(R)-3-hydroxybutyl (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate

Exogenous ketone esters are synthetic compounds designed to rapidly induce nutritional ketosis by elevating blood levels of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) without the requirement for fasting or a ketogenic diet. The most extensively studied variant is the monoester **(R)-3-hydroxybutyl (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate**, which was developed through a collaboration between the University of Oxford and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and is currently commercialized by **TdeltaS Global**. Upon ingestion, the ester is hydrolyzed in the gut and liver into BHB and 1,3-butanediol, the latter of which is further metabolized into BHB. This process provides an alternative energy substrate for the brain, heart, and muscles, and exerts signaling effects through the **hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2 (HCAR2)**. Clinical investigations are exploring its utility in treating alcohol use disorder (by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms), heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), epilepsy, and metabolic conditions related to appetite regulation.

Brand names

deltaGΔG Tactical KetonesHVMN Ketone

Other names

exogenous ketone esterketone monoesterD-beta-hydroxybutyrate esterOxford Ketone Esterketone ester