July 2008: Scientists say a recent study showed the drug Aicar gave mice the benefits of exercise, without the actual exercise. Informally, the drug is being referred to as 'exercise in a pill', due to the way it causes muscle tissue to mimic the results of exercise. The drug, which has not been tested in humans, appears to chemically mimic the benefits of exercise.The Associated Press: Drug gives couch potato mice benefits of a workout (July 31, 2008)
Details
Currently, no human trials have been executed to conclusively prove whether or not Aicar works in humans. All evidence is from rodent trials, which are extremely promising but far from conclusive. However, the World Anti-Doping Agency has already added Aicar to its list of banned substances, so professional athletes are barred from using the substance as a performance enhancer.WADA: 2009 Prohibited Substances Aicar shows possible uses for muscular degeneration due to wasting diseases, aging, or for those physically unable to exercise (such as coma patients or those who have recently had major surgery).
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before taking Aicar.
References
Fast Facts
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July 2008
Researchers at the Salk Institute said the drug Aicar greatly improves the athletic endurance of lab miceThe New York Times: Drugs Offer Promise of Fitness Without Effort (July 31, 2008)
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Aicar increased the endurance of mice on treadmills by 44 percent after a month of treatmentThe New York Times: Drugs Offer Promise of Fitness Without Effort (July 31, 2008)
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Researchers say the drug would need to be taken for long periods of time to be effectiveThe Associated Press: Drug gives couch potato mice benefits of a workout (July 31, 2008)
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