SLU-PP-332
Emerging researchSynthetic Pan-ERR Agonist | Exercise Mimetic & Metabolic Modulator
Groundbreaking synthetic compound from Saint Louis University functioning as pan-estrogen-related receptor agonist with preferential ERRα activity.
Molecular & research data
- Sequence
- (E)-4-Hydroxy-N'-(naphthalen-2-ylmethylene)benzohydrazide
- Molecular weight
- 290.32 Da
- Half-life
- Under investigation (no human PK data)
- Primary targets
- ampk
- Routes (research)
- Injectable
- Storage
- 2-8°C refrigerated for research use
Overview
Groundbreaking synthetic compound from Saint Louis University functioning as pan-estrogen-related receptor agonist with preferential ERRα activity. Activates metabolic pathways engaged during physical exercise without physical activity requirement.
Mechanism of action
Binds and activates ERRα/β/γ which regulate energy metabolism gene expression. Upregulates PGC-1α (mitochondrial biogenesis master regulator), activates AMPK pathway, increases mitochondrial density to 1.8-fold, enhances oxidative phosphorylation and ATP production.
Key research findings
- Exercise mimetic effects without physical activity
- 12% weight loss in 28 days
- 70% increased endurance
- 25% enhanced fatty acid oxidation
- Improved insulin sensitivity
- Reduced hepatic steatosis
- Cardiac protection
- Reversal of age-related mitochondrial dysfunction
Research applications
Metabolic Health
- Weight Loss & Body Composition — 12% body weight reduction in 28 days without appetite suppression. Fat mass gain <0.5g vs ~5g controls.
- Insulin Sensitivity & Glucose Control — Significantly improved glucose tolerance in obese mice with lower fasting glucose and insulin levels.
- Energy Expenditure Enhancement — Increases resting energy expenditure by 25% for fatty acid oxidation within 2 hours.
- Liver Health & NAFLD — Reduced hepatic steatosis, decreased hepatic triglycerides, and enhanced hepatic fatty acid oxidation.
Exercise Performance
- Endurance Improvements — 70% increase in running time and 45% increase in running distance in preclinical models.
- Muscle Fiber Remodeling — Increased type IIa oxidative skeletal muscle fibers with enhanced oxidative capacity.
Cardiovascular
- Cardiac Function Improvement — Improved ejection fraction in heart failure models with reduced cardiac fibrosis.
Anti-Aging
- Mitochondrial Aging Reversal — First compound to reverse age-related mitochondrial dysfunction in 21-month-old mice.
Kidney Protection
- Age-Related Kidney Disease — Reversed age-related albuminuria increase and prevented podocyte loss in elderly mice.
SLU-PP-332 FAQ
Is SLU-PP-332 an actual exercise substitute, or does it just feel like you worked out?+
SLU-PP-332 activates the same metabolic pathways exercise does (mitochondrial biogenesis, PGC-1α upregulation, AMPK activation), but it's not a complete substitute. It increases endurance 70% and reduces weight 12% without exercise, but it doesn't build muscles or improve cardiovascular fitness like real training does. Think of it as metabolic enhancement, not exercise replacement.
Why does SLU-PP-332 work so much faster than training (12% weight loss in 28 days)?+
Training requires weeks to upregulate mitochondrial genes; SLU-PP-332 activates them within hours. In mouse studies, energy expenditure increased 25% within 2 hours, creating sustained fat oxidation and rapid weight loss. This bypass of normal training adaptation pathways explains the speed, though long-term human data doesn't exist.
Could SLU-PP-332 cause liver damage if used long-term?+
The file flags SLU-PP-332 as potentially hepatotoxic. However, animal studies showed no liver damage at therapeutic doses. The flag exists because long-term human safety is unknown. If used experimentally, liver function tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin) should be monitored regularly.
Is there an oral version of SLU-PP-332 in development?+
Yes. SLU-PP-915 (a distinct oral bioavailable ERR pan-agonist) shows similar efficacy to SLU-PP-332 when given orally. A 2025 study found it enhanced aerobic performance as effectively as the injectable form. This represents major progress toward clinical translation, though human trials haven't started.
References
- [1]A Synthetic ERR Agonist Alleviates Metabolic SyndromeJournal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
- [2]Synthetic ERRα/β/γ Agonist Induces an ERRα-Dependent Acute Aerobic Exercise Response and Enhances Exercise CapacityACS Chemical Biology
- [3]Estrogen-Related Receptor Agonism Reverses Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Inflammation in the Aging KidneyAmerican Journal of Pathology
- [4]Novel Pan-ERR Agonists Ameliorate Heart Failure Through Enhancing Cardiac Fatty Acid Metabolism and Mitochondrial FunctionCirculation
- [5]An orally active estrogen receptor-related receptor agonist, SLU-PP-915, enhances aerobic exercise capacityMolecular Metabolism
- [6]Targeting ERRs to counteract age-related muscle atrophy associated with physical inactivity: a pilot studyGeroScience
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Last reviewed: 2026-06-26. Information is provided for research and educational reference only — see our disclaimer.