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Research Compound CatalogMetabolic ResearchAOD-9604 Research Profile
Metabolic Research
Research Use Only

Synthetic Growth Hormone C-Terminal Fragment Peptide (hGH 176–191)

AOD-9604

Growth Hormone C-Terminal Fragment Peptide (hGH 176–191)

Research StatusLiterature Reviewed Through: July 2026
Research Use Only
Updated Periodically

Research Profiles are reviewed periodically as new peer-reviewed literature becomes available.

Available Strength
5 mg / vial
CAS Number
221231-10-3
Metabolic Research laboratory research
Metabolic Research
Research at a Glance

Major published findings — summarized in under 30 seconds.

1
Stimulation of fat breakdown (lipolysis) has been observed in animal and cell-based studies.
2
Inhibition of new fat formation (lipogenesis) has been reported in adipose tissue models.
3
The compound does not appear to affect blood sugar or insulin levels in the way full-length growth hormone does.
4
Phase 2 clinical studies have evaluated its safety and tolerability in human subjects.
5
Research suggests its metabolic effects are specific to fat tissue rather than systemic hormonal pathways.

What Is This Compound?

AOD-9604 is a small synthetic peptide derived from a specific region of human growth hormone. Researchers became interested in it because growth hormone is known to influence how the body breaks down and stores fat — but full-length growth hormone also has other effects that complicate its use as a research tool. AOD-9604 was developed to isolate the fat-metabolism portion of that activity. Studies have examined whether it can stimulate fat breakdown without the broader hormonal effects associated with full-length growth hormone. It has been evaluated in human clinical studies and has a well-characterized safety profile in the published literature.

Continue below to see what published research has observed so far.

What Has Research Found?

1
Stimulation of fat breakdown (lipolysis) has been observed in animal and cell-based studies.
2
Inhibition of new fat formation (lipogenesis) has been reported in adipose tissue models.
3
The compound does not appear to affect blood sugar or insulin levels in the way full-length growth hormone does.
4
Phase 2 clinical studies have evaluated its safety and tolerability in human subjects.
5
Research suggests its metabolic effects are specific to fat tissue rather than systemic hormonal pathways.

Want to understand why these findings occur? Continue to the scientific overview below.

The Science Behind It

AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide fragment derived from the C-terminal region of human growth hormone (hGH), specifically residues 176–191. It was developed to isolate the lipolytic properties of growth hormone without the proliferative or diabetogenic effects associated with full-length hGH. The compound has been studied in the context of adipose tissue metabolism and body composition research.

Mechanism of Action

AOD-9604 is proposed to stimulate lipolysis and inhibit lipogenesis through mechanisms that do not involve the growth hormone receptor or IGF-1 pathway. Research suggests the peptide may interact with beta-3 adrenergic receptors or other adipocyte surface receptors to modulate intracellular lipid metabolism. Its lack of effect on insulin sensitivity and blood glucose distinguishes it mechanistically from full-length growth hormone in metabolic studies.

Key Research Characteristics
C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone (residues 176–191) with isolated lipolytic activity
Does not activate the growth hormone receptor or stimulate IGF-1 production
Studied for adipose-specific lipolytic effects without proliferative or diabetogenic properties
Proposed beta-3 adrenergic receptor interaction investigated in adipocyte models
Useful tool compound for dissecting GH biology from its metabolic fragment activity
Demonstrated safety profile in Phase 2 clinical studies; well-characterized in published literature

Research Applications

Adipose tissue lipolysis and lipogenesis research
Body composition and fat metabolism studies
Growth hormone fragment pharmacology
Comparative metabolic peptide research
Obesity model investigations

Compound Specifications

Available Strength
5 mg / vial
Appearance
White lyophilized powder
Purity
≥98% (HPLC)
Storage Conditions
−20 °C; protect from light
Storage After Reconstitution
4 °C up to 7 days; −80 °C for long-term storage
Molecular Formula
C₇₈H₁₂₃N₂₃O₂₃S₂
Molecular Weight
1817.1 g/mol
CAS Number
221231-10-3
Research Status
Research Use Only (RUO)

Scientific References

1.Heffernan M, et al. The effects of human GH and its lipolytic fragment (AOD9604) on lipid metabolism following chronic treatment in obese mice and beta(3)-AR knockout mice. Endocrinology. 2001;142(12):5182–5189.
2.Ng FM, et al. Metabolic studies of a synthetic lipolytic domain (AOD9604) of human growth hormone. Horm Res. 2000;53(6):274–278.
3.[Placeholder] Peer-reviewed publication on beta-3 adrenergic receptor interaction in adipocyte models.
4.[Placeholder] Phase 2 clinical study reference for AOD-9604 safety and tolerability.
5.[Placeholder] Technical reference: receptor binding profile and selectivity data for AOD-9604.

Placeholder entries are reserved for peer-reviewed publications. All references are provided for scientific context only.

Current State of Research

Research Use Only

All information presented on this Research Profile is intended exclusively for laboratory research purposes. This compound is designated Research Use Only (RUO) and is not intended for human consumption, veterinary use, or any clinical application. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition.

This material is sold solely for in vitro research and laboratory investigation by qualified scientific personnel. Kali Research LLC makes no representations regarding the safety or efficacy of this compound for any use outside of controlled laboratory research settings. Researchers are solely responsible for compliance with all applicable laws and institutional regulations governing the use of research compounds.

Not for human consumptionNot for veterinary useNot for clinical applicationQualified researchers onlyIn vitro / laboratory use
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Research Profile
Specifications
Available Strength5 mg / vial
AppearanceWhite lyophilized powder
Purity≥98% (HPLC)
Storage Conditions−20 °C; protect from light
Storage After Reconstitution4 °C up to 7 days; −80 °C for long-term storage
Molecular FormulaC₇₈H₁₂₃N₂₃O₂₃S₂
Molecular Weight1817.1 g/mol
CAS Number221231-10-3

Need additional technical documentation? Submit an inquiry and our team will respond.

Research Use Only (RUO). Not for human consumption, veterinary use, or clinical application.