy.
Li HL · Journal of cellular biochemistry · 2007
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 5 results
AICAR prevents heat-induced sudden death in RyR1 mutant mice independent of AMPK activation.
Lanner JT · Nature medicine · 2012
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 5 results
Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase induces cholesterol efflux from macrophage-derived foam cells and alleviates atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice.
Li D · The Journal of biological chemistry · 2010
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 19 results
PGC-1alpha mediates exercise-induced skeletal muscle VEGF expression in mice.
Leick L · American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism · 2009
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 4 results
Endurance factors improve hippocampal neurogenesis and spatial memory in mice.
Kobilo T · Learning & memory (Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.) · 2011
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 2 results
Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase activation protects against sepsis-induced organ injury and inflammation.
Escobar DA · The Journal of surgical research · 2015
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 8 results
Effect of AICAR treatment on glycogen metabolism in skeletal muscle.
Aschenbach WG · Diabetes · 2002
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 10 results
Chronic stress-induced memory deficits are reversed by regular exercise via AMPK-mediated BDNF induction.
Kim DM · Neuroscience · 2016
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 8 results
Effect of exercise intensity and AICAR on isoform-specific expressions of murine skeletal muscle PGC-1α mRNA: a role of β₂-adrenergic receptor activation.
Tadaishi M · American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism · 2011
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 9 results
Targeting deregulated AMPK/mTORC1 pathways improves muscle function in myotonic dystrophy type I.
Brockhoff M · The Journal of clinical investigation · 2017
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 2 results
The AMPK agonist 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide (AICAR), but not metformin, prevents inflammation-associated cachectic muscle wasting.
Hall DT · EMBO molecular medicine · 2018
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 6 results
AICAR and metformin, but not exercise, increase muscle glucose transport through AMPK-, ERK-, and PDK1-dependent activation of atypical PKC.
Sajan MP · American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism · 2010
Animal study (in vivo) · rodents · 14 results
AMPK regulates basal skeletal muscle capillarization and VEGF expression, but is not necessary for the angiogenic response to exercise.
Zwetsloot KA · The Journal of physiology · 2008
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 2 results
Intracerebroventricular infusion of glucose, insulin, and the adenosine monophosphate-activated kinase activator, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-D-ribofuranoside, controls muscle glycogen synthesis.
Perrin C · Endocrinology · 2004
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 4 results

Status and safety

Regulatory and safety

Approval and sport status, and the safety outcomes reported in study results. Laws and labels change, so check the regulator for the current status.

Regulatory status by jurisdiction, with date and source
Jurisdiction	Body	Status	As of	Source
US	FDA	The openFDA active ingredient search returned no matches. This confirms no matching entry in this database, not worldwide absence of approval.	21 Oct 2026	api.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)
EU	EMA	No authorised exact product match was found in the EMA central medicine catalogue. National authorisations are outside this check.	21 Oct 2026	ema.europa.eu (opens in a new tab)
Sport	WADA	Banned in sport (WADA S4.4.1) AICAR is named as an AMPK activator.	2026 List	wada-ama.org (opens in a new tab)

Safety outcomes

19 safety results for AICAR (acadesine).

Human evidence· 12

In coronary bypass patients, overall mortality was similar with acadesine and placebo.
Randomized controlled trialn = 821
Overall mortality
2.7%
acadesine
Overall mortality
3.4%
placebo
In coronary bypass patients, acadesine reduced death incidence during the first 3 postoperative days versus placebo.
Randomized controlled trialn = 821
Early death incidence
0.2%
acadesine, first 3 postoperative days
Early death incidence
1.9%
placebo, first 3 postoperative days
P value
0.038 NA
between groups
In coronary bypass patients, adverse event incidence was similar with acadesine and placebo, except for high-dose uric acid elevation.
Randomized controlled trialn = 633
In coronary bypass patients, no adverse events were related to acadesine treatment.
Randomized controlled trialn = 403
In coronary bypass patients, high-dose acadesine mildly increased plasma uric acid without clinical sequelae, unlike placebo and low-dose acadesine.
Randomized controlled trialn not reported
Mean uric acid increase
1.6 mg/dL
high-dose acadesine
Reported uncertainty
0.2 mg/dL
type not stated
In coronary bypass patients, high-dose acadesine transiently increased serum uric acid versus placebo.
Randomized controlled trialn not reported
In relapsed/refractory CLL patients, single acadesine doses between 50 and 210 mg/kg showed a manageable and predictable safety profile.
Non-randomized trialn not reported
In relapsed/refractory CLL patients, acadesine's maximum tolerated dose and optimal biological dose were 210 mg/kg.
Non-randomized trialn not reported
Maximum tolerated dose
210 mg/kg
single acadesine dose
Optimal biological dose
210 mg/kg
acadesine

Animal evidence· 6

In ob/ob mice, AICAR had deleterious effects on plasma non-esterified fatty acids.
Animal study (in vivo)mouse
In ob/ob mice, AICAR had deleterious effects on plasma triglycerides.
Animal study (in vivo)mouse
In db/db and ob/ob mice, AICAR increased serum triglycerides approximately 2.5-3-fold versus vehicle.
Animal study (in vivo)mouse
Triglyceride increase
2.5 to 3 fold
both mouse models
In obese mice with acute pancreatitis, AICAR decreased mortality.
Animal study (in vivo)mouse
In standard-diet mice treated from the first day, AICAR produced some hepatotoxic effects.
Animal study (in vivo)mouse
In premature baboons, one animal developed complications during AICAR treatment.
Animal study (in vivo)baboon
Animals with complications
1 animal
during treatment

Lab evidence· 1

In human MSCs, AICAR-treated cells showed the highest cellular apoptosis level.
In vitro (cells)human

Doses studied · 86

The doses that these studies used. They are not recommendations.

0.1 mg/kg per minuteHuman
Species
human
Route
Not reported
Duration
7 hours
Design
Randomized controlled trial · n = 2,986
0.1 mg/kg per minute intravenously and 5 micrograms/ml in cardioplegic solutionHuman
Species
human
Route
Intravenous infusion and cardioplegic solution
Duration
7 hours
Design
Randomized controlled trial
0.1 mg.kg-1.min-1 plus 5 micrograms/ml cardioplegiaHuman
Species
human
Route
Intravenous infusion and cardioplegic solution
Duration
7 h
Design
Randomized controlled trial
0.05 or 0.1 mg.kg-1.min-1 plus 5 micrograms/ml cardioplegiaHuman
Species
human
Route
Intravenous infusion and cardioplegic solution
Duration
7 h
Design
Randomized controlled trial · n = 633
5, 10, 20, 50 mg/kgHuman
Species
human
Route
intravenous
Duration
Not reported
Design
Non-randomized trial · n = 47
0.75 mg kg(-1) min(-1)Human
Species
human
Route
intravenous
Duration
Not reported
Design
Non-randomized trial · n = 10

Doses studied in the study results, as given in the studies.
Dose as reported	Class	Species	Route	Duration	Design
0.1 mg/kg per minute	Human	human	Not reported	7 hours	Randomized controlled trial · n = 2,986
0.1 mg/kg per minute intravenously and 5 micrograms/ml in cardioplegic solution	Human	human	Intravenous infusion and cardioplegic solution	7 hours	Randomized controlled trial
0.1 mg.kg-1.min-1 plus 5 micrograms/ml cardioplegia	Human	human	Intravenous infusion and cardioplegic solution	7 h	Randomized controlled trial
0.05 or 0.1 mg.kg-1.min-1 plus 5 micrograms/ml cardioplegia	Human	human	Intravenous infusion and cardioplegic solution	7 h	Randomized controlled trial · n = 633
5, 10, 20, 50 mg/kg	Human	human	intravenous	Not reported	Non-randomized trial · n = 47
0.75 mg kg(-1) min(-1)	Human	human	intravenous	Not reported	Non-randomized trial · n = 10

6 of 86 shown

PepBank is a research reference. Talk to a doctor before you use any peptide.

Data

Data and API

Data version, change history and code for this peptide.

Data version 30856030 Oct 2026

Peptide

Peptide id: PEP-000080
Peptide version: 4
Peptide hash: 270c06339fbd425c…
Data version: 308560

Latest changes

27 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 256635
22 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 254486
21 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 226597
21 Oct 2026CreatedData version 213591

For developers

curl -s https://pepbank.io/v1/briefs/aicar

Evidence summary for AICAR (acadesine): counts by class, key results with sources, notices, data version.

Peptide as JSON Evidence summary as JSON

Outcome group	Human	Animal	Lab	Computer model	Total
Heart functionCardiovascular	Human: 13 results from 3 studies: 1 increase, 2 decrease, 9 no significant change, 1 not reported. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 38 results from 14 studies: 12 increase, 16 decrease, 7 no significant change, 3 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 22 results from 7 studies: 13 increase, 8 decrease, 1 no significant change. Strongest design: Ex vivo tissue	No results	73
Cardiovascular eventsCardiovascular	Human: 11 results from 3 studies: 4 decrease, 7 no significant change. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 7 results from 1 study: 1 increase, 1 decrease, 3 no significant change, 2 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	18
Adverse eventsWhole body	Human: 10 results from 4 studies: 2 increase, 1 no significant change, 7 not reported. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 2 results from 2 studies: 2 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	12
Glycemic controlMusculoskeletal	Human: 5 results from 2 studies: 1 increase, 2 decrease, 2 no significant change. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	Animal: 70 results from 24 studies: 32 increase, 23 decrease, 10 no significant change, 4 mixed, 1 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 23 results from 9 studies: 11 increase, 2 decrease, 9 no significant change, 1 not reported. Strongest design: Ex vivo tissue	No results	98
LipidsMusculoskeletal	Human: 3 results from 1 study: 3 decrease. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	Animal: 31 results from 15 studies: 6 increase, 21 decrease, 1 no significant change, 3 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 37 results from 9 studies: 16 increase, 10 decrease, 9 no significant change, 2 not reported. Strongest design: Ex vivo tissue	No results	71
Receptor activity and mechanismSkin and wound	Human: 2 results from 1 study: 1 increase, 1 no significant change. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	Animal: 294 results from 96 studies: 139 increase, 85 decrease, 48 no significant change, 7 mixed, 15 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 242 results from 96 studies: 116 increase, 88 decrease, 22 no significant change, 2 mixed, 14 not reported. Strongest design: Ex vivo tissue	No results	538
Tumor growthEndocrine and hormones	Human: 2 results from 1 study: 2 decrease. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	Animal: 1 result from 1 study: 1 decrease. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 7 results from 3 studies: 3 decrease, 2 no significant change, 2 not reported. Strongest design: In vitro (cells)	No results	10
MortalityWhole body	Human: 2 results from 1 study: 1 decrease, 1 no significant change. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 4 results from 4 studies: 1 increase, 2 decrease, 1 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	6
Vascular functionCardiovascular	Human: 1 result from 1 study: 1 increase. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	Animal: 5 results from 4 studies: 3 increase, 2 decrease. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 1 result from 1 study: 1 not reported. Strongest design: In vitro (cells)	No results	7
Metabolic pathways and metabolomicsMetabolic and weight	Human: 1 result from 1 study: 1 increase. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	Animal: 2 results from 1 study: 1 increase, 1 decrease. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	3
Inflammation markersRespiratory	No results	Animal: 93 results from 32 studies: 5 increase, 84 decrease, 4 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 28 results from 16 studies: 1 increase, 27 decrease. Strongest design: Ex vivo tissue	No results	121
Mitochondrial functionNervous system and cognition	No results	Animal: 35 results from 16 studies: 25 increase, 2 decrease, 3 no significant change, 2 mixed, 3 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 36 results from 15 studies: 24 increase, 8 decrease, 1 mixed, 3 not reported. Strongest design: Ex vivo tissue	No results	71

Outcome group	Human	Animal	Lab	Computer model	All
Metabolic pathways and metabolomicsLiver	–	1	–	–	1
Receptor activity and mechanismNervous system and cognition	–	1	–	–	1
All outcome groups	–	2	–	–	2

Outcome group	Human	Animal	Lab	Computer model	Total
Heart functionCardiovascular	Human: 13 results from 3 studies: 1 increase, 2 decrease, 9 no significant change, 1 not reported. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 38 results from 14 studies: 12 increase, 16 decrease, 7 no significant change, 3 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 22 results from 7 studies: 13 increase, 8 decrease, 1 no significant change. Strongest design: Ex vivo tissue	No results	73
Cardiovascular eventsCardiovascular	Human: 11 results from 3 studies: 4 decrease, 7 no significant change. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 7 results from 1 study: 1 increase, 1 decrease, 3 no significant change, 2 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	18
Adverse eventsWhole body	Human: 10 results from 4 studies: 2 increase, 1 no significant change, 7 not reported. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 2 results from 2 studies: 2 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	12
Glycemic controlMusculoskeletal	Human: 5 results from 2 studies: 1 increase, 2 decrease, 2 no significant change. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	Animal: 70 results from 24 studies: 32 increase, 23 decrease, 10 no significant change, 4 mixed, 1 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 23 results from 9 studies: 11 increase, 2 decrease, 9 no significant change, 1 not reported. Strongest design: Ex vivo tissue	No results	98
LipidsMusculoskeletal	Human: 3 results from 1 study: 3 decrease. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	Animal: 31 results from 15 studies: 6 increase, 21 decrease, 1 no significant change, 3 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 37 results from 9 studies: 16 increase, 10 decrease, 9 no significant change, 2 not reported. Strongest design: Ex vivo tissue	No results	71
Receptor activity and mechanismSkin and wound	Human: 2 results from 1 study: 1 increase, 1 no significant change. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	Animal: 294 results from 96 studies: 139 increase, 85 decrease, 48 no significant change, 7 mixed, 15 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 242 results from 96 studies: 116 increase, 88 decrease, 22 no significant change, 2 mixed, 14 not reported. Strongest design: Ex vivo tissue	No results	538
Tumor growthEndocrine and hormones	Human: 2 results from 1 study: 2 decrease. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	Animal: 1 result from 1 study: 1 decrease. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 7 results from 3 studies: 3 decrease, 2 no significant change, 2 not reported. Strongest design: In vitro (cells)	No results	10
MortalityWhole body	Human: 2 results from 1 study: 1 decrease, 1 no significant change. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 4 results from 4 studies: 1 increase, 2 decrease, 1 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	6
Vascular functionCardiovascular	Human: 1 result from 1 study: 1 increase. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	Animal: 5 results from 4 studies: 3 increase, 2 decrease. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 1 result from 1 study: 1 not reported. Strongest design: In vitro (cells)	No results	7
Metabolic pathways and metabolomicsMetabolic and weight	Human: 1 result from 1 study: 1 increase. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	Animal: 2 results from 1 study: 1 increase, 1 decrease. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	3
Inflammation markersRespiratory	No results	Animal: 93 results from 32 studies: 5 increase, 84 decrease, 4 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 28 results from 16 studies: 1 increase, 27 decrease. Strongest design: Ex vivo tissue	No results	121
Mitochondrial functionNervous system and cognition	No results	Animal: 35 results from 16 studies: 25 increase, 2 decrease, 3 no significant change, 2 mixed, 3 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 36 results from 15 studies: 24 increase, 8 decrease, 1 mixed, 3 not reported. Strongest design: Ex vivo tissue	No results	71

Outcome group	Human	Animal	Lab	Computer model	All
Metabolic pathways and metabolomicsLiver	–	1	–	–	1
Receptor activity and mechanismNervous system and cognition	–	1	–	–	1
All outcome groups	–	2	–	–	2

AICAR (acadesine) studies and research data

AICAR identity

Targets

Structure

2D structure

AICAR results by year and outcome

What the studies measured

AICAR studies on heart and blood vessels

AICAR studies on side effects

AICAR studies on blood sugar

AICAR studies on cholesterol and blood fats

AICAR studies on receptors and cell signals

AICAR studies on survival and serious illness

AICAR studies on cancer

AICAR studies on metabolism and nutrition

AICAR studies on immune system and inflammation

AICAR studies on cells, genes and aging

AICAR studies on brain and nerves

AICAR studies on kidneys and bladder

AICAR studies on muscles and tendons

AICAR studies on weight and appetite

AICAR studies on liver

AICAR studies on stomach and gut

AICAR studies on daily life and fitness

AICAR studies on mood, stress and behavior

AICAR studies on lungs and breathing

AICAR studies on memory and thinking

AICAR studies on pain

AICAR studies on eyes

AICAR studies on blood levels and clearance

AICAR studies on sex hormones and fertility

AICAR studies on growth hormone and growth

AICAR studies on bones and joints

AICAR studies on hormones

AICAR studies on infections

AICAR studies on overall treatment results

AICAR trials

The Effect Of Acadesine On Reducing Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Adverse Events In Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery (Study P05633 AM1)(TERMINATED)

GFM-Acadesine: A Phase I-II Trial of Acadesine

Safety and Tolerability Open Label Dose Escalation Study of Acadesine in B-CLL Patients

Papers

Studies with results

AMPK and PPARdelta agonists are exercise mimetics.

Systemic treatment with the antidiabetic drug metformin selectively impairs p53-deficient tumor cell growth.

Deficiency of LKB1 in skeletal muscle prevents AMPK activation and glucose uptake during contraction.

AMP-activated protein kinase protects cardiomyocytes against hypoxic injury through attenuation of endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Activation of AMPK attenuates neutrophil proinflammatory activity and decreases the severity of acute lung injury.

Metformin prevents progression of heart failure in dogs: role of AMP-activated protein kinase.

Effects of low-intensity prolonged exercise on PGC-1 mRNA expression in rat epitrochlearis muscle.

Effects of alpha-AMPK knockout on exercise-induced gene activation in mouse skeletal muscle.

Effect of 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-D-ribofuranoside infusion on in vivo glucose and lipid metabolism in lean and obese Zucker rats.

Skeletal muscle NAMPT is induced by exercise in humans.

Acute IL-6 treatment increases fatty acid turnover in elderly humans in vivo and in tissue culture in vitro.

AMPK activation attenuates inflammatory pain through inhibiting NF-κB activation and IL-1β expression.

Effects of chronic AICAR treatment on fiber composition, enzyme activity, UCP3, and PGC-1 in rat muscles.

Long-term AICAR administration reduces metabolic disturbances and lowers blood pressure in rats displaying features of the insulin resistance syndrome.

AMPK activation stimulates autophagy and ameliorates muscular dystrophy in the mdx mouse diaphragm.

Metformin improves obesity-associated inflammation by altering macrophages polarization.

Oleate prevents saturated-fatty-acid-induced ER stress, inflammation and insulin resistance in skeletal muscle cells through an AMPK-dependent mechanism.

Insulin-like growth factor I receptor signaling is required for exercise-induced cardiac hypertrophy.

Long-term AICAR administration and exercise prevents diabetes in ZDF rats.

Pharmacological activation of AMPK prevents Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission and alleviates endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated endothelial dysfunction.

Aerobic Exercise and Pharmacological Treatments Counteract Cachexia by Modulating Autophagy in Colon Cancer.

Activation of the ERK pathway and atypical protein kinase C isoforms in exercise- and aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-D-riboside (AICAR)-stimulated glucose transport.

More studies

AICAR administration causes an apparent enhancement of muscle and liver insulin action in insulin-resistant high-fat-fed rats.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma agonist rosiglitazone reverses the adverse effects of diet-induced obesity on oocyte quality.

AMPK as a metabolic switch in rat muscle, liver and adipose tissue after exercise.

Newer studies

AICAR (acadesine) studies: 330 papers with results

Regulatory and safety

Human evidence· 12

Animal evidence· 6

Lab evidence· 1

Doses studied · 86

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