AICAR 50mg

AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside, also called acadesine) is a cell-permeable nucleoside that cells convert into ZMP, an AMP analogue that activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Contexx Research supplies AICAR in Canada as a 50 mg research compound for cell-signalling and metabolism research.

AICAR specifications

Research overview

In 1995, Corton and colleagues described AICAR as a way to activate AMPK in intact cells. Adenosine kinase phosphorylates AICAR to ZMP, which mimics AMP’s allosteric effects on AMPK without changing cellular ATP:AMP ratios [1]. AICAR has been one of the most widely used pharmacological AMPK activators in cell biology ever since.

Later work showed that AICAR has important effects that don’t involve AMPK, for example on purine and pyrimidine metabolism and other AMP-regulated enzymes. A 2021 systematic review in Cells catalogues these effects and recommends controls, such as AMPK-knockout cells or comparison with direct activators, for interpreting results [2].

Nucleoside-transport conditions also matter. A 2018 study showed that nucleosides in culture media can block AICAR-stimulated AMPK activation in skeletal-muscle and cancer cells, a practical consideration when designing assays [3].

Selected references

1. Corton JM et al. Eur J Biochem. 1995. PubMed 7744080
2. Višnjić D et al. Cells. 2021. PubMed 34064363
3. Dolinar K et al. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol. 2018. PubMed 30230919

Storage and handling

AICAR ships as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) solid. Dry material is far more stable than material in solution, so keep it in its dry, sealed state until you need it.

• Store unopened vials of AICAR at −20 °C, dry and protected from light. Let the vial reach room temperature before opening to limit condensation.
• Prepare stock solutions in a solvent suited to your assay, label them with concentration and date, and keep them at 2–8 °C for short-term use.
• For longer storage of solutions, divide them into single-use aliquots and freeze them; avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
• Handle with gloves and eye protection, following your laboratory’s standard chemical-hygiene practice.

Quality and testing

Contexx Research independently tests every batch it releases. A lot-specific COA for AICAR isn’t linked on this page yet. For questions about testing, contact info@contexxresearch.ca.

We don’t list purity figures in this description; the lot COA is the reference for identity and purity. Researchers should confirm identity and concentration with their own analytical methods where their protocol requires it.

Frequently asked questions

What’s included when I order AICAR 50 mg?

One sealed vial containing 50 mg of AICAR as a lyophilized powder. Reconstitution solution is sold separately.

Does AICAR come with a Certificate of Analysis (COA)?

Every batch Contexx Research releases is independently tested. A lot-specific COA isn’t linked on this page yet; for testing questions, contact info@contexxresearch.ca.

How fast is shipping in Canada?

Orders are processed Monday to Friday, and most orders ship within 24 hours from Mississauga, Ontario, in secure, tamper-evident packaging. Orders placed on Friday afternoon (after the 12:00 PM ET cut-off) ship on Monday, when Canada Post resumes pickup, or on the next business day if Monday is a statutory holiday. Once your order ships, delivery typically takes 1–3 business days in Ontario and Quebec and 2–6 business days in the rest of Canada, and a tracking number is emailed to you. Orders over $250 CAD shipped within Canada qualify for free standard shipping. See our Shipping Policy for details.

How should AICAR be stored?

Store unopened vials at −20 °C, dry and protected from light. After reconstitution, keep solutions at 2–8 °C for short-term use, or freeze single-use aliquots and avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.

What does “research use only” mean?

“Research use only” means AICAR is sold only as a reference material for in-vitro laboratory and analytical research by qualified professionals. It is not for use in humans or animals, not for diagnostic use, and not a drug, natural health product, food, supplement or cosmetic.

Research use only

AICAR is sold by Contexx Research Inc. strictly as a reference material for in-vitro laboratory research and analytical use by qualified professionals. It is not a drug, natural health product, food, dietary supplement or cosmetic. It is not intended for use in humans or animals, for diagnostic purposes, or for ingestion or any other form of administration to a living organism. Nothing on this page describes or implies any effect in humans or animals. Purchasers are responsible for handling, storage and disposal in line with applicable laws and their institution’s policies. By ordering, you confirm that you are purchasing for legitimate laboratory research and agree to our Terms and Conditions.