AOD-9604
From PeptidePlaza, the free peptide reference · Entry #022 · Metabolic · Hand-curated entry · Editorial standards
AOD-9604 (also known as AOD9604, hGH Frag 177-191, AOD) is a metabolic research peptide. A modified C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone (amino acids 177-191) with a tyrosine substitution. Studied primarily for its lipolytic (fat-burning) effects without the growth-promoting activity of full-length hGH.
AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide corresponding to the lipolytic region of human growth hormone (hGH fragment 177-191) with a single amino acid modification (Tyr at position 180) intended to stabilize the molecule. In rodent studies, chronic AOD-9604 treatment reduced body weight and fat mass in obese mice via stimulation of lipolysis, without affecting linear growth or IGF-1 levels. It has been investigated as an anti-obesity agent and, more recently, in preclinical models for cartilage and joint applications. It is a common target of sports drug testing because of its association with performance-enhancing peptide use.
1 Mechanism of action
Mimics the lipolytic action of the C-terminal region of hGH: activates lipolysis in adipocytes, promoting free fatty acid release, while lacking the N-terminal growth-promoting domain that drives IGF-1 secretion and linear growth.
Primary targets: Adipocyte β-adrenergic / lipolytic pathways
2 Reported effects
Effects below are those reported in the published literature cited on this page. They are not claims of clinical benefit and not medical advice.
2.1 Reported benefits
- Reduced body weight and fat mass in rodent obesity models
- Stimulates lipolysis without promoting IGF-1-dependent growth
- Preclinical evidence in cartilage / joint repair models
- Well-characterized analytically for detection studies
2.2 Side effects
- Injection site reactions
- Limited human safety data
- Potential blood glucose effects in sensitive models
3 Chemical and physical properties
| CAS number | 221231-10-3 |
|---|---|
| Molar mass | 1813.1 g/mol |
| Purity (typical) | >98% |
| Half-life | ~10–15 minutes (IV); rapid clearance |
| Storage | −20 °C, lyophilised powder, desiccated |
| Solubility | Sterile water / bacteriostatic water |
| Receptors / targets | Adipocyte β-adrenergic / lipolytic pathways |
3.1 Amino acid sequence
Tyr-Leu-Glu-Asp-Gly-Ser-Pro-Arg-Leu-Arg-Asp-Tyr-Leu-Leu-Glu-OH
4 Research dosages
300–1000 μg/day SC in preclinical/early studies; no validated human protocol.
5 Research studies (6)
- 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) · ReviewBoth human GH (hGH) and a lipolytic fragment (AOD9604) synthesized from its C-terminus are capable of inducing weight loss and increasing lipolytic sensitivity following long-term treatment in mice. - Effect of Intra-articular Injection of AOD9604 with or without Hyaluronic Acid in Rabbit Osteoarthritis Model.
Annals of clinical and laboratory science (2015) · ReviewBACKGROUND: To investigate the effects of AOD9604 intra-articular injections with or without hyaluronic acid (HA) in a collagenase-induced knee osteoarthritis (OA) rabbit model. - AOD-9604 Metabolic.
Current opinion in investigational drugs (London, England : 2000) (2004) · ReviewMetabolic is developing AOD-9604 for the potential treatment of obesity. - AOD-9604 does not influence the WADA hGH isoform immunoassay.
Drug testing and analysis (2013) · Review - Detection and in vitro metabolism of AOD9604.
Drug testing and analysis (2015) · ReviewAOD9604 is a peptide consisting of the C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone from amino acids 177-191 with an additional tyrosine residue at the N-terminus of the peptide. - Safety and Efficacy of Approved and Unapproved Peptide Therapies for Musculoskeletal Injuries and Athletic Performance.
Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) (2026) · ReviewPeptides are short chains of amino acids with a unique pharmacological niche between small-molecule drugs and large proteins.
6 Safety and risk profile
6.1 Regulatory status
AOD-9604 is currently classified as Not approved. It has no approved human indication in the United States; availability elsewhere does not imply demonstrated safety or efficacy.
Safety score: 40/100 — moderate concern. Derived from clinical data volume, known risks and regulatory status.
6.2 Contraindications
Conditions and populations in which use is contraindicated:
- Pregnancy or lactation
- Known malignancy (GH-axis related)
6.3 Drug interactions
| Drug or class | Interaction | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Insulin / insulin sensitizers | Lipolytic peptides may alter substrate utilization; monitor glycemic parameters. | Low |
6.4 Long-term risks
- No long-term human safety data
- Unknown effects of chronic lipolytic stimulation
6.5 Research best practices
- Store lyophilized at −20 °C
- Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water; avoid repeated freeze-thaw
- Use fresh aliquots for dosing accuracy
7 Frequently asked questions
- How does AOD-9604 differ from full hGH?
- AOD-9604 contains only the C-terminal lipolytic fragment (177-191) of hGH. It does not bind the growth hormone receptor in the same way and does not meaningfully stimulate IGF-1, so it is studied for fat metabolism rather than growth.
- Is AOD-9604 approved for any use?
- No. It was investigated as an anti-obesity drug candidate but never received approval. It is banned by WADA and commonly screened in sports drug testing.
- What is the typical research dose?
- Preclinical and early clinical work used daily dosing in the range of 300–1000 μg (0.3–1 mg) per day, typically subcutaneously, though no standard research protocol exists.
8 References
- 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. PubMed (2001). Heffernan M, et al.. View source
- Effect of Intra-articular Injection of AOD9604 with or without Hyaluronic Acid in Rabbit Osteoarthritis Model. PubMed (2015). Kwon DR, et al.. View source
- AOD-9604 Metabolic. PubMed (2004). Wilding J, et al.. View source
- Detection and in vitro metabolism of AOD9604. PubMed (2015). Cox HD, et al.. View source
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