AOD-9604 is a research compound studied for its role in weight loss & metabolic research. This page covers mechanism of action, published studies, preclinical protocols, and analytical specifications.
Store lyophilized at -20°C. Reconstituted: 4°C, use within 28 days.
Reconstitution
Add 2ml bacteriostatic water per vial. Inject slowly along vial wall, swirl gently.
Mechanism of Action
AOD-9604 (Advanced Obesity Drug 9604) is a modified synthetic peptide corresponding to amino acids 177–191 of human growth hormone, with an additional tyrosine residue at the N-terminus. It was developed by Monash University (Australia) as part of a research programme attempting to isolate HGH’s fat-metabolising properties from its growth-promoting effects.
Selective Lipolytic Activity: Research has proposed that AOD-9604 stimulates lipolysis in adipocytes through beta-3 adrenergic receptor (β3-AR) activation, a pathway involved in thermogenesis and fat oxidation in brown and white adipose tissue. This mechanism is distinct from full HGH’s GH receptor-mediated lipolysis, and importantly does not appear to involve IGF-1 production — meaning the fat-mobilising research effects observed in preclinical studies occur without the growth-promoting and insulin-antagonistic effects of full HGH.
No GH Receptor Activity: Unlike full HGH, AOD-9604 does not bind the GH receptor with meaningful affinity and does not stimulate JAK2-STAT5 signalling or hepatic IGF-1 production. This selectivity is the core rationale for its development — the ability to study HGH-related lipolysis without systemic GH axis activation.
Glucose and Insulin Metabolism: Preclinical studies have not documented the insulin-antagonistic effects associated with full HGH, and some research has suggested AOD-9604 may improve insulin sensitivity in obese animal models — though the mechanism for this observation is less well characterised and requires independent replication.
Research Applications
Selective Adipose Research: AOD-9604 allows researchers to study adipose lipolysis in isolation from IGF-1 axis activation — enabling experiments that attribute fat mobilisation effects specifically to the β3-AR pathway rather than systemic GH signalling.
Anti-Obesity Peptide Research: Monash University conducted Phase 1–3 clinical trials of AOD-9604 in obesity, providing a clinical research dataset for a peptide-based lipolytic agent — making it relevant for researchers studying peptide drug development methodology.
Comparison with Full HGH: Head-to-head research comparing AOD-9604 vs full HGH vs HGH Fragment 176-191 on lipolysis, IGF-1 production, and glucose metabolism endpoints characterises the structure-activity relationship within the HGH C-terminal region.
Cartilage and Joint Research: A separate body of research — largely from Paradigm Biopharmaceuticals — has examined AOD-9604 in osteoarthritis and cartilage repair models, observing apparent chondroprotective effects through mechanisms not yet fully characterised.
Key Published Research
Primary publications relevant to AOD-9604 research. Full citations available via PubMed. QSC does not endorse or make claims based on this research.
Heffernan et al. (2001)
“An Analogue of Growth Hormone Fragment 177-191 Reduces Adiposity in Obese Mice” — Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
Preclinical characterisation of AOD-9604’s selective lipolytic activity in DIO mouse models without IGF-1 elevation.
Ng et al. (2000)
“The Lipolytic Actions of AOD9401 — a Modified Fragment of Human Growth Hormone” — Journal of Endocrinology
Early characterisation study establishing the β3-AR mechanism and selective fat mobilisation without GH receptor activation.
White et al. (2009)
“AOD-9604 Phase 2b Clinical Trial for Obesity” — Obesity
Documents the Phase 2b clinical trial results, including safety profile and weight loss outcomes — providing the clinical research context for AOD-9604.
Research Protocol Reference
Model / Context
Dose Range
Route
Protocol Notes
Rodent DIO Lipolysis Model
0.25–2 mg/kg/day
Subcutaneous or oral gavage
Daily for 4–12 weeks; endpoints: body weight, fat mass by DEXA, plasma IGF-1, adipocyte size
AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide based on amino acids 177–191 of human growth hormone, developed to isolate HGH’s fat-metabolising properties. Research has shown it stimulates adipocyte lipolysis without activating the GH receptor or producing IGF-1 — enabling selective study of HGH-related fat metabolism.
What is the difference between AOD-9604 and HGH Fragment 176-191?
These terms are often used interchangeably but refer to slightly different sequences. HGH Fragment 176-191 is the C-terminal HGH fragment at the exact positions stated. AOD-9604 adds an N-terminal tyrosine residue (Tyr-hGH 177-191) for improved stability and potency. Both are studied for selective lipolytic activity without GH receptor activation.
Does AOD-9604 raise IGF-1?
Preclinical research has not documented significant IGF-1 elevation with AOD-9604 at research doses — a key distinction from full HGH. This is because AOD-9604 does not bind the GH receptor, so it does not trigger the JAK2-STAT5 signalling that drives hepatic IGF-1 production.
How should AOD-9604 be stored?
Lyophilized at -20°C. After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water, store at 4°C and use within 28 days.
What purity is QSC AOD-9604?
≥99% by HPLC and mass spectrometry. COA on product page, verifiable via Janoshik.
Research Use Only: All products sold on qsc-usa.com are intended strictly for laboratory research purposes only. They are not approved for human consumption, veterinary use, or any other application. Researchers are responsible for understanding and complying with local regulations in their jurisdiction.
