AICAR

AMPK activator nucleotide analog studied as an "exercise mimetic" for endurance and glucose uptake.

AICAR is a nucleotide analogue that flips on AMPK directly — the same energy-sensing switch MOTS-C hits — fooling the cell into thinking it's just exercised. In animal studies it boosted endurance and glucose uptake without any training, which earned it the "exercise in a bottle" reputation (and a ban in competitive sport). The practical brakes are cost and hypoglycemia risk: effective in theory, but expensive and finicky enough to stay niche.