REV-ERB agonist is one of those subjects where the details matter more than the headlines. This page pulls together the background, the mechanisms, and the practical points readers ask about most.
Last reviewed on 2025-08-05. Where a claim depends on a specific study, the study is described rather than over-claimed.
Laboratory identification of SR9009 typically relies on chromatographic separation coupled to mass spectrometry, often with ultraviolet detection as a secondary check. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy can confirm molecular structure when a reference standard is available. Because many suppliers sell the compound as a research chemical, independent identity testing is important for experimental reproducibility. A single retention time is not sufficient proof of identity, especially when related compounds may be present. Purity assessments usually report a percentage based on area normalization.
SR9009 is generally described as poorly soluble in water and more soluble in organic solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide and ethanol. Stock solutions are commonly prepared in an organic solvent before dilution into an aqueous buffer or vehicle. Precipitation can occur if the organic fraction is reduced too quickly or if the final concentration exceeds the compound's solubility limit. Sonication or gentle warming may aid dissolution in some protocols, but excessive heat can promote degradation. Container material and pH can also influence observed solubility.
For long-term storage, SR9009 is typically kept as a solid at low temperature, protected from moisture and light. Desiccated conditions limit hydrolysis, while opaque containers reduce photochemical breakdown. Solutions are less stable than solids and are often stored frozen in aliquots to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Stability data are not standardized across all suppliers, so users should rely on certificate-of-analysis information when available. Degradation may appear as color change, precipitate, or decreased chromatographic purity.
Analytical methods for SR9009 typically rely on liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. The technique can separate the parent compound from related substances and detect low concentrations in biological matrices. Urine and blood are common samples in anti-doping testing, while in vitro studies may use cell culture media. Rapid metabolism and low expected concentrations make method validation important for reliable identification. Exact metabolite patterns can vary by species and are not fully mapped.
Regulatory treatment of SR9009 reflects its investigational status. The compound has no approved human therapeutic indication, and sports authorities prohibit its use. It appears on anti-doping lists as a non-approved substance or metabolic modulator, depending on the list version. Products sold online as research chemicals are not quality-controlled medicines, so their identity and purity can differ from the label. Such products may also contain unlisted compounds, which complicates both testing and safety assessment.
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white powder | Visual inspection is not sufficient for identity. |
| Solubility | Soluble in DMSO and ethanol | Low solubility in water; stock solutions use organic solvent. |
| Storage | -20°C, desiccated, protected from light | Limits hydrolysis and photodegradation. |
| Analytical method | HPLC-UV/MS | Used for identity and purity assessment. |
| Synonyms | SR9009, Stenabolic | Naming varies by supplier. |
At the molecular level, SR9009 binds REV-ERBα and REV-ERBβ and alters their repressive activity on target genes. These nuclear receptors help regulate the circadian clock, lipid synthesis, glucose metabolism, and inflammatory pathways. By changing transcription, the compound can shift the timing or magnitude of downstream metabolic processes in model systems. It does not act through androgen receptors or adenosine receptors, which distinguishes it from several substances sold for athletic performance. Whether the same transcriptional changes occur in humans at tolerable exposures remains an open question because controlled human studies are lacking.
Preclinical reports describe effects on exercise endurance, mitochondrial content, and lipid profiles in rodents, but these findings come from specific experimental conditions. Many studies use high doses or delivery methods that may not translate directly to human use. SR9009 has been reported to have low oral bioavailability and a short half-life, which complicates interpretation of oral dosing studies. It is not established as safe or effective for any indication. Literature discussions often separate its pharmacological mechanism from unverified claims made in fitness and supplement markets.
SR9009 is a synthetic small molecule developed as an agonist of the nuclear receptors REV-ERBα (NR1D1) and REV-ERBβ (NR1D2). These receptors help regulate circadian rhythms and metabolic gene expression. In cell and animal studies, SR9009 alters transcription of genes involved in lipid metabolism, inflammation, and mitochondrial function. It is not an approved medicine, and its pharmacological profile in humans remains largely uncharacterized. The compound is frequently discussed in the context of circadian biology and metabolic research rather than clinical use.
Preclinical reports have linked SR9009 to improved endurance and altered energy expenditure in rodents. Such findings have prompted interest in whether REV-ERB activation can influence skeletal muscle metabolism. However, the reported effects depend on dose, route, and experimental model, and replication across laboratories is limited. Human trials have not established comparable outcomes, so claims about exercise performance remain speculative. The absence of controlled human data is a central limitation in interpreting these observations.
The mechanism of action involves binding to REV-ERB receptors and recruiting corepressor complexes, which represses target gene transcription. This contrasts with many nuclear receptor agonists that activate transcription. Downstream effects may include changes in autophagy, mitochondrial biogenesis, and lipid handling, but the precise pathways remain an active area of study. Whether these molecular events translate into meaningful physiological effects in humans is unresolved. Most evidence comes from cultured cells and rodent models rather than human participants.
Detection of SR9009 in biological samples usually employs liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. This method can identify the parent compound and sometimes metabolites in urine or blood. Because exposure can be low and clearance may be rapid, sample timing and limits of detection matter. Laboratories validate assays for sensitivity and specificity. Results are interpreted alongside chain-of-custody and quality-control records. Urine is the common matrix for anti-doping analysis, while blood may be used in research settings.
Handling recommendations for SR9009 in a laboratory setting include storing the solid at low temperature, protected from light and moisture. The compound is often dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide or ethanol for experiments. Solutions should be prepared with appropriate personal protective equipment and disposed of according to local rules. Stability data for long-term storage are limited, so stock solutions are typically kept cold and used within defined periods. Records of preparation date and concentration support reproducibility.
SR9009 is not approved as a medicine by major regulatory agencies. It is commonly sold as a research chemical, a category that may fall outside customary drug approval and quality rules. In sports, the World Anti-Doping Agency lists SR9009 as a prohibited substance. Athletes who use it can face sanctions if it is detected in a sample. Legal status varies by country, and importation may be restricted. Enforcement practices differ across borders.
=== In fiction === Jonathan Evison's novel, The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving, published in 2012, depicted a young man affected by the disease. In 2016, Netflix released The Fundamentals of Caring, a film based on the novel.
The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is a nucleus in the hypothalamus, located next to the third ventricle. PVN neurons project to many different brain regions including the posterior pituitary, the median eminence as well as the brainstem and spinal cord. Neurons which project to the posterior pituitary secrete oxytocin and vasopressin, whereas neurons that project to the median eminence release corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and other neuropeptides. CRH and TRH are secreted into the hypophyseal portal system, and target effector endocrine cells in the anterior pituitary. The PVN is thought to mediate many diverse functions, including osmoregulation, appetite, wakefulness, stress responses, as well as the regulation of social behavior.
== Detoxification == To prevent the toxic effects, AzM can be biotransformed. Although AzM (in figure 2 named guthion) can be bioactivated by a cytochrome P450 (CYP450)-mediated desulfuration to its phosphate triester or oxon (gutoxon), it may also be detoxified by CYP itself (reaction 2 in figure 2). CYP450 is namely able to catalyze the oxidative cleavage of the P-S-C bond in AzM to yield DMTP and MMBA. The other pathways of detoxification involves glutathione (GSH)-mediated dealkylation via cleavage of the P-O-CH3 bond, which than forms mono-demethylated AzM and GS-CH3 (reaction 3 in figure 2). This mono-demethylated AzM may be further demethylated to di-demethylated AzM and again GS-CH3 (reaction 4 in figure 2). AzM also may undergo glutathione-catalyzed dearylation which forms DMPDT and glutathione-conjugated mercaptomethyl benzazimide (reaction 5 in figure 2) Gutoxon, the compound that mainly causes AzM to be toxic, can also be detoxified. Gutoxon can again be detoxified with the help of CYP450. CYP450 catalyzes the oxidative cleavage of gutoxon, which than yields DMP and MMBA (reaction 6 in figure 2). Other detoxification pathways of gutoxon are via glutathione-mediated dealkylation, which goes via cleavage of the P-O-CH3 bond to form demethylated AzM and GS-CH3 (reaction 7 in figure 2), and via glutathione-catalyzed dearylation to yield DMTP and glutathione-conjugated mercaptomethyl benzazimide (reaction 8 in figure 2).
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
=== Oxidative stress === Oxidative stress, oxidative DNA damage and disruptions of DNA repair have been postulated to play a role in the etiopathology of both ASD and schizophrenia. Physiological factors and mechanisms influence by oxidative stress are believed to be highly influential to autism risk. Interactions between environmental and genetic factors may increase oxidative stress in children with autism. This theory hypothesizes that toxicity and oxidative stress may cause autism in some cases. Evidence includes genetic effects on metabolic pathways, reduced antioxidant capacity, enzyme changes, and enhanced biomarkers for oxidative stress. One theory is that stress damages Purkinje cells in the cerebellum after birth, and it is possible that glutathione is involved. Polymorphism of genes involved metabolization of glutathione is evidenced by lower levels of total glutathione, and higher levels of oxidized glutathione in autistic children. Based on this theory, antioxidants may be a useful treatment for autism. Environmental factors can influence oxidative stress pre, peri, and postnatally and include heavy metals, infection, certain drugs, and toxic exposure from various sources including cigarette smoke, air pollutants, and organophosphate pesticides.
=== Isolation and the qualification drought (1963–1974) === The 1962 FIFA World Cup proved a false dawn. At the 1963 South American Championship in Bolivia, Colombia lost five of six matches and finished last of the seven competing nations with a single point, conceding nineteen goals in the thin air of La Paz and Cochabamba. Three successive qualifying campaigns followed the same pattern of narrow competence undone by a single heavy defeat. Colombia were beaten twice by Ecuador and thrashed 7–2 by Chile in the 1966 preliminaries, recovering only to win the return 2–0 once elimination was assured. Drawn with Brazil for Mexico 1970, they took a point from six matches against the eventual world champions and Paraguay combined, losing 6–2 in Rio de Janeiro. The 1974 campaign was the cruellest of the three. Under the Yugoslav coach Toza Veselinović, Colombia went unbeaten across four matches, drawing three and winning in Montevideo 1–0 through Willington Ortiz on 5 July 1973 — a result long remembered in Colombia as a rare reverse for Uruguay at home. Colombia finished level with Uruguay on five points but were eliminated on goal difference.
Clusters can be found in all classes of chemical compounds. According to the commonly accepted definition, a cluster consists minimally of a triangular set of atoms that are directly bonded to each other. But metal–metal bonded dimetallic complexes are highly relevant to the area. Clusters occur in "pure" inorganic systems, organometallic chemistry, main group chemistry, and bioinorganic chemistry. The distinction between very large clusters and bulk solids is increasingly blurred. This interface is the chemical basis of nanoscience or nanotechnology and specifically arise from the study of quantum size effects in cadmium selenide clusters. Thus, large clusters can be described as an array of bound atoms intermediate in character between a molecule and a solid.
=== EC 1.2.7 With an iron–sulfur protein as acceptor === EC 1.2.7.1: pyruvate synthase EC 1.2.7.2: Now included with EC 1.2.7.1, pyruvate synthase. EC 1.2.7.3: 2-oxoglutarate synthase EC 1.2.7.4: anaerobic carbon monoxide dehydrogenase EC 1.2.7.5: aldehyde ferredoxin oxidoreductase EC 1.2.7.6: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (ferredoxin) EC 1.2.7.7: 3-methyl-2-oxobutanoate dehydrogenase (ferredoxin) EC 1.2.7.8: indolepyruvate ferredoxin oxidoreductase EC 1.2.7.9: deleted, identical to EC 1.2.7.3, 2-oxoglutarate synthase EC 1.2.7.10: oxalate oxidoreductase EC 1.2.7.11: 2-oxoacid oxidoreductase (ferredoxin) EC 1.2.7.12: formylmethanofuran dehydrogenase
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
Liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry is a common approach. Ultraviolet detection and nuclear magnetic resonance can support identification when suitable standards are available.
The solid is generally kept cold, dry, and protected from light. Solutions are often frozen in single-use aliquots to reduce repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
It indicates a material sold for laboratory study, not for human use. The label does not guarantee pharmaceutical purity, sterility, or regulatory approval.
No. It is an investigational compound without approved therapeutic indications. It is sold for research purposes only in many jurisdictions.