What is AICAR?
AICAR is a nucleoside that cells convert into an AMP-like compound, thereby activating the energy-sensing enzyme AMPK. In animal studies it acted as an “exercise mimetic”, which made it known in doping.
How well studied is AICAR?
As acadesine it was tested in a large phase 3 trial (RED-CABG, about 3,000 patients, 2012) to protect the heart during bypass surgery. The trial was stopped early for lack of efficacy. Performance-enhancing effects in humans have not been shown.
What side effects and risks does AICAR have?
In RED-CABG, raised uric acid levels were more common with acadesine; otherwise adverse events did not differ from placebo. There are no reliable data on uncontrolled use outside trials, interactions or long-term effects.
Is AICAR approved in Germany?
In short: no. Not approved as a medicine anywhere. Prohibited at all times by WADA as a metabolic modulator (S4, AMPK activator); for competitive athletes the self-doping ban of the German Anti-Doping Act (AntiDopG) applies. Grey-market products are untested for purity and content.
Sources
- Newman et al. 2012: Acadesine in CABG – RED-CABG trial (JAMA)
- WADA Prohibited List – S4 Hormone and Metabolic Modulators (drugs.com)
Note: We deliberately do not list any doses here. For approved medicines, your doctor sets the dose; for unapproved substances there is no reliable information.