What Is SLU-PP-332?
SLU-PP-332 is a small molecule pan-agonist of the estrogen-related receptor (ERR) family — specifically ERRα, ERRβ, and ERRγ — developed by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis. ERR receptors are nuclear receptors that regulate mitochondrial biogenesis, oxidative metabolism, and energy expenditure in skeletal muscle, cardiac tissue, and brown adipose tissue. Crucially, ERR receptors are constitutively active orphan nuclear receptors — they do not bind estrogen or any known endogenous ligand — making SLU-PP-332 a pharmacological tool rather than a hormone replacement approach.
SLU-PP-332 attracted broad scientific and popular attention following a 2023 publication demonstrating exercise-mimetic effects in mice — treated animals ran approximately 70% further without training than untreated controls, with skeletal muscle showing gene expression changes consistent with aerobic conditioning. This positioned ERR pan-agonism as a potential “exercise in a pill” research platform, though human data remains absent as of 2026.
SLU-PP-332 Mechanism of Action
- ERRα agonism: ERRα is the primary regulator of oxidative phosphorylation gene expression in skeletal muscle and heart. Activation increases mitochondrial density, fatty acid oxidation capacity, and ATP production efficiency
- ERRγ agonism: ERRγ regulates slow-twitch (Type I) oxidative muscle fiber gene expression. SLU-PP-332 activation shifts skeletal muscle toward an oxidative fiber phenotype — the same adaptation produced by endurance exercise training
- PGC-1α co-activation: ERR receptors interact with PGC-1α, the master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis. SLU-PP-332 potentiates this interaction, driving TFAM, NRF1, and NRF2 expression and mitochondrial DNA replication
- Cardiac metabolism: ERRα is essential for the ~95% of ATP produced by fatty acid oxidation in healthy cardiomyocytes. Research has explored SLU-PP-332 in heart failure models where ERRα is downregulated and substrate utilization shifts unfavorably
SLU-PP-332 Research Data
- Endurance capacity (2023, Washington University): Mice treated with SLU-PP-332 for 4 weeks ran 70% further on treadmill exhaustion tests compared to untreated controls, without exercise training. Skeletal muscle transcriptomics confirmed upregulation of oxidative metabolism, slow-twitch fiber, and mitochondrial biogenesis gene sets — mirroring endurance exercise adaptations
- Metabolic effects: Treated mice showed increased oxygen consumption, reduced respiratory exchange ratio (consistent with enhanced fat oxidation), and resistance to diet-induced weight gain
- Cardiac research: Separate studies have explored ERR agonists in heart failure models, where ERRα downregulation is a consistent feature of the failing myocardium. SLU-PP-332 treatment restored fatty acid oxidation gene expression in cardiomyocyte cell culture models
- No human data: As of 2026, no published human clinical trials exist for SLU-PP-332. All efficacy data is preclinical
SLU-PP-332 Dosage Reference
| Research Context | Dose Used | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Endurance/exercise mimetic (mouse) | 50 mg/kg/day | IP injection |
| Metabolic studies (mouse) | 30–100 mg/kg/day | IP or subcutaneous |
| In vitro (cell culture) | 0.1–10 μM | Media supplementation |
Published preclinical data provided for research reference only. Not dosing guidance for human use.
SLU-PP-332 vs. AICAR — Exercise Mimetic Research Comparison
| Parameter | SLU-PP-332 | AICAR |
|---|---|---|
| Primary target | ERRα/β/γ (nuclear receptors) | AMPK (energy sensor kinase) |
| Mitochondrial effect | Biogenesis via PGC-1α/ERR axis | Biogenesis via AMPK/PGC-1α axis |
| Fiber type shift | Yes — toward oxidative (slow-twitch) | Yes — toward oxidative |
| Endurance effect in mice | ~70% increased run distance | ~44% increased run distance (published) |
| Human data | None (2026) | Limited (mostly cancer/diabetes context) |
Where to Buy SLU-PP-332 for Research
SLU-PP-332 is a relatively novel research compound with limited commercial availability. Key supplier criteria:
- HPLC purity ≥99% with batch documentation
- MS/MS identity confirmation
- Independent third-party COA
- Proper solubility data — SLU-PP-332 requires DMSO for initial dissolution in cell culture protocols
Core Power Peptides supplies SLU-PP-332 5mg at ≥99% purity, HPLC and MS/MS verified per batch, with third-party COA available on request.
Research Disclaimer: All information on this page is for educational and scientific reference purposes only. SLU-PP-332 has no human clinical data and is not approved for any indication. This product is sold strictly for in vitro research and laboratory use only. Not for human consumption. Not medical advice.