Updated for 2025 — For Research Use Only
In the world of performance and metabolic research, few compounds have sparked as much scientific curiosity as Rev-Erb agonists—particularly SR9009 and SR9011. These non-hormonal compounds are being studied for their ability to modulate circadian rhythm, fat metabolism, endurance, and inflammation.
Though they’re often grouped with SARMs or peptides by association, Rev-Erb agonists are fundamentally different in structure and mechanism. Unlike anabolic agents, they do not act on androgen receptors or growth hormone pathways, but instead target the nuclear receptors Rev-Erbα and Rev-Erbβ—key regulators of gene expression in metabolic tissues.
This blog explores what we know so far about SR9009 and SR9011, how they work, what research has shown, and where the science is heading next.
⚠️ Reminder: These compounds are sold strictly for laboratory research purposes only. They are not for human or veterinary use, and this article does not constitute medical advice.
What Are Rev-Erb Agonists?
Rev-Erbα and Rev-Erbβ are nuclear receptors involved in:
- Regulating the circadian rhythm
- Controlling lipid and glucose metabolism
- Influencing mitochondrial function
- Suppressing inflammatory gene expression
Agonists like SR9009 and SR9011 bind to these receptors and enhance their repressive activity, effectively “shutting off” certain genes involved in:
- Fat storage
- Cholesterol synthesis
- Liver glucose output
- Inflammatory cytokine production
This has made them valuable research tools for investigating:
- Obesity and metabolic disease
- Endurance and energy production
- Neuroinflammation
- Circadian biology
SR9009 vs. SR9011: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | SR9009 | SR9011 |
| Receptor Target | Rev-Erbα/β | Rev-Erbα/β |
| Oral Bioavailability | Moderate | Slightly improved (anecdotal) |
| Half-Life | ~4 hours | ~4–6 hours (estimated) |
| Primary Effects | Fat oxidation, endurance | Similar, with metabolic emphasis |
| Structural Difference | Slight variation in scaffold | Alters solubility and uptake |
| Human Research | None | None |
Both are often referred to as exercise mimetics because they produce similar molecular effects to aerobic training—without actually increasing physical activity in the models studied.
Mechanism of Action
When SR9009 or SR9011 binds to Rev-Erbα:
- It enhances the receptor’s ability to repress target genes
- Suppresses genes involved in fat storage, glucose production, and inflammation
- Boosts expression of genes tied to mitochondrial biogenesis, fatty acid oxidation, and muscle performance
This cascade leads to:
- Increased energy expenditure
- Improved endurance
- Reduced fat mass
- Better lipid profiles
- Downregulated inflammatory markers
What Research Has Found So Far
1. Increased Endurance
In one of the most cited studies (Solt et al., 2012), mice treated with SR9009:
- Ran 50% longer on a treadmill
- Showed greater muscle oxidative capacity
- Had increased mitochondrial content
These results were achieved without prior training, suggesting SR9009 mimics the effects of aerobic exercise at a molecular level.
2. Reduced Fat and Improved Body Composition
In rodent models of obesity:
- SR9009 reduced fat mass by ~12% in 7 days
- Lowered LDL cholesterol and triglycerides
- Improved markers of fatty acid oxidation
This occurred without changes in food intake, indicating the compound increased metabolic rate.
3. Glucose and Lipid Control
SR9009 and SR9011 both improved:
- Insulin sensitivity
- Fasting blood glucose
- Liver triglyceride levels
This suggests they may be useful for modeling type 2 diabetes, NAFLD, and metabolic syndrome.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Activity
Rev-Erb activation suppresses inflammatory genes like:
- TNF-α
- IL-6
- NF-κB pathway elements
This opens the door to research into:
- Neuroinflammation
- Cardiovascular inflammation
- Autoimmune disease models
Key Benefits in Research Models
| Effect | SR9009 / SR9011 Findings |
| Increased Endurance | Greater treadmill performance, VO₂ max |
| Fat Loss | Decreased white adipose tissue |
| Improved Lipid Profiles | Lower triglycerides, LDL |
| Mitochondrial Biogenesis | More mitochondria, higher oxidative capacity |
| Anti-Inflammatory Response | Suppressed cytokines in liver and brain |
| Glucose Regulation | Better insulin response and hepatic control |
How They Differ from SARMs, Peptides, and Stimulants
| Compound Type | Hormonal? | Affects GH/Androgen Pathways? | Stimulating? | Best Used For |
| Rev-Erb Agonists | No | No | No | Endurance, metabolism, inflammation |
| SARMs | Yes | Yes (androgen receptor) | No | Muscle growth, anabolic research |
| Peptides (e.g., MK-677) | No | Indirect GH/IGF-1 effect | No | Recovery, GH axis, repair |
| Stimulants (e.g., clen) | No | No | Yes | Thermogenesis, fat loss |
Rev-Erb agonists are non-hormonal and non-stimulant, making them particularly interesting for long-term metabolic studies.
Limitations and Considerations
🔬 Short Half-Life
SR9009 and SR9011 have short half-lives (around 4 hours), meaning:
- Frequent dosing is often required in studies
- Stability in oral solutions is a concern
📉 No Human Trials
To date, no human clinical trials have been completed. All data comes from:
- Rodent studies
- In vitro cellular research
- Anecdotal experimental feedback
📋 Legality and Compliance
- Not FDA-approved
- Not for human or veterinary use
- WADA-banned in all competitive sports
- Must be labeled for research use only
Are They Safe in Research Settings?
In animal studies:
- No serious toxicity reported at normal research doses
- Some studies noted mild liver enzyme elevations at high doses
- All effects were reversible upon cessation
Nonetheless, without human safety data, Rev-Erb agonists must be handled under standard research safety protocols.
Legal Status (2025)
| Region | Research Legal? | Controlled Substance? | Human Use Legal? |
| United States | ✅ Yes, research only | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| United Kingdom | ✅ Yes, research only | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Canada | ✅ Yes, research only | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Australia | ❌ Restricted | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| WADA (Global) | ❌ Banned in sports | N/A | N/A |
⚠️ Always label products clearly with:
“For Research Use Only – Not for Human or Veterinary Use.”
Common Research Questions
❓ Can SR9009 or SR9011 help build muscle?
Not directly. They do not stimulate protein synthesis like SARMs or GH secretagogues. However, by increasing endurance and energy output, they may support fat loss and performance studies that indirectly affect body composition.
❓ Can they be stacked in research?
Yes. In experimental models, Rev-Erb agonists are often stacked with:
- GW-501516 (PPARδ agonist) – for amplified fat metabolism
- MK-677 (GH secretagogue) – for recovery modeling
- BPC-157 or TB-500 – to study inflammation + tissue repair
Final Thoughts
SR9009 and SR9011 represent a new class of non-hormonal metabolic regulators with promising applications in:
- Endurance and mitochondrial research
- Fat oxidation and energy expenditure studies
- Circadian rhythm and sleep cycle regulation
- Inflammation control and immune modulation
While they are not approved for human use, they offer researchers a powerful window into how circadian-linked gene expression affects metabolic health.
As research continues, Rev-Erb agonists may help pave the way for novel treatments and deeper understanding of how metabolism and time-of-day gene regulation are linked.
Reminder: These compounds are for research purposes only. Do not use for human or veterinary applications, and follow all applicable laws and safety protocols.
References
- Solt, L.A., et al. (2012). “Rev-Erb Agonists Regulate Circadian Behavior and Metabolism.” Nature Medicine
- Burris, T.P., et al. (2013). “Rev-Erb Nuclear Receptors as Therapeutic Targets.” Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism
- Grant, D., et al. (2016). “SR9011 and SR9009 Modulate Lipid and Glucose Metabolism.” Journal of Biological Chemistry
- WADA Prohibited List (2025). World Anti-Doping Agency