AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside) is a research compound that activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), earning the nickname “exercise pill” after studies showed sedentary animals given AICAR experienced dramatic endurance improvements. AICAR is prohibited in sports (WADA classifies it as a metabolic modulator) and is not approved for therapeutic use in humans. This educational protocol presents a once-daily subcutaneous approach for research purposes only.
