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 2025-11-07. Where a claim depends on a specific study, the study is described rather than over-claimed.
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.
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 matches the C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone, specifically residues 176 through 191. This region differs from the full hormone in its receptor interactions. The peptide is not a growth hormone secretagogue and does not bind the growth hormone receptor in the same manner. Researchers have examined it for effects on lipid metabolism, but its exact pharmacological profile remains an active area of study.
Development of AOD-9604 began in the 1990s as scientists sought to isolate metabolic effects of growth hormone without its growth-promoting actions. Early laboratory work focused on fat cells and animal models. Several human trials followed, examining changes in body composition and fat mass. Results have been mixed, and the peptide has not progressed to widespread clinical approval. Interest continues in research settings, particularly regarding its mechanism and potential metabolic targets.
Regulatory status varies by country. In the United States, AOD-9604 is not approved as a prescription drug. It is sometimes sold as a research chemical or dietary supplement, though such marketing may fall outside legal frameworks. The World Anti-Doping Agency prohibits its use in sport. Researchers must obtain it through legitimate suppliers and follow institutional rules. Its legal classification continues to evolve as authorities increasingly assess peptide products more broadly.
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular class | Synthetic peptide | Fragment analog of human growth hormone |
| Sequence basis | hGH 176–191 region | Modified C-terminal fragment |
| Common synonyms | AOD-9604; AOD9604; hGH fragment | Research and trade names vary |
| Regulatory status | Not approved as a drug | Prohibited in competitive sport |
| Research code | AOD9604 | Used in scientific and patent literature |
=== As a drug target === Because the specific activity of STAT5a has not been extensively investigated, most potential therapeutic treatments aim to target STAT5a/b. So far, the only reported potential therapeutic benefit specific to STAT5a has been in colorectal cancer. Inhibition of STAT5a alone would not effect colorectal cancer cells, but when combined with chemotherapies such as cisplatin, it could increase the chemosensitivity of the cancer cells to the drugs. Therapy schemes currently focus on STAT5a/b, targeting and inhibiting different mediators of the JAK2-STAT5 pathway.
1993/567) Education (Grant-maintained Schools) (Finance) Regulations 1993 (S.I. 1993/568) Education (Grants) (Travellers and Displaced Persons) Regulations 1993 (S.I. 1993/569) Isles of Scilly (Community Care) Order 1993 (S.I. 1993/570) National Health Service (Determination of Regions) Amendment Order 1993 (S.I. 1993/571) National Health Service (District Health Authorities) Order 1993 (S.I. 1993/572) Regional and District Health Authorities (Membership and Procedure) Amendment Regulations 1993 (S.I. 1993/573) National Health Service (Determination of Districts) Order 1993 (S.I. 1993/574) Local Government Finance Act 1992 (Commencement No. 8 and Transitional Provisions) Order 1993 (S.I. 1993/575) Local Government Finance (Consequential Amendments) (Scotland) Order 1993 (S.I. 1993/576) Scottish Council for Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education Order 1993 (S.I. 1993/577) Qualifications of Directors of Social Work (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 1993 (S.I. 1993/578) City of Glasgow and Monklands Districts (Bargeddie) Boundaries Amendment Order 1993 (S.I. 1993/579) Stirling and Clackmannan Districts (Blackgrange and Blairlogie House) Boundaries Amendment Order 1993 (S.I. 1993/580) Housing (Change of Landlord) (Payment of Disposal Cost by Instalments) (Amendment) Regulations 1993 (S.I. 1993/581) Residential Accommodation (Determination of District Health Authority) (Amendment) Regulations 1993 (S.I. 1993/582) Social Security (Contributions) Amendment (No. 4) Regulations 1993 (S.I. 1993/583) Child Support (Northern Ireland Reciprocal Arrangements) Regulations 1993 (S.I.
=== Genome evolution === The bowfin genome contains an intact ParaHox gene cluster, similar to the bichir and most other vertebrates. This is in contrast, however, with teleost fish, which have a fragmented ParaHox cluster, probably because of a whole genome duplication event in their lineage. The presence of an intact ParaHox gene cluster suggests that bowfin ancestors separated from other fish before the last common ancestor of all teleosts appeared. Bowfin are thus possibly a better model to study vertebrate genome organization than common teleost model organisms such as zebrafish.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
=== Europe === In the European Union (EU), the European Medicines Agency (EMA) defines a drug as "orphan" if it is intended for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of a life-threatening or chronically and seriously debilitating condition affecting not more than 5 in 10,000 EU people. EMA also qualifies a drug as orphan if – without incentives – it would be unlikely that marketing the drug in the EU would generate sufficient benefit for the affected people and for the drug manufacturer to justify the investment.
=== Mass spectrometry of metallocenes === Mass spectrometry of metallocene complexes has been very well studied and the effect of the metal on the fragmentation of the organic moiety has received considerable attention and the identification of metal-containing fragments is often facilitated by the isotope distribution of the metal. The three major fragments observed in mass spectrometry are the molecular ion peak, [C10H10M]+, and fragment ions, [C5H5M]+ and M+.
. Effectively the same result can be found in the original work by Kermack and McKendrick. These solutions may be easily understood by noting that all of the terms on the right-hand sides of the original differential equations are proportional to
The studies have all concluded that the data lack homogeneity, which might be due to unidentified abnormalities in the fabric tested, or to differences in the pre-testing cleaning processes used by the different laboratories. The most recent analysis (2020) found that adjusting the results from two of the labs by just ten years would be sufficient to resolve the inhomogeneity and a slightly larger adjustment of 88 years would make all of the results agree with one another statistically.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
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.
It was investigated in clinical trials for obesity, but it did not receive approval for that use in major markets. Results were generally modest or mixed, and it remains an experimental compound.
WADA lists it as a prohibited peptide hormone. Its use can be detected by laboratory methods, and athletes are subject to sanctions if it is found in samples.
AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide fragment of human growth hormone, corresponding to amino acids 176-191. It is studied for potential effects on fat metabolism, but it is not approved as a drug in most countries. Its exact mechanism remains under investigation.