Summary

SLU-PP-332 is a synthetic peptide that acts as an agonist of estrogen-related receptors (ERRα, ERRβ, ERRγ), functioning as an exercise mimetic. In preclinical models, it has demonstrated enhanced mitochondrial function, increased fatty acid oxidation, improved exercise endurance, and reduced fat mass. Evidence is entirely preclinical; no human trials have been published.

Mechanism

SLU-PP-332 acts as a pan-agonist of the estrogen-related receptor (ERR) family — ERRα, ERRβ, and ERRγ. These nuclear receptors are master regulators of mitochondrial biogenesis, oxidative phosphorylation, and fatty acid oxidation. By activating ERRs, SLU-PP-332 upregulates genes involved in mitochondrial energy production and lipid metabolism (including PGC-1α pathway targets), mimicking the metabolic adaptations that occur with endurance exercise. This leads to enhanced fatty acid oxidation, increased mitochondrial capacity in skeletal muscle, improved exercise endurance, and reduced fat mass.

Evidence base

Evidence Grading: Limited

All evidence is preclinical (cell and animal models). No human clinical trials have been published.

Key studies:

  • Yu et al. (2023): SLU-PP-332 demonstrated increased mitochondrial capacity in skeletal muscle, enhanced running endurance, and reduced fat mass in mouse models.
  • Villena (2015): Reviewed ERR receptors' role in oxidative muscle metabolism, providing mechanistic context.
  • Giguère (2008): Comprehensive review of ERRα as a regulator of mitochondrial energy metabolism.

Gap: No human data exists. Safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy in humans are entirely unknown.

Protocols

Research-Only Protocols

No human dosing protocols are established or approved.

In published preclinical research:

  • Mouse models: Administered via injection; doses varied by study design
  • Duration: Several weeks of treatment in endurance and body composition studies

No human dosing protocols exist. Any discussion of human application is purely speculative.

SLU-PP-332 is not a licensed medicine in the UK and is not a controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. It falls into a grey area: it may be sold for bona fide research purposes, but is not MHRA-approved for human use or consumption. See our UK legal status guide for further detail.

Vendor notes

SLU-PP-332 may be available from select UK research peptide suppliers. Request a Certificate of Analysis (COA) verifying purity (typically ≥98%). See the vendor vetting guide for evaluation criteria.

References

  1. Yu DD, et al. "Estrogen-related receptor agonist increases skeletal muscle mitochondrial capacity and reduces fat mass in mice." J Biol Chem. 2023;299(10):105186.
  2. Villena JA. "ERR receptors and the metabolic switch to oxidative muscle." Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2015;26(5):263-273.
  3. Giguère V. "Transcription factor ERRα: a key regulator of mitochondrial energy metabolism." Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2008;19(5):201-208.