AICAR vs 5-Amino-1MQ
A side-by-side research comparison — classification, molecular weight, mechanism, and how each is verified. For laboratory research use only.
01At a Glance
| AICAR | 5-Amino-1MQ | |
|---|---|---|
| Classification | Mitochondrial | Mitochondrial |
| Molecular weight | 258.23 g/mol | 159.21 g/mol |
| Also known as | Acadesine; AICA riboside | 5-amino-1-methylquinolinium |
| Purity spec | ≥99% HPLC | ≥99% HPLC |
| Verification | MZ Biolabs · 5-panel | MZ Biolabs · 5-panel |
| Use | Research Use Only | Research Use Only |
02How They Differ
AICAR
An AMPK-activating nucleoside studied as a metabolic and exercise-mimetic tool.
AICAR is a nucleoside that is converted intracellularly to ZMP, an AMP mimetic that directly activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Through AMPK it is studied for effects on glucose uptake (GLUT4 translocation), fatty-acid oxidation, and mitochondrial biogenesis (PGC-1α).
5-Amino-1MQ
A small-molecule NNMT inhibitor studied for NAD+ salvage and adipocyte metabolism.
5-Amino-1MQ is a small-molecule inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), an enzyme that methylates nicotinamide. By inhibiting NNMT, research models report increased availability of nicotinamide for NAD+ salvage and altered S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) flux.
Research framing only · No human-use claims
03Selecting for a Research Model
Because AICAR and 5-Amino-1MQ are both mitochondrial research compounds, they are frequently evaluated against one another. Selection depends entirely on the research question, model system, and endpoints being measured. Both compounds are supplied strictly for in-vitro and laboratory research and are not for human or veterinary use.
Whichever you select, every Ethos Bio lot is verified the same way — a five-point independent panel with a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis. See how we test →
04FAQ
What is the difference between AICAR and 5-Amino-1MQ?
AICAR is a mitochondrial research compound — An AMPK-activating nucleoside studied as a metabolic and exercise-mimetic tool. 5-Amino-1MQ is also studied within the mitochondrial area — A small-molecule NNMT inhibitor studied for NAD+ salvage and adipocyte metabolism. They differ in molecular weight (AICAR: 258.23 g/mol; 5-Amino-1MQ: 159.21 g/mol) and primary mechanism. Both are supplied for laboratory research use only.
What are the molecular weights of AICAR and 5-Amino-1MQ?
AICAR has a molecular weight of 258.23 g/mol. 5-Amino-1MQ has a molecular weight of 159.21 g/mol.
Are AICAR and 5-Amino-1MQ in the same research class?
Yes — both AICAR and 5-Amino-1MQ are categorized as Mitochondrial research compounds, which is why they are often compared.
How are AICAR and 5-Amino-1MQ tested?
Both are analyzed by an independent third-party laboratory (MZ Biolabs, Arizona) on a five-point panel — HPLC purity, mass-spectrometry identity, endotoxin, heavy metals, and sterility — with a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis provided per lot.