BAM15
BAM15, mitochondrial uncoupler
A mitochondrial uncoupler that reversed obesity and insulin resistance in mice with a wider safety margin than DNP, now sold as a supplement-style research chemical with no human data.
Overview
BAM15 lets protons leak across the inner mitochondrial membrane so cells burn fuel as heat. In mice it reduced fat without reducing food intake and improved glucose control, and in fruit flies it extended lifespan. Unlike the notorious uncoupler DNP it did not cause hyperthermia at effective doses in animals. There are no human trials, so the safety margin is entirely animal-derived; DNP's history is the reason this class is treated with caution.
Mechanism of action
Protonophoric uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation, increasing energy expenditure without ATP-dependent signaling.
Key studies & citations
- Animal2020
Mitochondrial uncoupler BAM15 reverses diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance in mice
Reversed diet-induced obesity in mice without hyperthermia.
Nature Communications - Animal2020
BAM15-mediated mitochondrial uncoupling protects against obesity and improves glycemic control
Improved glucose tolerance.
EMBO Molecular Medicine - Animal2024
BAM15 extends lifespan and healthspan in Drosophila
Lifespan extension in flies.
Aging Cell
Frequently asked questions
Is BAM15 a safer DNP?
In mice, it appears to have a wider margin. In humans it has never been tested, and uncouplers as a class have killed people through uncontrolled heat production.