What Is AOD-9604? A Research Overview

AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide corresponding to the C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone (hGH 176–191), studied in preclinical and in-vitro models for its effects on lipid metabolism and, more recently, cartilage tissue. It is offered strictly for laboratory research use only (RUO). It is not a drug, is not approved by the FDA, and is not intended for human or veterinary use, diagnosis, or treatment.

Quick facts

• Identity: synthetic C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone (hGH 176–191), with a tyrosine residue added at the N-terminus.
• Research focus: lipid-metabolism research; more recent work explores cartilage and joint-tissue models.
• Form: lyophilized powder, ≥99% HPLC purity, third-party tested.
• Classification: research chemical — for in-vitro and laboratory research only.

What is AOD-9604?

AOD-9604 (also written AOD9604) is a short, 16-amino-acid synthetic peptide. Its sequence is based on the final region of the human growth hormone molecule — residues 176 through 191 — a segment researchers identified as associated with lipid-metabolism activity in early studies. A tyrosine residue was added to the N-terminus of the natural fragment to create the AOD-9604 analogue. Because it represents only a small portion of the full hormone, AOD-9604 is studied as a structurally distinct molecule rather than as growth hormone itself.

What does the research show?

Published research on AOD-9604 is preclinical — conducted in cell cultures and animal models, not in the general population. In an early study in obese (Zucker) rats, AOD-9604 was associated with reduced body-weight gain and increased lipolytic activity in adipose tissue, while — unlike intact growth hormone — it showed no adverse effect on insulin sensitivity in that model [1]. A subsequent study in obese mice and β3-adrenergic-receptor (β3-AR) knock-out mice examined how AOD-9604 acts at the tissue level; chronic treatment in obese mice was associated with changes in lipid metabolism that correlated with expression of the β3-AR, and in knock-out mice several of these effects were not reproduced [2]. More recent preclinical work has moved beyond metabolism: in a collagenase-induced rabbit osteoarthritis model, intra-articular AOD-9604 — particularly when combined with hyaluronic acid — was associated with greater cartilage regeneration than control injections in that animal model [3]. These findings describe outcomes observed in animals and isolated tissue only.

Mechanisms studied in the lab

• Investigated for effects on adipocyte lipid metabolism, including lipolysis and lipogenesis, in cell and animal models [1][2].
• Studied in relation to β3-adrenergic-receptor signalling pathways in fat tissue [2].
• Reported in preclinical studies to act without binding the growth-hormone receptor in the way intact hGH does, and without raising IGF-1 in the models tested [2].
• Explored in cartilage and joint-tissue models for effects on extracellular-matrix components [3].

Research status and safety

AOD-9604 is a research compound. It is not approved by the FDA for any use, is not a dietary supplement, and is not intended for human or animal consumption. All available data come from laboratory and animal studies; nothing here should be read as describing an effect, benefit, or outcome in people. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Handling

AOD-9604 is supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder, which supports stability during shipping and storage. For laboratory preparation, see our guide on how to reconstitute a research peptide. You can view this product and related compounds in the catalog: AOD-9604 — research-grade, ≥99% pure

FAQ

Is AOD-9604 the same as HGH Fragment 176–191? They are closely related but not identical. AOD-9604 is based on the hGH 176–191 fragment but carries an additional tyrosine residue at the N-terminus, making it a distinct synthetic analogue.

Does AOD-9604 raise IGF-1 like growth hormone? In the preclinical models cited here, AOD-9604 did not act on the growth-hormone receptor the way intact hGH does and did not raise IGF-1. These are research-model observations, not statements about humans.

Can I use AOD-9604 for personal health goals? No. AOD-9604 is sold for research use only. It is not approved for human use and is not a supplement, food, or medicine.

References

1. Ng FM, et al. Metabolic studies of a synthetic lipolytic domain (AOD9604) of human growth hormone. Horm Res. 2000.
2. Heffernan M, et al. Effects of hGH and its lipolytic fragment (AOD9604) on lipid metabolism. Endocrinology. 2001.
3. Kwon DR, Park GY. Intra-articular AOD9604 in a rabbit osteoarthritis model. Ann Clin Lab Sci. 2015.

For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not FDA-approved. Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.