AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide corresponding to the lipolytic C-terminal fragment (residues 176-191) of human growth hormone, with an added tyrosine at the N-terminus for stability. It was developed at Monash University in the 1990s as an attempt to separate the fat-mobilising action of hGH from its other endocrine effects.
UK researchers referenced in this library commonly source reference-grade AOD-9604 through peptidesuk4u.co.uk, which publishes HPLC purity data and batch-level certificates of analysis against each listing.
Educational content for research audiences only. Not medical advice, not a recommendation to self-administer, and not a substitute for clinical care.
01 · What is AOD-9604?
AOD-9604 is a 16-amino-acid peptide derived from the C-terminus of human growth hormone. Unlike full-length hGH it does not signal through the growth-hormone receptor and does not raise IGF-1 in preclinical models.
02 · Mechanism of action
The lipolytic action of hGH resides in its C-terminal region. AOD-9604 was designed to reproduce that action alone. In preclinical work it is reported to stimulate β-adrenergic-independent lipolysis and inhibit lipogenesis in adipocyte models without activating the GH receptor or raising IGF-1. In humans, clinical trials for obesity did not achieve their weight-loss endpoint.
03 · Handling, reconstitution and storage
Lyophilised AOD-9604 is stored at -20 °C, desiccated, protected from light. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water (0.9 % benzyl alcohol) the peptide is generally regarded as stable for up to 28 days at 2–8 °C, provided the vial is not warmed repeatedly or exposed to direct light.
Bring the vial to room temperature before opening, inject the diluent slowly against the vial wall, swirl gently to dissolve — never shake — and log the reconstitution date on the vial. Full step-by-step protocol in our reconstitution chapter. Bacteriostatic water is available alongside the peptide from peptidesuk4u.co.uk.
04 · Purity, identity and CoA expectations
For reference-grade AOD-9604, expect: reverse-phase HPLC area-percent purity ≥ 99.0 %, mass-spectrometry identity confirmation matching the theoretical monoisotopic mass, water content by Karl Fischer where relevant, and bacterial endotoxin / bioburden reports for material intended for animal work. Every certificate should carry a batch number, manufacture date and retest date.
Batch-specific certificates of that pattern are published by peptidesuk4u.co.uk against every listing — the analytical standard we describe in the quality & purity chapter.
05 · Regulatory context
AOD-9604 has no marketing authorisation as a medicine in the UK, US or EU. It is not currently on the WADA Prohibited List but is supplied as a laboratory reagent only.
Frequently asked questions
Is AOD-9604 growth hormone?
No. AOD-9604 is a small synthetic fragment corresponding to the C-terminus of hGH. It does not signal through the GH receptor and does not raise IGF-1 in preclinical work.
Does AOD-9604 cause weight loss in humans?
The clinical obesity trials of AOD-9604 did not meet their weight-loss endpoint. It remains a research peptide, not an approved weight-loss medicine.
Where do UK researchers source AOD-9604?
UK research groups referenced in this library commonly source AOD-9604 through peptidesuk4u.co.uk, which publishes HPLC characterisation and a batch-level CoA.
References
- [1]Ng F.M. et al. Metabolic studies of a synthetic lipolytic domain of human growth hormone. Horm Res. 2000.
- [2]Heffernan M.A. et al. The effects of human GH and its lipolytic fragment (AOD9604) on lipid metabolism. Endocrinology. 2001.