Metabolic SignalingAOD-9604
AOD-9604 is a synthetic 16-amino-acid fragment corresponding to residues 176-191 of human growth hormone — the C-terminal region researchers link to hGH's fat-metabolizing activity — supplied as a reference standard for in-vitro lipid-signaling studies.
Full-length growth hormone touches a lot of systems at once: bone growth, blood sugar, fat metabolism. AOD-9604 is just the small slice of that molecule believed to drive the fat-mobilizing piece, isolated so researchers can study it without the rest of hGH's activity along for the ride.
16-amino-acid fragment spanning the hGH 176-191 region
Does not engage the IGF-1 growth-signaling axis the way intact hGH does
Originally advanced through Phase II human obesity trials by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals
Supplied as a lyophilized reference standard for in-vitro adipocyte and lipid-metabolism assays
Structurally distinct from the growth-promoting domain of the hGH molecule
Mechanism
Scientific Mechanism
AOD-9604 research centers on adipocyte lipid handling rather than the pituitary GH/IGF-1 axis. In cell and animal models, the fragment is reported to stimulate lipolysis via beta-3 adrenergic receptor signaling on adipocytes and to suppress lipogenesis independent of growth-hormone-receptor activation. Because it lacks the region of hGH responsible for IGF-1 induction, pharmacology studies did not detect the growth-promoting or glucose effects associated with intact hGH.
Mechanism Detail
How It Works
AOD-9604 research isolates the fat-metabolism piece of the hGH molecule from its growth-signaling piece:
lipolysisSignaling: Studied for engaging beta-3 adrenergic receptor pathways on adipocyte membranes, linked to triglyceride breakdown
lipogenesisSuppression: Investigated for suppressing new triglyceride synthesis within fat cells
receptorSpecificity: Does not meaningfully activate the growth-hormone receptor/IGF-1 cascade in published assays, unlike full-length hGH
Research Evidence
What the Research Shows
Fat Metabolism
• In-vitro and rodent studies report increased lipolytic activity in adipose tissue exposed to AOD-9604
• Body-composition research describes reductions in fat mass without a corresponding drop in lean mass
• Published Phase II trials tracked waist circumference and fat-mass endpoints in overweight human cohorts
Safety Pharmacology
• Clinical-phase research reported no clinically meaningful shift in fasting glucose at studied doses
• Pharmacology studies found no detectable growth-promoting activity, distinguishing the fragment from full-length hGH
• Trial data did not show the IGF-1 elevation associated with intact growth-hormone administration
Research Dosing
Dosing & Administration Reference
THIS IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions.
Starting Dose
1mg daily was the lowest fixed dose examined in published Phase II human trials
Titration
Trials used fixed dosing tiers (1mg, 5mg, 20mg per day) rather than a progressive titration schedule
Maintenance
1-5mg daily is the range most frequently cited across published trial data
Study Duration
12-24 weeks in the Phase II obesity trials most often referenced in the literature
Reconstitution Calculator
Reconstitution math for research reference only. Not dosing guidance.
Reconstitution ReferenceDiluent: Bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol)
Example Vial: 10mg peptide
BAC Water: 2.0mL
Concentration: 5.0mg per 1mL
Storage & Handling
Stability Protocol
Lyophilized powder: store at -20C, protected from light and moisture. After reconstitution, refrigerate at 2-8C and use within 28 days; discard if the solution becomes cloudy, discolored, or develops visible particulate.
References
Research Sources
Related
Frequently Researched Alongside
Research Use Only: Intended for in-vitro laboratory research only. Not for human or animal consumption. This page provides educational and research-context information only — it does not constitute dosing, administration, or medical advice.