Rev-Erbα Agonist • NOT a SARM • Exercise Mimetic

SR-9009 (Stenabolic): The Circadian Metabolic Research Compound

Last updated: March 2026

SR-9009 (Stenabolic) is a Rev-Erbα agonist — not a SARM — developed at Scripps Research. It modulates circadian biology, mitochondrial biogenesis, and fat oxidation. Often called an "exercise mimetic." Critical caveat: its oral bioavailability in animals is extremely poor. All data from preclinical animal studies.

0
Anecdotal Oral Dose
Poor bioavailability warning
0
Half-Life (rodent data)
Requires split dosing
0
Oral Bioavailability
Per animal studies

How SR-9009 Works

SR-9009 activates Rev-Erbα, a nuclear receptor that acts as a transcription repressor controlling circadian clock genes. By activating Rev-Erbα, SR-9009 alters the expression of hundreds of metabolic genes — influencing fat oxidation, glucose metabolism, mitochondrial density, and inflammatory pathways.

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Rev-Erbα Agonism — Circadian Modulation

Rev-Erbα (NR1D1) is a nuclear receptor that represses clock gene expression, regulating the body's circadian rhythm. SR-9009 binds and activates Rev-Erbα, modulating the transcription of BMAL1, CLOCK, and downstream metabolic genes. This shifts the cell's perceived metabolic state.

Mitochondrial Biogenesis

In mouse models, SR-9009 treatment increased the number of mitochondria in skeletal muscle and enhanced oxidative capacity. This is the basis for its "exercise mimetic" designation — more mitochondria means greater fat-burning capacity, even at rest. Data is exclusively from animal models.

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Fat Oxidation & Metabolic Rate

Activated Rev-Erbα represses fatty acid synthesis genes and upregulates fat oxidation pathways. In diet-induced obese mice, SR-9009 reduced fat mass without changes to food intake. Glucose uptake and utilization were also improved. These effects were demonstrated via intraperitoneal injection, not oral dosing.

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Bioavailability: The Critical Problem

Animal studies measuring SR-9009's pharmacokinetics found oral bioavailability to be less than 2%. The vast majority of SR-9009 research used intraperitoneal injection directly into the abdominal cavity. Oral formulations in humans may deliver negligible systemic compound. This is a fundamental limitation of the oral use case.

What Animal Studies Show

⚠️ All data below is from animal studies (mouse/rodent models), administered primarily via intraperitoneal injection — NOT oral dosing. These findings may not translate to oral human use.

Running Endurance Increase (treadmill)
Mouse treadmill test after 30 days SR-9009 — animal study, IP injection
~50%
Fat Mass Reduction vs Control
Diet-induced obese mouse model — animal study, IP injection
~12%
Mitochondrial Number Increase
Skeletal muscle mitochondrial density — animal study
Significant
Plasma Triglyceride Reduction
Metabolic panel in treated mice — animal study
~33%
Oral Bioavailability
PK studies in rodents — severely limits oral use
<2%

Side Effects & Risks

Circadian Rhythm Disruption
Rev-Erbα modulation affects sleep-wake cycles
Possible
Insomnia / Sleep Changes
Due to circadian clock gene modulation
Anecdotal
Hormonal Suppression
No androgen receptor binding — no HPTA suppression expected
None expected
Unknown Long-Term Effects
No chronic human safety data exists
Unknown
DMSO Carrier Toxicity Risk
When used with DMSO to bypass oral BA issues
Moderate concern

Key Takeaways

✅ What We Know
  • SR-9009 is a Rev-Erbα agonist, NOT a SARM — different mechanism entirely
  • Impressive metabolic effects in mouse studies via IP injection
  • No HPTA suppression — does not affect testosterone axis
  • Oral bioavailability is less than 2% in animal pharmacokinetic studies
  • Half-life is short (~4-5 hrs in rodents), requiring multiple daily doses
⚠️ What We Don't Know
  • Whether oral SR-9009 delivers meaningful human blood levels
  • Long-term circadian disruption consequences in humans
  • No human clinical trials have been completed
  • Safety profile in humans is entirely unknown

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⚠️ Important Disclaimer

This page is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. SR-9009 is not FDA approved and is not intended for human use. All efficacy data is from preclinical animal studies using injection protocols. Oral use in humans may deliver negligible active compound. Do not use any research chemical without consulting a qualified medical professional.