SLU‑PP‑332: Exercise Mimetic & Metabolic Activator
Unlock Endurance, Reduce Fat, and Supercharge Energy Without Extra Exercise
SLU‑PP‑332 is a small-molecule agonist of estrogen-related receptors (ERRα/β/γ), nuclear transcription factors that drive mitochondrial function, fat metabolism, and endurance. Developed at the University of Florida and Saint Louis University, research suggest SLU‑PP‑332 evokes many benefits of aerobic training at the cellular level, making the body behave as if it’s exercising without changes in physical activity or appetite.
Studies are showing promising results, purportedly due to SLU-PP-332 showing the following:
- ERR Receptor Agonism – SLU‑PP‑332 binds and activates ERRα, ERRβ, and ERRγ, transcription factors that regulate genes involved in energy metabolism, mitochondrial biogenesis, and oxidative capacity.
- Mitochondrial Activation – Drives expression of mitochondrial proteins (e.g., Pdk4), increasing muscle cell respiration and oxidative capacity.
- Shift to Fat Oxidation – Triggers systemic metabolic shift toward fatty acid use, increasing energy expenditure and thermogenic-style metabolism.
- Enhanced Endurance Mechanisms – Promotes oxidative muscle fibers and endurance adaptations normally induced by aerobic exercise.
In preclinical studies, the compound has shown to boost energy expenditure, enhance fat utilization, improve muscle endurance, and reduce obesity and metabolic syndrome, all while maintaining normal food intake and activity levels. It’s being investigated for obesity, age-related muscle decline, and metabolic dysfunction.
All current evidence is preclinical (animal and cell studies). Human trials have not yet commenced as of May 2025. SLU‑PP‑332 remains an investigational compound.
Key Potential Benefits
- Fat Reduction & Obesity Management – In obese mice, SLU‑PP‑332 treated animals gained 10× less fat and lost ~12% body weight in just a month, despite no change in food intake.
- Enhanced Endurance & Muscle Performance – Normal-weight mice ran ~70% longer and 45% farther after treatment, reflecting endurance benefits.
- Increased Energy Expenditure – Indirect calorimetry confirmed boosted metabolic rate and fatty acid oxidation, mimicking endurance training.
- Improved Insulin Sensitivity – In obese/metabolic syndrome models, SLU‑PP‑332 improved insulin response and reduced indicators of metabolic disease.
- Mitochondrial & Muscle Support – Boosted ERR activation upregulated mitochondrial genes (like Pdk4), increased oxidative fiber types, and enhanced cellular respiration in muscle cells.
Research Sources
- A Synthetic ERR Agonist Alleviates Metabolic Syndrome (J Pharmacol Exp Ther., 2023)
- Exercise-mimicking drug sheds weight, boosts muscle activity in mice (University of Florida News, Sept 2023)
- New hopes on “SLU‑PP‑332” as an effective agent for weight loss… (J Renal Endocrinology, 2024)
- Synthetic ERRα Agonist Induces Acute Aerobic Exercise Response (ACS Chem Biol, 2023)
Technical Information
CAS Number: | 303760-60-3 |
PubChem CID: | 5338394 |
Formula: | C18H14N2O2 |
Synonyms: | SLU-PP-332, 303760-60-3, 4-Hydroxy-N’-(naphthalen-2-ylmethylene)benzohydrazide, CHEMBL4208749, (E)-4-Hydroxy-N’-(naphthalen-2-ylmethylene)benzohydrazide |