AOD-9604

AOD-9604 is a synthetic fragment of human growth hormone corresponding to residues 176-191 of the hGH sequence, with an added N-terminal tyrosine. It is studied for its role in lipid metabolism in experimental models. Research suggests it may influence fat breakdown processes without significantly affecting blood glucose levels in experimental models.

Available Options

Research Context

AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide derived from the C-terminal region of human growth hormone (hGH), comprising residues 176-191 of the hGH sequence with an added N-terminal tyrosine. It was originally developed from research at Monash University and later investigated by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals as a potential anti-obesity drug candidate, based on observations that the C-terminal region of growth hormone retained lipolytic activity in experimental systems without the full hormone's characteristic effects on growth and carbohydrate metabolism.

The preclinical literature centers on animal models. In studies using chronically treated obese mice and beta(3)-adrenoceptor knock-out mice, investigators reported changes in lipid metabolism and fat oxidation and examined whether the fragment's observed effects depended on beta(3)-adrenergic signaling (animal model data; results in knock-out animals suggested activity beyond that single pathway). Earlier in vitro work examined the fragment's influence on lipolysis in isolated adipose tissue preparations (in vitro data).

Human studies also exist, and they are an important part of an honest picture of this compound. AOD-9604 advanced into clinical trials in obese human subjects, but the program did not establish efficacy sufficient for regulatory approval, and pharmaceutical development was discontinued (human trial data; investigated, not established). It has never been approved as a therapeutic agent in any jurisdiction.

More recent peer-reviewed literature treats AOD-9604 largely as an analytical subject: anti-doping laboratories have published in vitro metabolism studies and detection methods because the peptide appears on the WADA prohibited list. Open research questions include the fragment's precise receptor-level mechanism, given that knock-out animal data implicated signaling beyond beta(3)-adrenoceptors, and fuller characterization of its metabolic fate. All material supplied here is intended for laboratory research use only, not for human or veterinary use.

Specifications

Storage & Handling

Store lyophilized AOD-9604 at -20C, protected from light and moisture. After reconstitution, refrigerate at 2-8C and use promptly, as peptide solutions degrade faster than the lyophilized form.

See our peptide reconstitution and storage guide for general laboratory handling practice, and the reconstitution calculator for concentration arithmetic.

Certificate of Analysis

Related Compounds

• MOTS-C
• NAD+
• Ipamorelin

References

1. Heffernan M et al. The effects of human GH and its lipolytic fragment (AOD9604) on lipid metabolism following chronic treatment in obese mice and beta(3)-AR knock-out mice. Endocrinology. 2001. PMID 11713213
2. Heffernan MA et al. Increase of fat oxidation and weight loss in obese mice caused by chronic treatment with human growth hormone or a modified C-terminal fragment. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 2001. PMID 11673763
3. Cox HD et al. Detection and in vitro metabolism of AOD9604. Drug Test Anal. 2015. PMID 25208511
4. Vanhee C et al. Identification and characterization of peptide drugs in unknown pharmaceutical preparations seized by the Belgian authorities: case report on AOD9604. Drug Test Anal. 2014. PMID 24976118