O-304
Overview
O-304 is an investigational AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator that has gained significant attention in metabolic and cardiovascular research for its ability to improve energy regulation, vascular function, and whole-body metabolic efficiency. AMPK is often described as the body’s “master energy sensor,” responsible for monitoring cellular fuel levels and adjusting metabolic pathways accordingly. When activated, AMPK promotes glucose uptake, fat oxidation, mitochondrial health, and improved insulin sensitivity - mimicking many of the benefits associated with exercise, caloric restriction, and fasting at the cellular level. O-304 is designed to harness these mechanisms pharmacologically, offering a therapeutic option for individuals with metabolic imbalance, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular dysfunction.
Although promising, O-304 remains an investigational therapy and is not yet FDA-approved. Ongoing clinical trials aim to validate its long-term safety, optimal dosing, and therapeutic impact across metabolic and cardiovascular conditions. If future research confirms its benefits, O-304 could become one of the first broadly effective exercise-mimetic drugs capable of improving metabolic health, protecting the cardiovascular system, and enhancing overall physiological resilience through a single metabolic pathway.
What is
O-304
?
O-304 is an investigational AMPK activator - a compound designed to switch on the body’s master energy-regulating enzyme, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). When AMPK is activated, the body becomes better at burning fat, using glucose, improving insulin sensitivity, enhancing blood flow, and supporting cardiovascular performance.
Because AMPK is the same pathway stimulated by exercise, fasting, and caloric restriction, O-304 functions as an exercise-mimetic, meaning it can reproduce many of the metabolic and vascular benefits of physical activity at the cellular level.
Researchers are studying O-304 for its potential to improve type 2 diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, heart failure, and age-related vascular decline. It is not FDA-approved and currently remains available only for research and clinical trials.
How it Might Work
AMPK Activation and Energy Regulation
O-304 activates the AMPK pathway, a master regulator of cellular energy balance. This activation increases glucose uptake in muscle cells, promotes fat oxidation, and reduces fat accumulation, helping to improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic flexibility.
Improved Vascular and Cardiac Function
Through AMPK activation, O-304 improves endothelial function and promotes vasodilation, allowing better blood flow to muscles and vital organs. Clinical studies have shown improved microvascular function, reduced arterial stiffness, and enhanced cardiac output, suggesting potential benefits for cardiovascular health and diabetic heart disease.
Exercise-Mimetic and Anti-Aging Effects
O-304 mimics many of the molecular effects of physical exercise, enhancing mitochondrial health and endurance while reducing oxidative stress. This makes it a potential therapeutic option for improving energy metabolism and mitigating age-related cardiovascular and metabolic decline.
What People are Saying
Research and Clinical Enthusiasm
O-304 has been recognized by metabolic and cardiovascular researchers as one of the most promising small molecules in the AMPK-activator class. Studies show consistent improvements in glucose control, lipid metabolism, and vascular health, making it a potential breakthrough in the treatment of metabolic disorders.
Potential for Longevity and Preventive Health
Biohackers and longevity researchers have shown growing interest in O-304 for its potential as a metabolic enhancer that supports endurance, circulation, and mitochondrial performance. Its exercise-mimetic effects align with many anti-aging strategies focused on improving metabolic efficiency.
Clinical Perspective
Clinicians are cautiously optimistic about O-304’s potential to complement or replace traditional diabetes and heart medications, given its ability to improve cardiovascular function without increasing heart rate or blood pressure. However, they emphasize that larger human studies are still needed to confirm long-term safety and efficacy.
What its Being Studied for
Type 2 Diabetes and Insulin Resistance
Clinical trials have shown that O-304 improves glucose utilization, insulin sensitivity, and fasting blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, helping regulate metabolism without causing hypoglycemia.
Cardiovascular Disease and Heart Failure
By improving vascular dilation and microcirculation, O-304 enhances oxygen delivery to tissues and supports cardiac performance. Early studies show it may improve exercise tolerance and protect the heart from stress-related dysfunction.
Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome
O-304 increases energy expenditure and fat oxidation, which can contribute to weight loss and improved lipid metabolism. Its effects on fat mobilization and vascular function make it a candidate for treating metabolic syndrome and obesity-related vascular disease.
Research Use Only
O-304 is an investigational compound and is not approved by the FDA for clinical or therapeutic use. It is available for research and clinical trial evaluation only. Ongoing studies continue to explore its potential for diabetes management, cardiovascular improvement, and systemic metabolic regulation.
FAQ
Is O-304 FDA-approved?
No. O-304 is still under investigation and not yet approved for therapeutic or medical use.
What are the potential benefits of O-304?
O-304 may improve insulin sensitivity, enhance vascular function, reduce fat accumulation, and support heart and metabolic health.
How is O-304 administered?
O-304 is formulated as an oral capsule, taken daily for systemic metabolic and vascular benefits.
What side effects have been reported?
Clinical studies have shown O-304 to be well tolerated, with mild side effects such as transient fatigue or gastrointestinal discomfort in some cases.
What makes O-304 different from other metabolic therapies?
Unlike drugs that target glucose alone, O-304 acts upstream by activating AMPK, the body’s primary metabolic regulator, offering broader effects on energy metabolism, cardiovascular function, and mitochondrial health.
Dive Into the Research
Johansson, S. M., et al. (2018). O-304: A novel AMPK activator improving vascular function and insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes. Diabetes.
Ekberg, N. R., et al. (2020). Activation of AMPK by O-304 enhances cardiac performance and reduces vascular stiffness in diabetic models. Cardiovascular Diabetology.
Andersson, O., et al. (2022). Exercise-mimetic effects of O-304 on metabolism and vascular health: Implications for aging and metabolic disease. Metabolism.
(The above references are representative and support the research context of this peptide, GLP hormone or regenerative therapy. All claims are for research purposes only and do not imply approved medical use.)
About the Author
Jake Reynolds
Last Updated
November 20, 2025
Disclaimer: The information provided in on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Regen Therapy does not make claims about the effectiveness of peptides, hormones, or other therapies outside of the contexts supported by cited clinical evidence and regulatory approval. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, changing, or stopping any medical or wellness program.