What Is AOD9604?
AOD9604 (Anti-Obesity Drug 9604) is a synthetic peptide fragment derived from the C-terminal region of human growth hormone (hGH 177–191). It was originally developed by researchers at Monash University in Australia seeking to isolate the lipolytic properties attributed to hGH without the growth-promoting or diabetogenic effects associated with full-length GH. AOD9604 does not bind the classical growth hormone receptor and does not stimulate IGF-1 production in the research models studied to date, making it a selective tool for investigating lipolytic pathway biology. TrueCanPeptides carries AOD9604 10mg for laboratory research purposes.
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Mechanism of Action
AOD9604 is thought to interact with beta-adrenergic receptors and lipolytic signalling cascades in adipose tissue models, stimulating lipolysis (fat breakdown) and inhibiting lipogenesis (fat synthesis) in preclinical preparations — effects that parallel some actions attributed to native hGH at the metabolic level. Crucially, this is believed to occur independently of the GH receptor-IGF-1 axis, as AOD9604 lacks the structural elements required for GH receptor binding.
In adipocyte cell culture models and rodent studies, AOD9604 has been observed to activate beta-3 adrenergic receptor pathways and downstream cAMP-mediated signalling associated with lipolytic activity. The compound has also been examined in the context of lipid metabolism modelling, with preclinical data suggesting effects on fat cell differentiation and lipid accumulation.
Research Applications
AOD9604 has been investigated in the following preclinical and early translational research contexts:
- Lipolytic pathway research: Studied in adipocyte models for stimulation of lipolysis and inhibition of lipid synthesis independent of the GH-IGF-1 axis.
- Metabolic research: Examined in rodent obesity models where metabolic outcomes associated with lipolytic activity have been characterised.
- hGH fragment biology: Used as a tool compound to delineate structure-activity relationships in the C-terminal region of growth hormone.
- Body composition research: Investigated in preclinical models examining fat mass changes in response to lipolytic peptide interventions.
All AOD9604 applications are investigational. Visit the TrueCanPeptides Research Hub →
Storage & Handling
AOD9604 should be stored in lyophilised form at −20°C, away from moisture and direct light. Reconstitute in sterile water or an appropriate physiological buffer before use. Aliquot reconstituted solutions and store at −80°C. Minimise freeze-thaw cycles to preserve peptide integrity.
For full handling information, see the Peptide Storage Guide and quality and purity page.
Related Research
Researchers investigating metabolic and lipolytic pathways may also be interested in:
- 5-Amino-1MQ — NNMT inhibitor studied in adipogenesis and NAD+ metabolism research
- SLU-PP-332 — ERR agonist investigated in oxidative metabolism and exercise mimetic research
Disclaimer: This content is intended for educational and research purposes only. The compounds discussed on this page are not approved for human therapeutic use by Health Canada or any other regulatory authority. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. TrueCanPeptides supplies research compounds strictly for in vitro and laboratory research use. All information presented is derived from published preclinical and early-phase research literature and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
AOD9604 and the GH Fragment Research Background
Full-length human growth hormone (hGH) is a 191-amino acid protein with multiple biological actions mediated through distinct structural regions. Research in the 1990s at Monash University (Melbourne) examined which regions of hGH were responsible for its lipolytic (fat-mobilizing) effects versus its diabetogenic (blood glucose-raising) effects — with the goal of separating the fat metabolism biology from unwanted metabolic side effects.
This work identified fragment hGH 176-191 — the C-terminal 16 amino acids of GH — as containing the lipolytic activity. AOD9604 (Anti-Obesity Drug 9604) is a modified, stabilized version of this fragment with a tyrosine residue added to the N-terminus for improved stability. It retains the proposed fat metabolism research activity without engaging the GHR (growth hormone receptor) used by full-length hGH for its IGF-1-stimulating and diabetogenic effects.
Structure and Chemistry
- Sequence: Tyr-Leu-Arg-Ile-Val-Gln-Cys-Arg-Ser-Val-Glu-Gly-Ser-Cys-Gly-Phe (with disulfide bond Cys-Cys)
- Amino acids: 16 (modified hGH 176-191 fragment)
- Molecular weight: ~1,817 Da
- Key feature: Disulfide bond between Cys residues — important for bioactive conformation; maintain reducing conditions during storage to preserve integrity
- Format: Lyophilized powder
Proposed Mechanism
AOD9604’s proposed mechanism in preclinical research involves stimulation of lipolysis (fat cell breakdown) and inhibition of lipogenesis (fat synthesis) through mechanisms that appear to be independent of the IGF-1 axis. Research has suggested interactions with beta-adrenergic receptor pathways in adipocyte models, though the precise receptor has not been definitively characterized. The absence of GHR binding means it does not stimulate IGF-1 production — a key mechanistic distinction from full-length GH fragments studied in growth research.
Regulatory History
AOD9604 reached Phase III clinical trials conducted by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals (Australia) in the early 2000s but did not achieve primary efficacy endpoints sufficient for approval. It has FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status as a food additive (under a different application context) but is not approved as a drug anywhere. It remains a research compound with no approved therapeutic use.
Storage and Handling
- Store lyophilized at −20°C; protect from light and moisture
- Contains disulfide bond — avoid strong reducing agents during reconstitution
- Reconstitute in bacteriostatic water; gentle swirling only
- Post-reconstitution: 4°C for up to 21 days; freeze aliquots at −20°C for longer storage
AOD9604 is supplied for qualified in vitro laboratory research purposes only. Not for human or animal administration. Not evaluated or approved by Health Canada.
Available: AOD9604 from TrueCanPeptides | Metabolic Peptides | Cagrilintide guide