Library / Peptides / Metabolic & Body Composition / SLU-PP-332

No human data · Grade D

SLU-PP-332

Metabolic & Body Composition

Evidence

No Human Data

Route

Oral (in animal studies)

Frequency

Not established

Mechanism.

SLU-PP-332 is a small molecule agonist of estrogen-related receptors (ERRs), particularly ERRalpha, ERRbeta, and ERRgamma. Developed at Washington University in St. Louis (hence 'SLU'), it has been described as an 'exercise mimetic' because it activates the same transcriptional programs that are normally induced by physical exercise. Published research in animal models in 2023-2024 showed it can enhance muscle endurance and promote a fatigue-resistant muscle fiber phenotype without actual exercise.

Exercise flips a set of genetic switches in your muscles that make them better at burning fat and resisting fatigue. SLU-PP-332 flips those same switches chemically. It is like getting some of the muscle-remodeling benefits of marathon training from a molecule, though it is not a replacement for the cardiovascular and systemic benefits of actual exercise.

Mechanism · technical

SLU-PP-332 activates estrogen-related receptors (ERRs), which are orphan nuclear receptors that regulate mitochondrial biogenesis, oxidative phosphorylation, and fatty acid metabolism. ERR activation upregulates genes involved in the oxidative muscle fiber program, promoting a shift from fast-twitch (glycolytic) to slow-twitch (oxidative) muscle fiber types. This mimics the transcriptional changes seen with endurance exercise training, increasing fatigue resistance and metabolic capacity without physical activity.

Part 02 · Dosing & administration

How it's taken.

No validated dose

No independently validated human dosing exists for SLU-PP-332. Provided for educational purposes only — this is not medical advice and not instructions for self-administration. Consult your healthcare provider before making any health decision.

Dose

No validated dose

Small molecule ERRα/ERRγ agonist (not technically a peptide). Exercise mimetic that shifts muscle fiber type. Preclinical only — no human trials. Developed at Washington University. Included here for completeness.

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Part 03 · Safety

Side effects, rare serious events, who shouldn't.

Reported side effects

No human safety data exists. Animal studies have shown the compound to be reasonably well-tolerated in mice. Theoretical concerns include unknown effects of chronically activating ERR pathways on non-muscle tissues (heart, liver, reproductive organs). ERRs play roles in cancer metabolism, so long-term effects on cancer risk are unknown. This compound is in very early preclinical stages.

Absolute · do not use

Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Children under 18

Known hypersensitivity to SLU-PP-332 or any component

Active malignancy (effects of ERR agonism on cancer cell metabolism unknown)

Severe hepatic impairment

Interactions

Metformin

Both affect mitochondrial function and energy metabolism (AMPK/ERR pathways); theoretical additive metabolic effects

Moderate

Statins

Statins and ERR agonists both affect mitochondrial function in muscle; theoretical risk of additive myopathy

Moderate

Exercise mimetics (AICAR, GW501516)

Additive effects on oxidative metabolism; clinical significance unknown

Minor

Labs to monitor

CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel)

Baseline and every 3 months

Liver function (ERR agonism affects hepatic metabolism)

Fasting Glucose & Insulin

Baseline and monthly

Exercise mimetic effects on glucose metabolism

Lipid Panel

Baseline and every 3 months

ERR agonism affects lipid metabolism

CK (Creatine Kinase)

Baseline and at 4 weeks

Monitor for muscle fiber type shifting effects

CBC with Differential

Baseline and every 3 months

General safety monitoring

Part 04 · Research log

Every study we cite.

Each study with its published finding and a plain-language note on limitations or funding.

2023

A small-molecule ERR agonist reprograms muscle toward an exercise-like phenotype

SLU-PP-332 increased fatigue-resistant muscle fibers and enhanced exercise endurance in mice

Preclinical; single group (Bhatt/Washington U)

PMID 36988910 ↗

2023

ERR agonism as exercise mimetic strategy

ERR activation shifted muscle fiber composition and improved metabolic parameters without exercise

Preclinical; early stage

2026

Pan-ERR agonists as exercise mimetics (preclinical review)

A systematic review of preclinical studies reported that pan-ERR agonists SLU-PP-332 and SLU-PP-915 reproduce exercise-like gene programs and reduced adiposity and improved glycemic control in animal models; the authors stressed that human trials are still needed.

Part 05 · Cost & access

Where you can get it.

Regulatory status

SLU-PP-332 is not FDA-approved and has no regulatory status. It is a preclinical research compound. No clinical trials have been registered. It is technically a small molecule, not a peptide, but is commonly discussed in the peptide and performance-enhancement community. WADA has not yet specifically addressed it, but it would likely fall under prohibited substance categories.

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Part 06 · Your appointment

Questions to bring.

Is there any human safety or efficacy data for SLU-PP-332?

How do exercise mimetics compare to actual exercise for overall health?

What are the theoretical risks of shifting muscle fiber type composition?

Are there any known interactions with medications I take?

References

Every citation, numbered.

Citation list. For our editorial read of each study — including bias flags and quality grades — see the Research log above.

01.
A small-molecule ERR agonist reprograms muscle toward an exercise-like phenotype · 2023 · PMID 36988910 ↗
02.
ERR agonism as exercise mimetic strategy · 2023
03.
Pan-ERR agonists as exercise mimetics (preclinical review) · 2026