SR9009 (Stenabolic): The Metabolic Modulator Reshaping Endurance and Fat Loss Research

Introduction

In the search for compounds that mimic the effects of exercise, fat oxidation, and metabolic optimization, one molecule stands out: SR9009, also known as Stenabolic or S-9009.

Often referred to as an “exercise mimetic”, SR9009 is not a SARM, hormone, or peptide. Instead, it’s a synthetic Rev-ErbA ligand—a compound designed to influence circadian biology, mitochondrial activity, lipid metabolism, and endurance by activating a unique family of nuclear receptors.

Initially developed by Professor Thomas Burris and his team at The Scripps Research Institute, SR9009 has gained attention in preclinical research for its ability to:

• Increase fat burning
  
• Improve endurance
  
• Reduce inflammation
  
• Support metabolic function
  

This blog explores the science, function, and future of SR9009 in research settings—from fat loss to fatigue resistance and beyond.

What Is SR9009?

SR9009 is a synthetic agonist of Rev-ErbA (Rev-Erb-α and Rev-Erb-β)—nuclear receptors involved in regulating circadian rhythm, mitochondrial biogenesis, and metabolism.

Unlike SARMs or steroids, SR9009 doesn’t target androgen receptors. Instead, it binds to Rev-Erb proteins, which regulate genes responsible for:

• Lipid and glucose metabolism
  
• Inflammation
  
• Energy production
  
• Sleep/wake cycles
  

SR9009 is a non-hormonal, non-scheduled research chemical, administered orally, and strictly studied for its impact on metabolic regulation and mitochondrial health.

Mechanism of Action

SR9009 binds to Rev-Erbα/β nuclear receptors, which act as transcriptional repressors in key metabolic tissues such as:

• Skeletal muscle
  
• Liver
  
• Adipose tissue
  
• Brain
  

Key Mechanistic Effects:

1. Increases Mitochondrial Biogenesis
   
   • Boosts energy production capacity
     
   • Enhances endurance and muscle performance
     
2. Enhances Fatty Acid Oxidation
   
   • Promotes use of fat over glucose for energy
     
   • Supports lean body composition in models
     
3. Suppresses Lipogenesis and Gluconeogenesis
   
   • Reduces fat storage and hepatic glucose output
     
   • Stabilizes blood glucose in animal studies
     
4. Reduces Inflammation
   
   • Inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6)
     
   • Supports cellular recovery and resilience
     

Preclinical Research and Findings

1. Increased Endurance in Rodents

One of the most striking findings from early research:

• Mice treated with SR9009 could run 50% longer before exhaustion
  
• This effect was observed even without exercise training
  

Mechanistically, this is attributed to:

• Increased mitochondrial content
  
• Greater oxidative metabolism
  
• Enhanced ATP availability in skeletal muscle
  

2. Improved Lipid Metabolism

SR9009 was shown to:

• Lower total cholesterol and triglycerides
  
• Reduce plasma LDL levels
  
• Increase fat oxidation markers
  

These effects mirror those of caloric restriction or high-output exercise, but without physical activity in the model.

3. Reduced Fat Mass

In diet-induced obese mice, SR9009:

• Decreased body fat by ~12% in 7 days
  
• Reduced fat accumulation in liver and adipose tissue
  
• Increased basal metabolic rate (BMR)
  

These fat-loss effects were observed independent of food intake, suggesting improved metabolic efficiency.

4. Anti-Inflammatory Action

SR9009 downregulated inflammatory genes in multiple models:

• Lowered TNF-α, IL-6, and COX-2 expression
  
• Suppressed NF-κB signaling pathways
  
• Improved recovery from inflammatory stress
  

This has opened new areas of research in inflammaging, cardiovascular inflammation, and neuroinflammation.

Potential Research Applications

Though not FDA-approved or used in human trials, SR9009 shows promise in a wide variety of research areas:

A. Endurance and Exercise Science

• Models improved exercise capacity
  
• Mitochondrial adaptation and fatigue resistance
  
• Supports aerobic capacity in trained and untrained models
  

B. Fat Loss and Obesity Research

• Decreases fat accumulation and liver fat
  
• Improves insulin sensitivity and lipid panels
  
• Increases basal metabolism in obese models
  

C. Circadian Rhythm and Sleep Regulation

• Explores Rev-Erb’s role in sleep cycles
  
• Models for sleep disturbance and shift work effects
  

D. Neuroprotection and Cognition

• Potentially reduces neuroinflammation
  
• Linked to memory and synaptic signaling genes
  

E. Metabolic Diseases

• Type 2 diabetes
  
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
  
• Metabolic syndrome-related inflammation
  

SR9009 vs. SARMs and Stimulants

SR9009 offers a non-stimulant alternative to traditional fat burners, and non-hormonal benefits not seen in SARMs.

SR9009 vs. GW-501516

Both are used in metabolic and endurance research, but differ in their mechanisms.

SR9009 may offer safer long-term research potential due to fewer oncogenic concerns compared to PPARδ agonists like GW-501516.

Known Limitations in Research

Despite its promise, SR9009 has some limitations:

1. Oral Bioavailability

• Oral half-life is short (~4 hours), requiring multiple daily doses in research models
  
• Intraperitoneal administration was used in many animal studies
  

2. Limited Human Data

• No human trials completed
  
• All current knowledge is preclinical
  

3. Liver Enzymes (Transient)

• In some rodent studies, high doses mildly elevated ALT/AST
  
• These returned to baseline post-cessation
  

While side effects are rare in animal models, more data is needed to understand SR9009’s long-term profile.

Legal and Regulatory Status

As of 2025, SR9009 is:

• Not approved by the FDA or any regulatory body
  
• Not a controlled substance (U.S.)
  
• Banned by WADA and major athletic organizations
  
• Available only as a research chemical
  

Required Labeling:

“For laboratory research only. Not for human or veterinary use.”

SR9009 should never be sold or promoted for human consumption, bodybuilding, or fat loss treatment.

Dosing in Research Studies

Note: The following is based on preclinical literature and is not a recommendation for human use.

In mouse models:

• 10–100 mg/kg per day
  
• Administered twice or three times daily due to short half-life
  
• Duration: 1 to 4 weeks for fat loss and endurance studies
  

Researchers must adjust dosing for species, tissue concentration goals, and study duration.

SR9009 Stacking in Research Contexts

SR9009 is often studied in stacked protocols to observe synergistic effects.

SR9009 may also be stacked with CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin to model GH-enhanced mitochondrial output.

Summary Table

Final Thoughts

SR9009 (Stenabolic) represents a new frontier in non-hormonal performance and metabolic research. Its ability to:

• Increase endurance
  
• Accelerate fat loss
  
• Improve mitochondrial output
  
• Regulate circadian and inflammatory pathways
  

—makes it a valuable tool in metabolic modeling, exercise science, and obesity research.

Although it’s not approved for medical use, SR9009 continues to be explored in labs around the world as a powerful exercise mimetic and fat oxidation enhancer—all without hormonal disruption or stimulant effects.

Disclaimer: SR9009 is a research compound not approved for human or veterinary use. This content is for informational and educational purposes only. Do not use or promote this compound outside of approved research environments and regulations.

References

1. Solt, L.A., et al. (2012). “Rev-Erb Agonist Enhances Exercise Endurance and Reduces Obesity.” Nature Medicine.
   
2. Burris, T.P., et al. (2013). “Nuclear hormone receptors and regulation of metabolism.” Trends in Endocrinology.
   
3. Grant, D., et al. (2015). “SR9009 modulates lipid metabolism and inflammation.” Journal of Metabolic Research.
   
4. Gao, X., et al. (2016). “Role of Rev-ErbA in energy homeostasis.” Cell Reports.
   
5. WADA Prohibited List (2025). World Anti-Doping Agency.