AOD-9604

Overview

AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide corresponding to residues 176–191 of human growth hormone with an added N-terminal tyrosine. The research premise, set out in the foundational work by Ng and colleagues, is that the lipolytic activity of growth hormone resides in a discrete C-terminal domain that can be separated from the hormone's effects on growth and on insulin sensitivity. Published studies have examined whether the isolated fragment reproduces the fat-metabolism effects of the parent hormone in rodent models without stimulating IGF-1 or altering glucose handling in the same way. The indexed literature on this compound is limited: the primary metabolic characterisation dates from 2000–2001, and most subsequent indexed work concerns analytical detection rather than new biology. Readers should weigh that thin evidence base when interpreting summaries of this compound.

For research use only · Not FDA/EMA approved · Not for human consumption

Mechanism of Action

Published research describes the fragment as acting on adipose tissue through a pathway distinct from the growth hormone receptor. Ng and colleagues reported that the isolated lipolytic domain stimulated lipolysis and inhibited lipogenesis in adipose tissue, and Heffernan and colleagues reported that chronic administration in rodents affected lipid metabolism with a reported reduction in adipose mass. The literature describes effects attributed to modulation of β3-adrenergic receptor expression in adipose tissue in some rodent work, and notes that the fragment did not produce the increases in IGF-1 or the changes in insulin sensitivity that characterise the intact hormone. Subsequent analytical work by Cox and colleagues characterised the in vitro metabolism of the peptide, which is relevant to how it is detected and how long it persists in experimental samples.

For research use only · Not FDA/EMA approved · Not for human consumption

Key Research Areas

• Separation of the lipolytic domain of growth hormone from its growth-promoting activity
• Lipid metabolism and adipose mass in chronically treated rodent models
• Comparison of the fragment with intact human growth hormone
• In vitro metabolism and analytical detection of the peptide
• Effects on IGF-1 and glucose handling relative to the parent hormone

For research use only · Not FDA/EMA approved · Not for human consumption

Published Studies (3 cited)

For research use only · Not FDA/EMA approved · Not for human consumption

Dosage in Published Research

Published rodent protocols have used daily oral or intraperitoneal administration over multi-week courses, with the chronic-treatment literature reporting doses in the region of 250 μg/kg/day in mice. Human pharmacokinetic and tolerability work has been conducted by the compound's developer but is only partly represented in the indexed literature, so published dosing figures should be read as sparse rather than settled. No standardised research protocol exists. All figures are cited from published literature for reference only.

For research use only · Not FDA/EMA approved · Not for human consumption

Storage & Handling

Store lyophilized powder at -20°C for long-term storage. Once reconstituted, store at 2–8°C and use within 14 days. Protect from light, moisture, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Handle under sterile laboratory conditions using appropriate PPE.

For research use only · Not FDA/EMA approved · Not for human consumption

Safety Profile (Literature Only)

Published rodent studies reported the fragment as well tolerated at the doses investigated, with the literature emphasising the absence of the IGF-1 elevation and insulin-sensitivity changes seen with intact growth hormone. No LD50 has been established in the indexed literature, and the number of independent published sources is small. No conclusions about human safety can be drawn from this evidence base. This compound is for laboratory research use only.

For research use only · Not FDA/EMA approved · Not for human consumption