AICAR

AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide) is an adenosine analog that activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) upon intracellular conversion to ZMP. AMPK is a master regulator of cellular energy homeostasis and plays a pivotal role in modulating autophagy, mitochondrial biogenesis, and oxidative stress responses. In the context of neurodegenerative disease research, AICAR is of particular interest due to its ability to induce autophagy through AMPK-mediated phosphorylation of ULK1, bypassing mTORC1 inhibition. This mechanism is critical in clearing misfolded proteins and damaged organelles, processes that are impaired in disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease. AICAR’s neuroprotective potential is further supported by its capacity to enhance neuronal survival under metabolic stress, making it a valuable tool for studying energy metabolism and therapeutic strategies in neurodegeneration.

Classification: D2B- Toxic Material Causing Other Toxic Effects, Moderate skin irritant, Moderate respiratory irritant, Moderate eye irritant

Safety Phrases:

• S22 - Do not breathe dust.
• S24/25 - Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
• S36/37/39 - Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves and eye/face protection.

Hazard statements:

• H315- Causes skin irritation.
• H319- Causes serious eye irritation.
• H335- May cause respiratory irritation.

Precautionary statements:

• P261- Avoid breathing dust/ fume/ gas/ mist/ vapours/ spray.
• P264- Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
• P271- Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
• P280- Wear protective gloves/ eye protection/ face protection.
• P302 + P352- IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water.
• P304 + P340- IF INHALED: Remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing.
• P305 + P351 + P338- IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
• P312- Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/ physician if you feel unwell.
• P321- Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on this label).
• P332 + P313- If skin irritation occurs: Get medical advice/ attention.
• P337 + P313- If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/ attention.
• P362- Take off contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
• P403 + P233- Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
• P405- Store locked up.
• P501- Dispose of contents/ container to an approved waste disposal plant.

AICAR (StressMarq Biosciences Inc., Victoria BC CANADA, Catalog # SIH-402)

Need this compound in a format that drops straight into your assay? We can tailor formulation, chemistry, and documentation so your results stay consistent across runs and re-orders.

• Format options: solid or pre-dissolved solution (choose solvent), target concentration, aliquots, light/moisture-protected packaging
• Chemistry options: free base/acid vs salt forms, hydrate/solvate preference, stereoisomer control (single enantiomer or racemate), close analogs
• Add-on labels & handles: D/¹³C/¹⁵N isotopes (LC-MS/internal standards), azide/alkyne or other functional handles for conjugation
• QC & documentation: standard COA or enhanced analytical pack (HPLC/LC-MS/NMR), chiral purity, residual solvents, water content (KF), method-specific specs
• Scale & continuity: mg to gram scale, bulk pricing, lot reservation, repeat-order continuity

To quote quickly, tell us: compound name + CAS/structure (SMILES or mol file), intended assay context, solvent preference, salt/stereochemistry requirements, purity/QC level, and the amount (mg–g).

Can’t find the compound you’re looking for?
Send the CAS or structure and your specs. We can help source it, suggest close equivalents, or discuss custom synthesis with the right QC documentation (RUO).