AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide derived from the C-terminal end of human growth hormone (hGH). It was developed to investigate whether the fat-metabolism activity attributed to that region of growth hormone could be studied separately from the hormone's growth-promoting effects. PRIME supplies it as AOD-9604, a lyophilized peptide for laboratory research use only.
What is AOD-9604?
Human growth hormone is a 191-amino-acid protein with a wide range of actions, including effects on growth, glucose handling and fat metabolism. Early research into its structure suggested that a short segment near the C-terminus, commonly referred to as hGH fragment 176-191, was associated with the hormone's lipid-related activity.
AOD-9604 is a modified version of that C-terminal fragment that carries an additional tyrosine residue at its N-terminal end. It is sometimes described in the literature as Tyr-hGH (177-191). The idea behind the design was to produce a small, stable peptide that retains the fat-metabolism activity of interest while lacking the broader effects of the full hormone.
AOD-9604 is a research compound. It was investigated in human clinical studies in the context of obesity, but it did not progress to approval and it is not an FDA-approved medicine.
How AOD-9604 works: mechanism studied in research
Most mechanistic work on AOD-9604 comes from cell culture and rodent studies. In those models it has been reported to stimulate lipolysis, the breakdown of stored fat, and to inhibit lipogenesis, the formation of new fat, in adipose tissue. These are the same broad processes influenced by full-length growth hormone, which is why the fragment attracted interest.
A key distinction reported in the research is that AOD-9604 does not appear to act like whole growth hormone at the growth hormone receptor. Studies have described it as lacking the growth-promoting activity of hGH and as not raising insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in the way the full hormone does. Its precise molecular target has not been fully established. Some animal work has explored the involvement of beta-adrenergic signaling in adipose tissue, but the complete mechanism remains an open research question.
Researchers have also examined AOD-9604 outside of fat metabolism. It has been explored in some preclinical models involving cartilage and joint tissue, an area that is considerably less developed than its metabolic research.
Interpreting AOD-9604 research
When reading the AOD-9604 literature, it helps to keep a few points in mind. Much of the positive mechanistic data comes from rodent and cell models, and findings in those settings do not always carry over to other systems. The clinical studies in obesity did not lead to an approved product, which is itself an informative result for researchers weighing the compound's potential. Finally, because several related growth hormone fragments circulate under similar names, results reported for one fragment should not automatically be assumed to apply to another. Careful study design usually includes appropriate controls, such as vehicle-only groups and, where relevant, full-length growth hormone as a comparator, so that any observed effect on fat metabolism can be attributed with confidence. Documenting the exact sequence and batch of material used is equally important for reproducibility.
Areas of research
- Adipose tissue metabolism: studied in cell and rodent models for effects on lipolysis and lipogenesis.
- Obesity models: investigated in animal models of obesity and, earlier, in human clinical studies that did not lead to approval.
- Separating GH effects: used to study how the metabolic actions of growth hormone relate to specific regions of the molecule.
- IGF-1 independence: research into whether metabolic effects can be observed without changes in IGF-1 signaling.
- Cartilage and joint tissue: explored in a limited number of preclinical models.
AOD-9604 key facts
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Compound | AOD-9604 |
| Class | Modified growth hormone fragment peptide |
| Structure | Synthetic peptide based on the C-terminal region of hGH (fragment 176-191 region) with an added N-terminal tyrosine |
| Form supplied | Lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder in a sealed vial |
| Research status | Research compound; investigated clinically but not an FDA-approved medicine |
| Storage | Lyophilized: cold, dry and protected from light. Reconstituted: refrigerated, following lab protocol |
Handling and storage in the lab
AOD-9604 is supplied as a lyophilized powder, the most stable form for storage and transport. Keep unopened vials refrigerated or frozen, dry and away from light, and let a cold vial reach room temperature before opening it to avoid condensation.
For laboratory work, AOD-9604 is commonly reconstituted with a sterile diluent such as bacteriostatic water. Add the diluent slowly along the inside wall of the vial and swirl gently rather than shaking until the powder has dissolved. The solution should look clear. Label the vial with the compound, date and concentration, store it refrigerated and protected from light, and use sterile technique whenever it is accessed. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles; if material needs to be kept for longer, divide it into single-use aliquots.
These notes describe general laboratory handling only. Follow your institution's procedures and any documentation supplied with the product.
Quality and lab results
Growth hormone fragments are sold under several overlapping names, including AOD-9604 and HGH fragment 176-191, and the two are not always the same molecule. Identity confirmation is therefore an important part of sourcing. Every PRIME batch has a published certificate of analysis on the lab results page. Match the lot number on your vial to its report and keep the COA with your lab records.
Related research
AOD-9604 is often compared with other compounds studied in metabolic research. For a side-by-side view of two very different approaches to fat metabolism, see AOD-9604 vs 5-Amino-1MQ. The 5-Amino-1MQ research guide covers the small-molecule NNMT inhibitor in more depth, and the MOTS-c research guide looks at a mitochondrial peptide studied in metabolic models.
AOD-9604 FAQ
Is AOD-9604 the same as HGH fragment 176-191?
They are closely related but not always identical. AOD-9604 is a modified form of the C-terminal growth hormone fragment with an added N-terminal tyrosine. Products labeled fragment 176-191 may differ, so check the specific sequence and COA.
Does AOD-9604 affect IGF-1?
Research has reported that AOD-9604 does not raise IGF-1 in the way full-length growth hormone does, and that it lacks growth hormone's growth-promoting activity. This separation is one of the main reasons it has been studied.
Is AOD-9604 FDA approved?
No. AOD-9604 was investigated in clinical studies related to obesity but did not progress to approval. It is a research compound, not an FDA-approved medicine.
What is AOD-9604 studied for?
Mainly fat metabolism in preclinical models, including lipolysis and lipogenesis in adipose tissue. It has also been explored in a smaller number of preclinical cartilage and joint tissue studies.
How should AOD-9604 be stored in the lab?
Keep lyophilized vials cold, dry and away from light. After reconstitution, refrigerate the solution, protect it from light, avoid repeated freezing and thawing, and use sterile technique.
For laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption. Not a drug, food or cosmetic.