The Definitive Peptide Research Reference Guide — Compound Review

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Metabolic Research
Research Purposes Only

AOD-9604

Targeted Lipolysis Without IGF-1 Stimulation

AOD-9604 — Modified GH Fragment (hGH 176-191)

Research Purposes Only. AOD-9604 is supplied by Purgo Labs strictly for qualified laboratory research use only. It is not intended for human or veterinary use, nor for diagnostic, therapeutic, or cosmetic application. Statements on this page have not been evaluated by the FDA.
Overview

What is AOD-9604?

AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide fragment derived from the C-terminus of human growth hormone (hGH), specifically amino acids 176–191. Unlike full-length hGH, AOD-9604 retains the lipolytic (fat-burning) activity of the parent molecule without stimulating IGF-1 production or promoting cell proliferation. It received FDA GRAS designation in 2014 and has completed Phase II and Phase III clinical trials for obesity.

Composition

Molecular Composition

Amino Acid Sequence
Tyr-Leu-Arg-Ile-Val-Gln-Cys-Arg-Ser-Val-Glu-Gly-Ser-Cys-Gly-Phe

AOD-9604 consists of 16 amino acids corresponding to the C-terminal fragment of hGH (positions 176–191), with a disulfide bridge between Cys182 and Cys189. This fragment contains the region responsible for hGH's lipolytic activity while lacking the N-terminal domain required for IGF-1 stimulation and cell proliferation.

Mechanism of Action

How Does It Work?

AOD-9604 activates beta3-adrenergic receptors in adipose tissue, stimulating cAMP-mediated lipolysis and increasing fatty acid oxidation. Simultaneously, it suppresses acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity, reducing de novo lipogenesis and triglyceride synthesis. Unlike full-length hGH, it does not activate the JAK2/STAT5 pathway responsible for IGF-1 production.

"AOD-9604 stimulates lipolysis and inhibits lipogenesis without the adverse effects associated with full-length hGH." — Heffernan et al., International Journal of Obesity, 2001
So What Does This Actually Mean?
Plain English summary — no PhD required

AOD-9604 is a fragment of human growth hormone engineered to retain only the fat-burning properties of hGH while eliminating the growth-promoting and blood-sugar-disrupting effects. It received FDA GRAS status in 2014 and completed Phase III clinical trials for obesity.

What It Does

AOD-9604 activates fat cells' beta3-adrenergic receptors, triggering lipolysis (fat breakdown) and blocking lipogenesis (new fat creation). It does this without raising IGF-1 or insulin, which distinguishes it from full-length growth hormone.

Why It Matters

Most fat-loss peptides work indirectly through appetite suppression or growth hormone release. AOD-9604 acts directly on fat cells, making it a mechanistically distinct tool for metabolic research. Its FDA GRAS status and Phase III safety data give it one of the strongest regulatory profiles of any research peptide.

The Bottom Line

AOD-9604 is a GH-derived fat metabolism peptide with FDA GRAS status and Phase III clinical trial data. Its targeted lipolytic mechanism and clean safety profile make it a valuable tool for metabolic research.

Signaling Pathways

Key Research Pathways

Beta3-Adrenergic Receptor Activation

Activates beta3-adrenergic receptors in adipose tissue, stimulating cAMP-mediated lipolysis and increasing fatty acid oxidation independent of IGF-1 signaling.

Lipogenesis Inhibition

Suppresses acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity, reducing de novo lipogenesis and triglyceride synthesis in adipocytes.

GH Receptor Partial Agonism

Binds GH receptor with lower affinity than full-length hGH, activating metabolic pathways without triggering the full mitogenic or diabetogenic effects of hGH.

Research Highlights

Key Findings from the Literature

  • FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) designation granted in 2014
  • Phase IIb trials showed statistically significant reductions in body weight vs placebo
  • No adverse effects on blood glucose, insulin sensitivity, or IGF-1 levels in clinical trials
  • Stimulates lipolysis and inhibits lipogenesis through beta3-adrenergic receptor activation
  • Completed Phase III clinical trials for obesity treatment
Researcher Notes

Important Research Context

AOD-9604 received GRAS designation from the FDA in 2014. Phase IIb trials in obese patients showed statistically significant reductions in body weight and fat mass compared to placebo, with no adverse effects on blood glucose, insulin sensitivity, or IGF-1 levels.

AOD-9604

Metabolic Research

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Technical Specifications

Peptide ClassGH fragment (hGH 176-191)
Molecular Weight1,817.1 Da
Regulatory StatusFDA GRAS designation (2014); Phase III completed
Available Sizes2mg, 5mg vials
FormLyophilized powder
Purity≥99% (third-party tested)
Legal Status
Research Chemical

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Medical Disclaimer: All content on this site is for educational and research purposes only. Research peptides are not FDA-approved for human use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before considering any peptide or supplement protocol. Nothing on this site constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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