AOD-9604 is one of those subjects where the details matter more than the headlines. This page pulls together the background, the mechanisms, and the practical points readers ask about most.
Last reviewed on 2026-04-22. Where a claim depends on a specific study, the study is described rather than over-claimed.
Regulatory treatment of AOD-9604 is shaped by its classification as a peptide hormone. The World Anti-Doping Agency lists it as a prohibited substance, and many national anti-doping organizations adopt that list. It does not hold approval as a prescription medicine in the United States, the European Union, or other major markets. Products sold online are frequently labeled for research use only and may not undergo independent quality testing. Import and possession rules differ by country, so legal status depends on local law.
Proposed mechanisms for AOD-9604 focus on fat cells. Laboratory studies suggest the peptide can increase lipolysis, the breakdown of stored fat, and reduce lipogenesis, the formation of new fat. Unlike full human growth hormone, it does not appear to stimulate substantial IGF-1 production in the studies reported so far. Some evidence points to beta-adrenergic signaling, but the precise receptor targets and downstream pathways remain unresolved. The fragment is not thought to act through the classical growth hormone receptor.
Clinical development of AOD-9604 included trials in people with obesity. Reports from early-phase and mid-phase studies described modest or inconsistent changes in body weight. A phase IIb program did not meet its primary endpoint, and the compound was not approved for medical use. Differences in formulation, delivery route, and participant characteristics may explain some of the variation. Later investigations explored whether the peptide might have effects in other tissues, including cartilage.
AOD-9604 drew attention in the 1990s and 2000s as a potential anti-obesity agent. Early work explored both injectable and oral routes, which is unusual for a peptide of this size. Animal studies reported changes in fat metabolism without the growth-promoting or insulin-like effects associated with full-length growth hormone. Subsequent human trials produced mixed or modest results, and the compound did not obtain regulatory approval for weight management in major markets. It remains known mainly through research literature, sports anti-doping listings, and non-approved supplement advertising.
AOD-9604 is prohibited in sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency under the peptide hormone class. Its presence in a sample can be detected through mass spectrometry-based methods, although the exact assay depends on the laboratory. In research settings, material is often supplied as a lyophilized powder for reconstitution. Buyers and researchers should note that products labeled AOD-9604 may vary in purity and actual peptide content. Analytical certificates and independent testing are common ways to verify identity, but no global harmonized standard exists for all commercial lots.
AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide whose sequence is modeled on the C-terminal region of human growth hormone. Published descriptions commonly place it as a modified fragment corresponding to hGH amino acids 176–191, with a tyrosine residue added or retained at the N-terminus to support detection and handling. It is not intact growth hormone and lacks the full receptor-binding architecture of the parent protein. The molecule was developed as a research candidate for metabolic studies rather than as a replacement for growth hormone therapy. Its identity is defined by its amino acid sequence rather than by any single commercial preparation.
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Typical storage temperature | -20 °C | Lyophilized peptide; protect from moisture and light. |
| Typical analytical method | HPLC and mass spectrometry | Used to confirm identity and estimate purity. |
| Common synonyms | AOD9604; hGH 176-191 | Naming varies by supplier and publication. |
| Disulfide bonds | One | Affects folded structure and stability. |
| Typical research purity | ≥95% | Value depends on supplier and analytical method. |
Commercial AOD-9604 may vary in purity, counterion content, and residual moisture. Certificates of analysis often report HPLC purity, mass confirmation, and appearance, but testing methods differ between suppliers. Independent verification is sometimes used because labeled content may not match actual peptide amount. Stability under different pH and temperature conditions is not fully standardized across studies. Researchers generally treat lyophilized material as the reference form for weighing and reconstitution. Moisture content can affect accurate mass measurement.
AOD-9604 is typically supplied as a lyophilized white to off-white powder. In this form, it is relatively stable when kept cool, dry, and protected from light. Common storage recommendations place it at −20 °C or below for long-term retention. Reconstituted solutions are less stable and are often kept at 2–8 °C for short periods. Freeze-thaw cycles should be minimized because they can promote aggregation or loss of peptide content. Vials are usually sealed under inert gas to reduce oxidation.
The peptide is frequently described as a growth hormone fragment, although it is chemically distinct from full-length hGH. AOD-9604 contains 16 amino acids and includes two cysteine residues that can form an intramolecular disulfide bond. In solution, this structural feature can influence folding, aggregation, and stability. Published descriptions sometimes call it hGH 176-191 or AOD9604, with spacing and capitalization varying. Such naming differences can complicate literature searches, database entries, and product verification.
Researchers have studied the fragment in cell and animal models to understand its metabolic actions. Some experiments report effects on fat breakdown and fat storage pathways, but the underlying mechanism remains incompletely defined. AOD-9604 does not appear to stimulate the same broad growth hormone receptor signaling as full-length hGH. Whether its observed activities arise from direct receptor interactions or downstream metabolic changes is an open question. Results from different assays are not always consistent.
AOD-9604 has been investigated primarily as a potential treatment for obesity and related metabolic conditions. Early laboratory work examined its effects on fat cells, and later studies moved into animal models and human clinical trials. Some trials reportedly reached Phase II, but the program did not lead to an approved medicine. Published summaries often note that weight-loss results were modest or inconsistent. The full trial data are not all publicly available in detail.
Regulatory treatment of AOD-9604 has varied. In sports anti-doping, the peptide became widely discussed during a 2013 investigation into an Australian professional sports club. Authorities at the time debated whether it fell under prohibitions on growth hormone and related substances. Later clarifications and updated lists have addressed the compound in different ways. Anyone seeking current status should consult the latest applicable rules, and commercial supply for human use is not authorized in major markets.
AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide modeled on the C-terminal region of human growth hormone. It is often described as hGH fragment 176-191. Research interest arose because it was designed to isolate possible effects on fat metabolism from other actions of growth hormone. It is not a full growth hormone molecule. Its development history includes early laboratory and animal studies followed by human trials. The peptide has been examined in laboratory, animal, and limited human studies.
The compound has been studied as a potential treatment for obesity and related metabolic conditions. Published trials have examined changes in body weight, fat mass, and safety markers over limited durations. Results have been mixed or modest, and no large-scale outcome trials are established. Regulatory agencies in several countries have not approved it as a therapeutic drug. Some commercial products have been marketed outside regulated pharmaceutical channels, which raises questions about quality and claims.
In the scientific literature, AOD-9604 appears in reviews of growth hormone fragments and in discussions of peptide-based metabolic research. Some sources distinguish it from growth hormone itself, while others group it with compounds marketed for weight management. The evidence base is small compared with approved obesity medications. Questions about long-term efficacy and clinical relevance remain open, and independent replication of key findings is limited. Most published reports are early-stage and exploratory.
=== Alkene === Alkenes rarely need protection or are protected. They are as a rule only involved in undesired side reactions with electrophilic attack, isomerization or catalytic hydration. For alkenes two protecting groups are basically known:
The symptoms and the treatment of an overdose are largely the same as for the other TCAs, including the presentation of serotonin syndrome and adverse cardiac effects. The British National Formulary notes that amitriptyline can be particularly dangerous in overdose, thus it and other TCAs are no longer recommended as first-line therapy for depression. The treatment of overdose is mostly supportive as no specific antidote for amitriptyline overdose is available. Activated charcoal may reduce absorption if given within 1–2 hours of ingestion. If the affected person is unconscious or has an impaired gag reflex, a nasogastric tube may be used to deliver the activated charcoal into the stomach. ECG monitoring for cardiac conduction abnormalities is essential and if one is found close monitoring of cardiac function is advised. Body temperature should be regulated with measures such as heating blankets if necessary. Cardiac monitoring is advised for at least five days after the overdose. Benzodiazepines are recommended to control seizures. Dialysis is of no use due to the high degree of protein binding with amitriptyline.
== January 15, 1982 (Friday) == The U.S. Federal Trade Commission dropped its 10-year-old antitrust lawsuit against the three largest makers of cereal in the nation— Kellogg, General Mills and General Foods. Hekuran Isai became the Minister of Internal Affairs for the People's Republic of Albania, as well as the director of the Communist nation's secret police, the Sigurimi, after the previous Internal Affairs Minister, Feçor Shehu, was arrested as part of a purge of government officials. The appointment came as the Albanian People's Assembly unanimously approved the appointment of Adil Çarçani as the new Prime Minister of Albania following the December 17 death by gunshot wound of Premier Mehmet Shehu. The Guatemalan Army invaded the village of Ilom (village) near Chajul and killed 28 men from the Mayan minority. A deadlier mass execution of 96 Mayan peasants would take place on March 23, 1982. The Lima Liturgy, drafted by Max Thurian, was celebrated in a multidenominational Christian gathering by the World Council of Churches Forbidden Broadway, an off-Broadway musical revue, written by Gerard Alessandrini and featuring parodies of current Broadway musicals, was given its first of 2,332 performances, opening at Palsson's Supper Club (now the Triad Theatre) in New York City. David Gibbons resigned as Premier of Bermuda and was succeeded by John Swan.
== Childhood obesity == Childhood obesity and adolescent obesity have also increased in Brazil. National surveys and international reports have identified Brazil as one of the countries experiencing a rapid rise in obesity among children and adolescents. Public health experts have expressed concern that increasing childhood obesity may contribute to future increases in diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and healthcare expenditures. The World Obesity Federation has highlighted childhood obesity as an emerging public health challenge in Brazil and throughout Latin America.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
== Expression == The FPR2 receptor is expressed on human neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes, macrophages, T cells, synovial fibroblasts, and intestinal and airway epithelium. FPL2 is often co-expressed with FPR1. It is widely expressed by circulating blood neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, and monocytes; lymphocyte T cells and B cells; tissue Mast cells, macrophages, fibroblasts, and immature dendritic cells; vascular endothelial cells; neural tissue glial cells, astrocytes, and neuroblastoma cells; liver hepatocytes; various types of epithelial cells; and various types of multicellular tissues.
== Examples == In the forearm, the wide gap between the shaft portions of the radius and ulna bones are strongly united by an interosseous membrane. Similarly, in the leg, the shafts of the tibia and fibula are also united by an interosseous membrane. In addition, at the inferior tibiofibular joint, the articulating surfaces of the bones lack cartilage and the narrow gap between the bones is anchored by fibrous connective tissue and ligaments on both the anterior and posterior aspects of the joint. Together, the interosseous membrane and these ligaments form the tibiofibular syndesmosis. However, a syndesmosis does not prevent all movement between the bones, and thus this type of fibrous joint is functionally classified as an amphiarthrosis. In the leg, the syndesmosis between the tibia and fibula strongly unites the bones, allows for little movement, and firmly locks the talus bone in place between the tibia and fibula at the ankle joint. This provides strength and stability to the leg and ankle, which are important during weight bearing. In the forearm, the interosseous membrane is flexible enough to allow for rotation of the radius bone during forearm movements. Thus in contrast to the stability provided by the tibiofibular syndesmosis, the flexibility of the antebrachial interosseous membrane allows for the much greater mobility of the forearm.
== Persons influential in relation to diabetes mellitus == Paul Langerhans Joseph von Mering Oskar Minkowski Edward Albert Sharpey-Schafer Frederick Banting Charles Best James Collip Harold Percival Himsworth Thorburn Brailsford Robertson
== Occurrence == Seeds and phytopharmaceuticals derived from the plant Ginkgo biloba are dietary supplements used to improve memory, brain metabolism, and blood flow, and to treat neuronal disorders. It has been long used for a wide range of medicinal purposes. For instance, in Japan and China, Ginkgo biloba is used to treat cough, bronchial asthma, irritable bladder and alcohol use disorder. Ginkgotoxin is found in the seeds and, in lesser amounts, in the leaves of Ginkgo biloba. The seeds can be consumed as is and the leaves can be used to prepare the dietary supplements. Analyses of raw seeds from eight different locations in Japan by high-performance liquid chromatography showed concentrations of ginkgotoxin varying from 0.173 to 0.4 mg/g of seeds. Also, there is a seasonal variation of ginkgotoxin concentration in the seeds. The maximum has been observed in August. Analyses of the powder of Ginkgo biloba capsules revealed the presence of ginkgotoxin. However, as most oral supplements are made from the leaves, which contain only small amounts of ginkgotoxin, below the level of toxicological relevance. Ginkgotoxin-5'-glucoside is a derivative of ginkgotoxin that possesses a glycosyl in the 5' position. Its content is higher than the concentration of ginkgotoxin in heated seeds (boiled or roasted). Liberation of ginkgotoxin by enzymatic hydrolysis of the glycosidic linkage is possible. Nevertheless, the toxicity or the mechanism of action of the glucoside form is not fully understood. Ginkgotoxin can also be found in plants of the genus Albizia.
=== Autoimmune === Lichen planus: A chronic inflammatory disease with different forms of oral presentations. The most classic appearance of lichen planus is the presence of white streaks in inner cheek, tongue, and gum. Desquamative gingivitis can be seen in patients with lichen planus. Biopsy is done for definitive diagnosis of lichen planus. Graft-versus-host disease: An autoimmune disease developed following bone marrow transplant in which its oral presentation is similar to lichen planus. Pemphigus vulgaris: An autoimmune chronic disease with clinical presentation of formation of superficial and large blisters which then burst into ulcers on the skin or mucous membrane. Mucous-membrane pemphigoid: Autoimmune disease which affects only mucous membranes with clinical presentation of hard and rigid blisters which then rupture eventually into deep ulcers. Cutaneous lupus erythematosus: These present as oral discoid lesions which may be present on the inner cheek and behind the lips. White papules may also be present.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
No. Major drug regulators have not approved AOD-9604 for weight loss or any other therapeutic indication. It remains an investigational compound studied in research settings.
The World Anti-Doping Agency classifies it as a prohibited peptide hormone. Athletes under anti-doping rules are not permitted to use it. Its presence can trigger a doping violation.
It is a fragment of growth hormone rather than a substance that signals the pituitary to release more hormone. Studies have not shown a consistent rise in IGF-1 or full growth hormone. Its metabolic effects, if any, appear separate from those of the complete hormone.
No. It is a synthetic peptide fragment modeled on part of human growth hormone, not the full hormone. It does not contain the complete sequence or receptor-binding regions of hGH.