AOD-9604 — hGH Fragment (176–191) Analogue

AOD-9604 is a research peptide based on the 176–191 fragment of human growth hormone (hGH), with a stabilizing tyrosine added at the N-terminus. It’s used to explore fat-metabolism signaling in models that examine lipolysis, adipocyte biology, and energy balance—without directly using full-length hGH.

Identifiers

CAS: 221231-10-3
PubChem CID: 71300630
Formula / MW: C₇₈H₁₂₃N₂₃O₂₃S₂ · ≈ 1.6 kDa (salt/form varies)
Core sequence: Tyr-Leu-Arg-Ile-Val-Gln-Cys-Arg-Ser-Val-Glu-Gly-Ser-Cys-Gly-Phe (hGH 176–191 analogue)

How It Works (Plain English)

This fragment models the C-terminal lipolytic region of hGH without engaging the full growth-hormone axis.
In vitro and animal models use it to track changes in fat-cell signaling, fatty-acid release, and pathway genes involved in lipid handling.
Because it’s a fragment, it’s useful for asking targeted questions about fat metabolism apart from broader hGH effects.

Why Researchers Use It

To study lipolysis and adipocyte-gene responses (e.g., HSL/ATGL pathway markers).
To compare fragment vs whole-axis signaling models.
To explore metabolic endpoints alongside incretin or endocrine tools in combination designs.

Key Studies — What Was Tested, What Changed, Why It Matters

In vitro & animal fat-metabolism models

What was tested: Adipocyte cultures and rodent models assessing fatty-acid release, lipase activity, and lipid-gene expression after AOD-9604 exposure.
What changed: Signals consistent with increased lipolysis and shifts in adipocyte gene panels were reported in several preclinical setups.
Why it matters: These models help isolate the fat-handling component of the GH system without the broader effects of full hGH.

Human data context (mixed findings)

What was tested: Early human studies explored body-fat and metabolic markers under AOD-9604 exposure.
What changed: Findings were inconsistent for robust fat-loss outcomes in humans.
Why it matters: For research design, AOD-9604 is best positioned as a mechanistic tool (pathway and biomarker studies), not as a broad efficacy agent.

Plan endpoints accordingly—focus on mechanistic readouts (gene/protein markers, lipolysis assays), not consumer-style outcomes.

Combination and delivery explorations

What was tested: Pairing the fragment with other metabolic cues (e.g., incretin analogues) or alternative delivery systems in preclinical contexts.
What changed: Model-dependent shifts in lipid metabolism and mitochondrial readouts; delivery can influence stability and uptake.
Why it matters: Encourages careful control of vehicle, pH, and timing when comparing single vs combination arms.

Potential Research Applications

Adipocyte & Lipolysis

Hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) / ATGL activity assays
Glycerol/FFA release and lipid-droplet imaging

Metabolic Signaling

Gene panels for lipid handling (PPAR, CPT, UCPs)
Mitochondrial markers and energy-use readouts

Comparative Models

Fragment vs whole-axis peptide comparison
Add-on studies with incretin or endocrine tools

Synergistic Peptides (for Study Design)

Semaglutide (GLP-1)

Why pair: Incretin pathway for appetite/glucose control; complements lipid-handling studies.
Angle: Appetite + lipolysis biomarkers under combined stimuli.

Tirzepatide (GLP-1 + GIP)

Why pair: Dual incretin model; allows single vs dual vs fragment comparisons.
Angle: Glucose curves, lipid panels, and body-composition imaging (where applicable).

CJC-1295 (with DAC)

Why pair: Probes GH/IGF-1 cross-talk with a long-acting GHRH analogue.
Angle: Energy-use and lipid markers under endocrine + fragment conditions.

Design Notes

Separate arms clearly (fragment alone vs combo) and pre-register endpoints.
Control feeding schedule, ambient temperature, and activity—these shift lipolysis readouts.
Document formulation (vehicle, pH, light exposure) and storage for reproducibility.

Known Concerns (Context)

Human efficacy: Broad fat-loss claims are not supported; design studies for mechanism, not outcomes.
Assay sensitivity: Lipolysis measurements are timing- and temperature-sensitive; standardize rigorously.
General: Research use only; not for human consumption or therapeutic use.

Follow institutional SOPs for metabolic-pathway peptides and sampling schedules.

Specifications & Handling

Form: Lyophilized powder (lot-coded)
Purity: ≥ 99% (HPLC/MS verified)
Storage: ≤ −20 °C; protect from light/moisture

In solution: Aliquot promptly; avoid repeat freeze–thaw
Additives: None unless specified per lot
Packaging: Tamper-evident; research-only labeling

Regulatory & Use Notice

Sold for laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption, medical, or veterinary use. No human-use instructions are provided. Buyer is responsible for safe handling and regulatory compliance.