SLU-PP-332 Canada: Research-Grade ERR Agonist & Exercise Mimetic

SLU-PP-332 is a synthetic small molecule that activates estrogen-related receptors (ERRs). It can switch on the same gene programs that normally require physical exercise. Researchers in Canada studying mitochondrial biology, energy metabolism, and exercise-mimetic compounds can now source research-grade SLU-PP-332 domestically from 94 Supreme Peptides.

What is SLU-PP-332?

SLU-PP-332 (CAS 303760-60-3) is a small-molecule pan-agonist of the estrogen-related receptor (ERR) family. It was originally developed at Saint Louis University. Despite the name, ERRs have nothing to do with estrogen signaling. They are orphan nuclear receptors, meaning they are "always on" transcription factors that control mitochondrial biogenesis, oxidative phosphorylation, and fatty acid metabolism.

Its molecular formula is C₁₈H₁₄N₂O₂, with a molecular weight of 290.32 g/mol. That makes it a small molecule, not a peptide. However, research peptide suppliers commonly carry it because it targets the same metabolic pathways that peptide researchers study. Its IUPAC name is 4-hydroxy-N-[(Z)-naphthalen-2-ylmethylideneamino]benzamide.

SLU-PP-332 is classified as an exercise mimetic. That means it activates the same gene expression patterns normally triggered by aerobic exercise. This property has made it one of the most discussed research compounds in metabolic science since its characterization in 2023.

Mechanism of action

SLU-PP-332 binds to the ligand-binding domain of all three ERR isoforms. It locks the receptor into its active shape and boosts transcription of downstream metabolic genes. Here are the potency values across the ERR family:

Key pharmacological features

• Exercise gene activation. SLU-PP-332 switches on the same transcriptional programs that aerobic exercise triggers. These include fatty acid oxidation genes and mitochondrial biogenesis targets downstream of PGC-1α.
• Strongest potency for ERRα. While it activates all three ERR isoforms, SLU-PP-332 is most potent at ERRα (EC₅₀ 98 nM). This is the isoform most closely linked to metabolic regulation in skeletal muscle.
• Works at the transcriptional level. Unlike kinase inhibitors or receptor agonists that signal through second messengers, SLU-PP-332 directly modulates gene expression through nuclear receptor activation.
• PGC-1α pathway amplification. The compound operates downstream of PGC-1α, creating a feedback loop that amplifies mitochondrial response signals and energy expenditure.

Published research & preclinical data

All published research on SLU-PP-332 has been conducted in animal models. No human clinical trials have been registered or completed as of 2026. Below are the key studies in the published literature.

Exercise mimetic characterization

• Billon et al. (2023), ACS Chemical Biology. This is the foundational study characterizing SLU-PP-332 as an exercise mimetic. Mouse studies (n=6 per group) showed enhanced treadmill running distance and time versus vehicle controls at 50 mg/kg intraperitoneally. Gene expression analysis confirmed an ERRα-dependent acute aerobic exercise response, including upregulation of fatty acid oxidation and mitochondrial target genes.
• Billon et al. (2024), Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. This study examined three mouse models over 15–28 days. Diet-induced obese (DIO) mice (n=7 per group) showed decreased fat mass and adipocyte size reduction. Leptin-deficient ob/ob mice (n=8 per group) demonstrated fat mass reduction over 15 days. Results included increased energy expenditure, increased fatty acid oxidation, and improved insulin sensitivity.

Cardiac function research

• Xu et al. (2024), Circulation. This study used a transverse aortic constriction heart failure model in mice. Dosing was 25 mg/kg intraperitoneally twice daily for up to 6 weeks (n=4–23 per measurement). Results included improved ejection fraction and reduced cardiac fibrosis. These findings suggest ERR activation may support cardiac function under stress conditions.

Additional tissue studies

• American Journal of Pathology (2023). A kidney aging model showed mitochondrial dysfunction reversal with SLU-PP-332 treatment.
• FASEB Journal (2025). ERRα involvement in skeletal muscle regeneration was noted in studies using SLU-PP-332 as a pharmacological tool.

All references describe published preclinical research data. No human clinical trials have been conducted. This summary is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice or a recommendation for use. SLU-PP-332 is for research use only.

Dosing ranges cited in the literature

The following dosing information comes exclusively from published preclinical study protocols. All data is from murine models. No human dosing data exists.

Dosing data is cited from published murine research for laboratory reference only. 94 Supreme Peptides does not recommend, suggest, or endorse any specific dosing protocol. SLU-PP-332 is sold strictly as a research chemical, not for human or veterinary use.

Solubility, reconstitution & storage

SLU-PP-332 is a small molecule with specific solubility characteristics that differ from typical lyophilized peptides. Proper handling is essential for maintaining compound integrity in research applications.

Solubility profile

• DMSO. Freely soluble at up to 75 mg/mL. DMSO is the recommended primary solvent for stock solution preparation.
• Aqueous solutions. Limited aqueous solubility. You will need organic co-solvents (DMSO, ethanol, or PEG-400) to prepare injectable research solutions.
• Ethanol. Moderately soluble. Can be used as a co-solvent in combination with aqueous vehicles.

Stock solution preparation

1. Weigh the desired amount of SLU-PP-332 powder using an analytical balance.
2. Add DMSO to achieve the target concentration (e.g., 50 mg/mL for a concentrated stock). Vortex until fully dissolved.
3. For working solutions requiring an aqueous vehicle, dilute the DMSO stock into the final vehicle (e.g., 5% DMSO / 40% PEG-400 / 55% saline) with thorough mixing.
4. Filter-sterilize (0.22 μm) if needed for cell-culture or in vivo applications.

Storage guidelines

• Powder (neat). Store at −20 °C under desiccated conditions. Stable for up to 2 years when properly sealed and protected from moisture.
• DMSO stock solutions. Aliquot to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Store at −20 °C. Stable for several months when properly aliquoted.
• Working solutions. Prepare fresh before each experiment when possible. Use aqueous dilutions within 24 hours.
• Light protection. Store all forms away from direct light. Use amber vials or wrap in foil.

SLU-PP-332 vs. other exercise mimetics

Researchers studying exercise-mimetic compounds have several options. Each works through a different mechanism. The table below compares the key features relevant to metabolic research.

SLU-PP-332's main advantage is its selective mechanism through ERR activation, rather than broader kinase or PPAR pathways. Its main limitation in preclinical work is poor oral bioavailability, which means it requires parenteral administration (injection). The successor compound SLU-PP-915, reported in the European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry (2023), was developed to solve this problem.

Buying SLU-PP-332 in Canada

94 Supreme Peptides is a Canadian supplier of research-grade SLU-PP-332. All orders ship from within Canada to researchers and institutions across the country. Products are sold strictly for in vitro and laboratory research purposes.

Why researchers choose 94 Supreme Peptides

• Third-party tested. Every batch is verified by independent laboratories. Certificates of Analysis (COAs) are available on our COA page.
• Domestic shipping. All orders ship from Canada via tracked carriers. No cross-border customs delays or import complications.
• Proper handling. Compounds are shipped in appropriate packaging to maintain stability during transit.
• Free research tools. Access our reconstitution calculator, potency tracker, and other lab-reference tools at no cost.

Frequently asked questions