Tesofensine vs AICAR
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Fat Loss & Metabolic
TesofensineAnti-Aging & LongevityFat Loss & Metabolic
AICAR- Summary
- Tesofensine is a triple monoamine reuptake inhibitor (TMRI) that blocks reuptake of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Originally developed for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, it was repurposed as a potent weight loss agent after clinical trials demonstrated substantial fat loss via appetite suppression and increased energy expenditure.
- AICAR is a cell-permeable AMP analog that activates AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) — the master metabolic switch that triggers fat burning, mitochondrial biogenesis, and adaptations normally only achieved through exercise. It has been called the 'exercise in a pill' compound.
- Half-Life
- 8-10 days (exceptionally long; accumulates over weeks)
- ~2–3 hours
- Admin Route
- Oral
- SubQ, IV
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.25-0.5 mg per day
- 25–50 mg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- 3–5 times per week
- Key Benefits
- Potent appetite suppression via triple monoamine reuptake inhibition
- Significant weight loss (8-12% body weight in phase II trials at 0.5 mg)
- Increases basal metabolic rate and energy expenditure
- Reduces fat mass preferentially over lean mass
- Potential cognitive benefit via dopaminergic and noradrenergic enhancement
- Longer half-life than sibutramine allows once-daily dosing
- AMPK activation mimics aerobic exercise adaptations
- Increased fat oxidation and endurance
- Mitochondrial biogenesis (PGC-1alpha)
- Improved insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Potential cardiac protection during ischemia
- Synergistic with actual exercise training
- Reduces hepatic glucose production
- Side Effects
- Elevated heart rate and blood pressure (sympathomimetic)
- Dry mouth
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
- Nausea
- +4 more
- Hypoglycemia risk
- Lactic acidosis at high doses (animal data)
- Injection site irritation
- Stacks With
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