SLU-PP-332: Complete Guide
SLU-PP-332 is a small-molecule agonist of estrogen-related receptor alpha and gamma (ERRα/ERRγ) developed at Saint Louis University. Dubbed an 'exercise mimetic,' it activates the same transcriptional programs as physical exercise — increasing mitochondrial biogenesis, fatty acid oxidation, and oxidative muscle fiber content — without physical activity. While not technically a peptide, it is widely discussed alongside peptide-based metabolic compounds.
Last updated: 2026-01-29
Quick Facts
- Category
- therapeutic
- Also Known As
- SLU-PP-332
- Related Goals
- fat loss, muscle growth
Who Researches SLU-PP-332?
SLU-PP-332 is researched by those interested in exercise mimetics and metabolic optimization — particularly the intersection of fat loss and muscle performance without exercise. It's relevant for researchers studying ERR-mediated transcription, those comparing exercise-mimetic compounds (AICAR, GW501516), and anyone investigating pharmacological approaches to metabolic conditioning. Note that SLU-PP-332 is preclinical only, with no human safety or efficacy data.
Research Peptides
We may earn a commission if you purchase through this link, at no extra cost to you.
What Is SLU-PP-332?
SLU-PP-332 was developed by Dr. Thomas Bhullar's laboratory at Saint Louis University. It targets estrogen-related receptors (ERRs) — orphan nuclear receptors that regulate mitochondrial biogenesis, energy metabolism, and muscle fiber composition. ERRs are naturally activated by exercise, which is why their pharmacological activation produces exercise-like metabolic effects.
In mouse studies published in 2023, SLU-PP-332 increased treadmill endurance by 45–70% in sedentary animals, increased oxidative muscle fiber density, and made mice resistant to diet-induced obesity — all without physical training. The compound also reduced body weight gain on a high-fat diet.
Mechanism of Action
SLU-PP-332 activates ERRα and ERRγ, which regulate the expression of genes involved in:
- Mitochondrial biogenesis: Increases PGC-1α co-activation, promoting the formation of new mitochondria in skeletal muscle
- Fatty acid oxidation: Upregulates enzymes in the beta-oxidation pathway, enhancing fat utilization
- Muscle fiber type switching: Shifts composition toward type I (slow-twitch, oxidative) fibers — the endurance fiber type
- Metabolic rate: Increases basal energy expenditure through enhanced mitochondrial oxidative capacity
Researching peptides? We did the hard part.
Get our free Peptide Starter Kit — the 5 most researched compounds, simplified into one actionable guide.
Dosage Overview
SLU-PP-332 has only been studied in animal models. Mouse dosing in published research ranged from 10–50 mg/kg via intraperitoneal injection. No human dosing guidelines exist, and no clinical formulation has been developed.
As a small molecule (not a peptide), SLU-PP-332 could potentially be developed as an oral medication, but pharmacokinetic optimization for human use has not been published.
Side Effects & Safety
- No human safety data: SLU-PP-332 is preclinical only
- Animal studies: Published mouse studies did not report significant toxicity over the study duration
- Theoretical concerns: ERR activation affects multiple organ systems — cardiac, hepatic, and reproductive effects would need evaluation
- Cancer considerations: ERR signaling plays context-dependent roles in certain cancers, requiring careful safety assessment