For laboratory research use only. This page summarises the published scientific literature on AOD-9604 in plain English. It does not give medical advice, and it contains no guidance on doses or administration.
What is AOD-9604?
AOD-9604 is a synthetic 16-amino-acid peptide based on the C-terminal region of human growth hormone (residues 177 to 191), with an extra tyrosine added at the N-terminus. It was developed to study whether this small region of growth hormone could influence fat metabolism in laboratory models without the wider effects of the full hormone [1, 2].
Key molecular facts
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Sequence | Tyr-Leu-Arg-Ile-Val-Gln-Cys-Arg-Ser-Val-Glu-Gly-Ser-Cys-Gly-Phe (disulfide bridge between the two cysteines) |
| Length | 16 amino acids |
| Average molecular weight | approx. 1,815 Da |
| Origin | Modified fragment of human growth hormone (hGH 177–191) |
| Usual supplied form | Lyophilised (freeze-dried) powder |
What the research has looked at
The early papers examined lipid metabolism in rodent fat tissue and in obese mouse models, including mice lacking the beta-3 adrenergic receptor, to work out which signalling pathways the fragment uses [1, 2]. A key question in this work was whether the fragment acts differently from full-length growth hormone, for example on IGF-1 levels and glucose handling. Later preclinical studies have also looked at cartilage and connective-tissue models.
Mechanism: what is known and what is not
The research suggests the fragment does not act through the classical growth hormone receptor in the same way as the full hormone, and early work linked its effects in rodent fat tissue to beta-3 adrenergic signalling [1]. The exact receptor and pathway are still not fully defined, which is one reason AOD-9604 remains a research tool rather than an established medicine.
Regulatory status in the UK
AOD-9604 is not licensed as a medicine in the UK. Research-use labelling does not settle how a product is classified, so laboratories should check their own regulatory obligations.
Limits of the evidence
Published findings come from specific study designs, often in animals or cell systems, and do not transfer automatically to other settings. A paper about the molecule is not proof that any particular batch has a given biological effect. Purity data show what is in a vial; they do not show sterility, safety or suitability for any use outside the laboratory.
Laboratory handling
- Store lyophilised powder sealed, cold (−20 °C for long-term storage), dry and protected from light.
- Let vials reach room temperature before opening to limit condensation.
- Prepare solutions with suitable laboratory solvents and calibrated equipment, and label each with lot number, concentration and date.
- Split solutions into single-use aliquots and avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
- Use the peptide calculator for concentration arithmetic (mg/mL).
Quality checks for research material
- Batch-specific certificate of analysis (COA)
- HPLC purity, with the chromatogram available
- Mass spectrometry identity confirmation (expected mass about 1,815 Da)
- Net peptide content and counter-ion information for accurate concentration calculations
Researchers can find AOD-9604 with batch documentation on our AOD-9604 product page. For a wider overview of compounds studied in metabolic research, see our metabolic research literature overview.
Related research pages
- AOD-9604: UK research overview
- Research-grade peptides guide
- How to read a peptide certificate of analysis
References
- 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;142(12):5182–5189. PubMed 11713213
- Ng FM, et al. Metabolic studies of a synthetic lipolytic domain (AOD9604) of human growth hormone. Horm Res 2000;53(6):274–278. PubMed 11146367
Reference titles are reproduced as published. Their inclusion documents the literature and does not imply that any product is suitable for, or approved for, use in people.
For laboratory research use only. AOD-9604 sold by Peptides Lab UK is supplied strictly for in vitro laboratory research. It is not for human or veterinary use, and nothing on this page is medical advice or guidance on administration. UK purchasers are responsible for complying with all applicable legislation.
