AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone designed specifically for fat metabolism research. It is commonly explored for its potential to support lipolysis (fat breakdown) without impacting blood sugar levels.

AOD-9604 belongs to a class of growth hormone-derived fragment peptides developed to isolate specific functional regions of hGH for targeted research applications. Its sequence — residues 176 to 191 of the hGH C-terminal domain — contains the structural determinants responsible for lipolytic signaling activity, while lacking the receptor binding domains that drive IGF-1 elevation and anabolic GH receptor signaling in full-length hGH preparations.

This receptor dissociation is what distinguishes AOD-9604 as a research tool. In preclinical models, it activates hormone-sensitive lipase in visceral adipose tissue preparations at concentrations that show no detectable GH receptor binding — allowing researchers to study fat metabolism signaling pathways in isolation from the broader GH axis.

Beyond its originally characterized metabolic activity, AOD-9604 has demonstrated a secondary research application in cartilage and joint biology. Human osteoarthritic cartilage explant studies have identified chondroprotective signaling properties — specifically inhibition of IL-1β-induced matrix metalloproteinase production — expanding its utility as a tool compound into connective tissue research. All product is supplied exclusively for controlled laboratory settings and is not formulated for human or veterinary administration.

• CAS Number: 221231-10-3
• Molecular Weight: 1815.08 Da
• Purity: ≥99%
• Also Known As: AOD 9604, hGH Fragment 176–191, Growth Hormone Fragment 176–191, C-terminal GH fragment
• Chemical Formula: C₇₈H₁₂₃N₂₃O₂₃S₂

In cell-based and preclinical models, AOD-9604 activates lipolytic signaling in adipose tissue preparations through a mechanism independent of GH receptor binding and IGF-1 pathway engagement. Fat pad lipolysis assays in visceral adipose preparations have confirmed hormone-sensitive lipase activation at nanomolar to low micromolar concentrations — concentrations at which full-length GH receptor occupancy is not observed. This pharmacological separation allows AOD-9604 to be used as a selective probe for GH-independent lipolytic pathway research.

In adipocyte preparations, AOD-9604 has been shown to stimulate fatty acid release and inhibit lipogenic signaling without measurable effects on blood glucose markers or lean tissue metabolism — a specificity profile that makes it a clean tool compound for isolating adipose tissue signaling responses in metabolic research models.

In chondrocyte and cartilage explant preparations, AOD-9604 inhibits IL-1β-induced upregulation of MMP-3 and MMP-13 — matrix metalloproteinases associated with cartilage matrix degradation — and reduces aggrecan breakdown as measured in ELISA-based assay systems. This anti-catabolic signaling activity in joint tissue preparations represents a mechanistically distinct research application from its metabolic profile, suggesting receptor or signaling pathway interactions in chondrocytes that remain an active area of laboratory investigation.

• Lipolytic Pathway Research
• GH Fragment Mechanism Studies
• Adipose Tissue Biology
• IGF-1 Independent Signaling Research
• Cartilage and Joint Biology
• Matrix Metalloproteinase Research
• GH Analog Pharmacology