AdipoRon is a selective, orally active, synthetic small-molecule agonist of the adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1) and adiponectin receptor 2 (AdipoR2) (K_d = 1.8 μM and 3.1 μM, respectively).^[1][2] It activates AMPK and PPARα signaling and ameliorates insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and glucose intolerance in db/db mice (an animal model for type II diabetes and obesity).^[1][2] Moreover, AdipoRon has been found to extend the lifespans of db/db mice fed a high-fat diet, as well as improve exercise endurance.^[1][2][3] The compound was discovered by Japanese researchers in 2013 via screening of a compound library, and is the first orally active, small-molecule agonist of the adiponectin receptors to be identified.^[1][2]

Adiponectin receptor agonists such as AdipoRon have attracted interest as potential therapies for obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and a panoply of other conditions.^[1][2] In addition, adiponectin has recently been elucidated to mediate the antidepressant, anxiolytic, and neurogenic effects of physical exercise.^[4][5][6] Dysregulation of adiponectin expression has also been implicated in the pathology of mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, and various other neuropsychiatric disorders.^[7] Also, it has been determined that exercise improves insulin resistance via activation of AdipoR1.^[8] As such, adiponectin receptor agonists are a highly interesting therapeutic target for a variety of different conditions.^[1][2][6][7] Moreover, it has been suggested they could potentially be used as a substitute for exercise to achieve similar physical and mental health benefits.^[1][2][6][9] In 2016, the University of Tokyo announced that it would launch an investigation into claims of fabrication of AdipoR1, AdipoR2, and AdipoRon identification data, as accused by an anonymous person/group called Ordinary_researchers.^[10]