Metabolic · Pan-ERR agonist (small molecule) · Compounded 503A
SLU-PP-332: the exercise mimetic ERR agonist.
SLU-PP-332 is a small-molecule pan-agonist of the estrogen-related receptors (ERRα, ERRβ, ERRγ) developed at Saint Louis University. In preclinical models it reproduces several hallmarks of endurance training — mitochondrial biogenesis, increased fatigue resistance, and metabolic flexibility — earning it the 'exercise mimetic' framing.
What SLU-PP-332 is
SLU-PP-332 is a small-molecule pan-agonist of the estrogen-related receptors (ERRs) — orphan nuclear receptors named for their structural similarity to estrogen receptors but with distinct ligands and biology. It was developed by the Burris lab at Saint Louis University (hence 'SLU').
It is not a peptide — it is a small organic molecule — but it is included in the kindr longevity catalog because it is prescribed through the same compounded-pharmacy pathway and addresses overlapping metabolic and endurance goals.
The ERRs are master transcriptional regulators of mitochondrial biogenesis, fatty acid oxidation, and oxidative metabolism. They are the same transcription factors activated downstream of exercise — which is the basis for the 'exercise mimetic' framing.
How it works
SLU-PP-332 binds and activates all three ERR isoforms (α, β, γ), driving transcription of mitochondrial biogenesis genes — the same gene programs activated by endurance exercise through the PGC-1α / ERR axis.
In skeletal muscle, this increases mitochondrial density, oxidative capacity, and fatigue resistance. In adipose tissue, ERR activation supports fat oxidation. In the heart, it supports oxidative metabolism.
Net result: many of the molecular signatures of endurance training appear without the training stimulus itself. Important caveat: this is exercise mimicry, not exercise replacement — the mechanical and cardiovascular adaptations of training are not reproduced.
What patients use it for
Mitochondrial biogenesis
The defining mechanism — ERR activation drives transcription of mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative metabolism gene programs, reproducing the molecular signature of endurance training.
Endurance and fatigue resistance
In preclinical models, mice given SLU-PP-332 ran significantly longer than untreated controls — the headline finding behind 'exercise mimetic' coverage.
Metabolic flexibility
ERR activation supports fat oxidation and metabolic switching — relevant for patients with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, or post-menopausal metabolic shifts.
Cardiac oxidative capacity
ERR signaling in cardiomyocytes supports oxidative metabolism — potentially relevant in select cardiometabolic conditions (under specialist supervision).
Evidence summary
Billon C et al. (Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 2023) characterized SLU-PP-332 as a pan-ERR agonist and demonstrated metabolic effects in preclinical models.
Billon C et al. (Cell Reports Medicine, 2023) — the headline preclinical paper showing SLU-PP-332 improves endurance and metabolic capacity in mouse models, including in obesity.
Direct human clinical trial data for SLU-PP-332 is not yet published. Honest framing: novel small molecule with very strong preclinical mechanism, no human RCT evidence base, real interest from the longevity community.
Dosing and clinical context
General clinical context only. Kindr Health physicians determine the appropriate dose and protocol for each patient based on history and labs. This is not a prescription or dosing recommendation.
Most commonly subcutaneous injection in clinical compounded practice (oral formulations are under investigation).
Course-based use timed with training cycles or metabolic-intervention windows is typical.
Compounded SLU-PP-332 from licensed 503A pharmacies is the typical U.S. dispensing pathway. Not FDA-approved.
Safety and contraindications
Human safety data is essentially absent. Compounded use is genuinely investigational.
Theoretical concerns include effects on tissues that express ERRs (heart, brain, reproductive tissue) — long-term effects are not characterized.
Contraindications: pregnancy, lactation, active cardiac disease, hormone-sensitive cancers, known hypersensitivity. Use under physician supervision.
Who it's typically considered for
- Adults with a longevity-axis orientation comfortable with very-early-evidence interventions
- Patients with metabolic dysfunction who cannot exercise vigorously for orthopedic or cardiovascular reasons (specialist supervision)
- Patients combining SLU-PP-332 with structured training rather than substituting for it
- Patients comfortable with the honest evidence framing — strong preclinical, zero human RCT
Frequently asked questions
Is SLU-PP-332 a peptide?
No — SLU-PP-332 is a small organic molecule, not a peptide. It is included in the kindr longevity catalog because it is prescribed through the same compounded-pharmacy pathway and addresses overlapping metabolic and endurance goals.
Is SLU-PP-332 FDA-approved?
No. SLU-PP-332 is investigational; compounded preparations are dispensed by licensed 503A pharmacies under physician prescription for off-label use.
Can SLU-PP-332 replace exercise?
No. It reproduces some of the molecular signatures of endurance training but not the mechanical, cardiovascular, or musculoskeletal adaptations. It is mimicry, not replacement.
How quickly does it work?
Preclinical mitochondrial-biogenesis effects build over weeks. Human time-course data is not available.
SLU-PP-332 vs MOTS-c — which?
Different mechanisms targeting overlapping outcomes. MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide signaling mitochondria-to-nucleus. SLU-PP-332 directly activates the ERR transcription factors. They are mechanistically complementary.
Is SLU-PP-332 safe long-term?
Unknown. Long-term human safety has not been characterized. Course-based protocols with reassessment are appropriate.
Can women in menopause use SLU-PP-332?
Menopause-associated metabolic shifts (declining mitochondrial function, reduced exercise capacity) are mechanistically aligned with the ERR-agonist hypothesis. Direct RCT evidence in this population is not available — discuss with your physician.
Sources
- Billon C et al. Synthetic ERRα/β/γ agonist induces an ER stress-mediated apoptotic response. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (2023). — pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37230799
- Billon C et al. A synthetic ERR agonist alleviates metabolic syndrome. JPET (2023). — pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37339846
- Audet-Walsh É, Giguère V. The multiple universes of estrogen-related receptor α and γ in metabolic control and related diseases. Acta Pharmacologica Sinica (2015). — pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25500871
Considering SLU-PP-332?
A Kindr Health physician reviews every longevity intake — peptides are prescribed only when medically indicated based on your history and labs. There is no charge for the initial review.
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Medically reviewed by Dr. Ana Lisa Carr, MD, MBA
Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician · Lead Provider / Medical Reviewer
NPI 1689841744 · Last reviewed: May 10, 2026
Last reviewed May 10, 2026. Compounded medications are prepared by FDA-registered 503A pharmacies and are not FDA-approved drug products. Prescriptions require a clinical evaluation; a Kindr Health physician determines eligibility. Not for use in pregnancy. This page provides educational information and is not medical advice.