Chemical Identity & Origin
What Is AOD9604?
AOD9604 is a synthetic analog of the C-terminal fragment spanning amino acids 176 through 191 of human growth hormone (HGH). Developed originally at Monash University in Australia by Prof. Frank Ng and colleagues, it is a 16-amino acid peptide with a tyrosine residue added to the N-terminus — a modification studied in the context of structural stability. AOD9604 is classified in the research literature as a GH analog fragment and is used in preclinical models examining lipolytic signaling pathways and adipocyte regulatory mechanisms.
A defining characteristic examined in published research is that AOD9604 does not bind to the classical growth hormone receptor (GHR) in the way full-length HGH does, and does not stimulate IGF-1 production in experimental models. This receptor independence has made it a useful tool compound for researchers seeking to isolate specific downstream signaling mechanisms without engaging the full GH/IGF-1 axis.
| Also Known As | HGH Fragment 176-191; Tyr-hGH(176-191); AOD 9604 |
| CAS Number | 221231-10-3 |
| Molecular Formula | C₇₈H₁₂₃N₂₃O₂₃S₂ |
| Molecular Weight | ~1817 Da |
| Amino Acid Length | 16 amino acids (HGH aa 176–191 + N-terminal Tyr residue) |
| Peptide Class | GH Analog Fragment / Lipolytic Pathway Research Compound |
| GH Receptor Binding | Does not bind classical GHR — research focuses on alternative receptor interactions |
| IGF-1 Stimulation | Does not stimulate IGF-1 in research models (see IGF-1 independence research below) |
| Origin / Developer | Monash University, Australia (Prof. Frank Ng) |
| Storage | Lyophilized: −20 °C, protected from light and moisture |
Structural Note
The addition of a tyrosine (Tyr) residue to the N-terminus of the native HGH 176-191 fragment is a deliberate design modification studied in the context of metabolic stability and solubility. Published research has examined how this N-terminal modification contributes to the compound's research profile relative to the unmodified fragment sequence. See the naming comparison section below for the AOD9604 vs. HGH Fragment 176-191 distinction.
Published Literature
AOD9604 & HGH Fragment 176-191 Research Background
AOD9604 has been the subject of peer-reviewed investigation across several research domains. The following areas represent the principal fields in which published literature has examined this compound's properties in preclinical and in vitro models. All research is from animal models, cell culture, or in vitro settings — not human outcomes.
Area 01
Lipid Metabolism Pathway Research
Preclinical research has investigated AOD9604's involvement in lipid metabolism signaling pathways using rodent models. Published studies have examined how the compound interacts with pathway components involved in adipocyte regulation, providing a mechanistic framework for understanding the role of the HGH C-terminal fragment region in metabolic signaling. All findings are from in vivo animal studies, not human outcomes.
Area 02
Adipocyte Regulatory Mechanism Research
In vitro and preclinical research has examined AOD9604's interactions with adipocyte regulatory mechanisms — specifically the molecular processes governing lipid accumulation and mobilization in fat cells. Published literature has investigated receptor-level and downstream signaling events in cultured adipocyte models and animal tissue studies, characterizing the compound's research profile in this context.
Area 03
Beta-3 Adrenergic Receptor Interaction Research
Peer-reviewed research has investigated potential interactions between AOD9604 and the beta-3 adrenergic receptor (β₃-AR) — a receptor expressed in adipose tissue and studied in the context of lipid metabolism regulation. Published studies have examined whether AOD9604 engages this receptor pathway as a mechanism independent of the classical GH receptor, exploring what role β₃-AR signaling may play in the compound's observed preclinical profile.
Area 04
Receptor Binding Comparison vs. Full HGH
Published research has examined the receptor binding differences between AOD9604 and full-length human growth hormone. Unlike intact HGH — which engages the classical GH receptor (GHR) and drives IGF-1 signaling — peer-reviewed literature has documented that the isolated C-terminal fragment does not bind GHR with meaningful affinity. This receptor independence makes AOD9604 a useful comparator compound in research examining which HGH functions are attributable to specific structural regions.
Area 05
IGF-1 Independence Research
A body of preclinical research has investigated the IGF-1 independence of AOD9604 in experimental models. Published studies have examined that, unlike intact GH, AOD9604 does not stimulate insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) production in animal models — a property that distinguishes it from full-length HGH and from other GH secretagogues. Research has explored the implications of this independence for mechanistic studies on growth hormone fragment activity.
Area 06
Cartilage & Bone Research in Animal Models
A secondary area of published research has examined AOD9604 in the context of cartilage and bone tissue research using animal models. Peer-reviewed literature has investigated potential interactions with articular cartilage in preclinical settings, exploring mechanisms distinct from those studied in lipid pathway research. These studies represent an active secondary research line in the published AOD9604 literature.
PubMed Reference
The indexed body of peer-reviewed literature on AOD9604 and HGH Fragment 176-191 research is accessible via the National Library of Medicine. Researchers can access the current publication record at PubMed: AOD9604.
Sequence Labs
Research Supply & Quality Standards
Sequence Labs supplies AOD9604 as a lyophilized research preparation, independently tested for identity, purity, and potency at every batch. All vials are stored and shipped as lyophilized powder; store at −20 °C in a dry, light-protected environment.
Testing & COA Process
Every batch of AOD9604 is independently tested by Krause Analytical (Austin, TX) — an accredited third-party laboratory — using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS) for compound identity confirmation, purity quantification, and potency verification. Batch-specific Certificates of Analysis are published and verifiable through the Finnrick Pulse authentication system. The Sequence Labs catalog is reviewed by Sabrina Runbeck, PA-C, a DEA-registered practitioner, for scientific accuracy and regulatory integrity. View current COAs at the COA Library.
Available SKUs
| Product | Size | Price | Format | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AOD9604 (HGH Fragment 176-191) | 5 mg | $45.99 | Lyophilized vial | −20 °C |
| AOD9604 (HGH Fragment 176-191) | 10 mg | $75.99 | Lyophilized vial | −20 °C |
Wholesale & B2B
Licensed practitioners, research institutions, compounding pharmacies, and medical spas can access tiered wholesale pricing through the Sequence Labs wholesale portal. Apply via the Wholesale page or contact Team@SequenceLabs.Health for institutional inquiry.
Laboratory Reference
Reconstitution Reference for Research Use
The following protocol is provided as a reference for qualified laboratory researchers working with lyophilized AOD9604 research preparations. All steps describe laboratory reconstitution procedure only. For research preparation only. Not for human use.
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Allow the vial to reach room temperature
Before opening, allow the lyophilized AOD9604 research vial to equilibrate to room temperature. This minimizes condensation formation inside the vial during the reconstitution process.
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Introduce bacteriostatic water slowly down the inner wall of the vial
For laboratory reconstitution, introduce bacteriostatic water (or sterile water appropriate for the research protocol) slowly along the inner glass wall of the vial — not directly onto the lyophilized cake. This technique minimizes mechanical disruption of the peptide structure during dissolution.
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Do not shake — swirl gently
Do not vortex or shake the vial. Gently swirl the research sample in a circular motion to facilitate dissolution. Vigorous mechanical agitation can denature peptide structures and should be avoided in research preparation protocols.
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Allow the research sample to dissolve fully
Allow adequate time for the lyophilized peptide to fully dissolve into solution before proceeding with the research protocol. The solution should appear clear; do not use if particulate matter remains after full dissolution attempt.
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Store reconstituted research sample at 2–8 °C
Store the reconstituted AOD9604 research preparation at 2–8 °C (standard refrigerator temperature). Use within the research protocol timeframe specified in your study design or within the window indicated in the batch COA documentation. For research preparation only. Not for human use.
Research Preparation Note
The reconstitution reference above is provided strictly for qualified laboratory researchers. For research preparation only. Not for human use. All protocols should be performed under appropriate laboratory conditions and in accordance with the researcher's institutional requirements. Sequence Labs is not responsible for research protocols, outcomes, or applications of reconstituted research samples.
Naming & SEO Clarification
AOD9604 vs. HGH Fragment 176-191: Are They the Same?
Researchers searching for AOD9604 and those searching for HGH Fragment 176-191 research are often looking for the same compound. This section clarifies the nomenclature for reference purposes.
Naming Reference
AOD9604 and HGH Fragment 176-191 — Key Distinctions
HGH Fragment 176-191 refers to the peptide sequence corresponding to amino acids 176 through 191 of the human growth hormone sequence — the C-terminal region isolated from the full protein structure. This is the core sequence studied in the original research literature.
AOD9604 (Anti-Obesity Drug 9604) is the designated research compound name for the stabilized analog of this fragment, developed at Monash University. The key structural distinction is the addition of a tyrosine (Tyr) residue to the N-terminus — rendering the full designation Tyr-hGH(176-191). This modification was studied in the context of improving research utility and stability.
In common usage throughout the HGH fragment 176-191 research literature, "AOD9604" and "HGH Fragment 176-191" are often used interchangeably, though strictly speaking AOD9604 refers to the Tyr-modified version. Sequence Labs supplies the Tyr-modified AOD9604 form (CAS 221231-10-3) under both names. For research use only. Not for human use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Research Questions
Ready to order AOD9604 for your research?
5mg and 10mg research vials in stock. HPLC + MS tested via Krause Analytical. Batch COA on every vial. For licensed researchers only.