A practical reference on AOD-9604: what it is, how it behaves, what the literature reports, and where the honest uncertainties sit.
This page was last updated on 2026-08-01 and is reviewed periodically as new material appears.
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.
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.
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular class | Peptide fragment | Corresponds to hGH residues 176-191 |
| Common synonyms | AOD9604, hGH 176-191 | Also written as AOD-9604 |
| Typical form | Lyophilized powder | Often supplied in sealed vials |
| Solubility | Water-soluble | Dissolves in aqueous buffers |
| Regulatory status | Not approved as drug | Banned in sport; varies by country |
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.
Research on AOD-9604 also examines how the peptide is measured in biological samples. Analytical methods may include liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, immunoassays, or both. Detection can be challenging because the peptide is small and may be present at low concentrations. Published methods vary in sensitivity and specificity, so comparative interpretation requires attention to validation details. The presence of related hGH fragments can complicate identification in some matrices.
AOD-9604 has been investigated mainly in the context of body fat and metabolic endpoints. Some early animal and small human studies reported changes in fat mass or lipid markers, but findings were not uniform. Larger, well-controlled trials that would establish efficacy are lacking in the public literature. As a result, claims about weight loss or metabolic benefit remain investigational rather than established. The distinction between a research finding and a proven clinical outcome is central to discussing this peptide.
Regulatory bodies have taken different approaches to AOD-9604. It is not approved as a prescription medicine by major agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the European Medicines Agency. In sport, the World Anti-Doping Agency prohibits peptide hormones, growth factors, and related substances, and AOD-9604 has been treated as a prohibited substance. These regulatory decisions reflect concerns about safety, efficacy, and potential misuse rather than proof of benefit.
=== Mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU) === The mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) is a protein complex located in the inner mitochondrial matrix that functions to take up calcium ions (Ca2+) into the matrix from the cytoplasm. The transport of calcium ions is specifically used in cellular function for regulating energy production in the mitochondria, cytosolic calcium signaling, and cell death. The uniporter becomes activated when cytoplasmic levels of calcium rise above 1 uM. The MCU complex comprises 4 parts: the port-forming subunits, regulatory subunits MICU1 and MICU2, and an auxiliary subunit, EMRE. These subunits work together to regulate the uptake of calcium in the mitochondria. Specifically, the EMRE subunit functions for the transport of calcium, and the MICU subunit functions in tightly regulating the activity of MCU to prevent the overload of calcium concentrations in the cytoplasm. Calcium is fundamental for signaling pathways in cells, as well as for cell death pathways. The function of the mitochondrial uniporter is critical for maintaining cellular homeostasis. The MICU1 and MICU2 subunits are a heterodimer connected by a disulfide bridge. When there are high levels of cytoplasmic calcium, the MICU1-MICU2 heterodimer undergoes a conformational change. The heterodimer subunits have cooperative activation, which means Ca2+ binding to one MICU subunit in the heterodimer induces a conformational change on the other MICU subunits. The uptake of calcium is balanced by the sodium-calcium exchanger.
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There are numerous associations and correlations in the body of evidence, but few causal relationships, since existing longitudinal datasets "do not use consistent wellbeing and predictor measures at different time points"; After controlling for mental health status, not many of the found associations are still significant; Subgroup analyses are rare; There are too few studies to conduct meta-analyses; There are too few interventional studies.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
Gingras has published > 200 articles that have been cited > 35,000 times (Google Scholar; Feb 2020). In 2011, Gingras was named one of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women. In 2015, Gingras was elected a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. Her work on interaction proteomics, was awarded, alongside John Yates, the Discovery Award in Proteomics from the Human Proteome Organization (2019). She also received the Jeanne Manery Fisher Memorial Lecture award at the 2019 meeting of the Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences.
Measurements of 137Cs exposure from autopsies performed on 52 children who died of various causes found that the concentration of 137Cs was highest in the thyroid (2054±288 Bq/kg), adrenals (1576±290 Bq/kg), and pancreas (1359±350 Bq/kg), and lowest in the brain (385±72 Bq/kg) and liver (347±61 Bq/kg). Accidental ingestion of caesium-137 can be treated with Prussian blue (FeIII4[FeII(CN)6]3), which binds to it chemically and reduces its biological half-life to 30 days.
Empagliflozin/linagliptin, sold under the brand name Glyxambi, is a fixed-dose combination anti-diabetic medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is a combination of empagliflozin and linagliptin. It is taken by mouth. The most common side effects include urinary infections, nasopharyngitis, and upper respiratory tract infections . It was approved for use in the United States in January 2015, for use in the European Union in November 2016, and for use in Australia in December 2016.
A catecholamine (; abbreviated CA), most typically a 3,4-dihydroxyphenethylamine, is a monoamine neurotransmitter, an organic compound that has a catechol (benzene with two hydroxyl side groups next to each other) and a side-chain amine. Catechol can be either a free molecule or a substituent of a larger molecule, where it represents a 1,2-dihydroxybenzene group. Catecholamines are derived from the amino acid tyrosine, which is derived from dietary sources as well as synthesis from phenylalanine. Catecholamines are water-soluble and are 50% bound to plasma proteins in circulation. Included among catecholamines are epinephrine (adrenaline), norepinephrine (noradrenaline), and dopamine. Release of the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine from the adrenal medulla of the adrenal glands is part of the fight-or-flight response. Tyrosine is created from phenylalanine by hydroxylation by the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase. Tyrosine is also ingested directly from dietary protein. Catecholamine-secreting cells use several reactions to convert tyrosine serially to L-DOPA and then to dopamine. Depending on the cell type, dopamine may be further converted to norepinephrine or even further converted to epinephrine. Various stimulant drugs (such as a number of substituted amphetamines) are catecholamine analogues.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
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.
No, it is a small fragment of the full growth hormone protein. It does not appear to stimulate growth or increase growth hormone levels in the same way. Its actions are thought to be more limited to metabolic pathways.
Regulatory status varies. It is not approved for medical use in the United States or many other countries. It is banned in sport by WADA, and its sale as a supplement or research chemical may be subject to legal restrictions.
It is a synthetic peptide fragment derived from the C-terminal region of human growth hormone, commonly referred to as hGH fragment 176-191. It has been investigated for effects on fat metabolism, but it is not an approved medication in most jurisdictions.