The short version of lyophilized powder fits in a sentence. The long version — which is the one that helps — is below.
This page was last updated on 2025-08-14 and is reviewed periodically as new material appears.
The fragment includes residues that can form an internal disulfide bond between two cysteine positions. This structural feature can influence how the peptide folds and how stable it is in solution. AOD-9604 differs from full-length hGH in size and receptor interactions; it does not contain the entire growth hormone sequence. Published descriptions sometimes use slightly different residue numbering, so sequence information should be checked against primary sources. The molecule is small compared with intact hGH, which affects analytical detection and purification approaches.
Interest in AOD-9604 arose from attempts to separate metabolic effects from growth effects attributed to hGH. Early work explored whether the fragment could influence lipolysis or fat oxidation without promoting growth. Those questions remain partly unresolved because human data are limited and results have varied across studies. The peptide is not a hormone replacement for hGH and is not equivalent to hGH in clinical use. Its research history includes both laboratory studies and commercial marketing claims that are not the same as regulatory approval.
AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide modeled on the C-terminal region of human growth hormone. It corresponds to residues 176-191 of the 191-amino-acid hGH sequence. The fragment is not the full hormone and lacks the receptor-binding region associated with growth and metabolic effects of hGH. Researchers developed it to isolate a specific portion of hGH for study. Its exact sequence and length are often stated in peptide catalogs and patents.
The peptide is frequently described as a growth hormone fragment, although it is chemically distinct from full-length hGH. AOD-9604 contains 16 amino acids and includes two cysteine residues that can form an intramolecular disulfide bond. In solution, this structural feature can influence folding, aggregation, and stability. Published descriptions sometimes call it hGH 176-191 or AOD9604, with spacing and capitalization varying. Such naming differences can complicate literature searches, database entries, and product verification.
Researchers have studied the fragment in cell and animal models to understand its metabolic actions. Some experiments report effects on fat breakdown and fat storage pathways, but the underlying mechanism remains incompletely defined. AOD-9604 does not appear to stimulate the same broad growth hormone receptor signaling as full-length hGH. Whether its observed activities arise from direct receptor interactions or downstream metabolic changes is an open question. Results from different assays are not always consistent.
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular class | Synthetic peptide | Based on the C-terminal region of human growth hormone. |
| Amino acid length | 16 residues | Often described as hGH fragment 176-191. |
| Appearance | Lyophilized powder | Typically white to off-white; exact appearance depends on grade. |
| Solubility | Soluble in water | Aqueous solubility depends on pH, ionic strength, and preparation. |
| Typical storage | -20 °C or lower | Lyophilized peptide is usually kept cold and dry; solutions may require freezing. |
Analytical characterization of AOD-9604 typically employs reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) to assess purity and identity. Mass spectrometry provides confirmation of molecular mass, while amino acid analysis can verify composition. These methods are standard for peptide research chemicals. Because the peptide lacks a distinct chromophore, detection often relies on ultraviolet absorbance at 214 nm or mass spectrometric response. Laboratories may also use capillary electrophoresis for separation. For example, size-exclusion chromatography can detect aggregates.
Stability of AOD-9604 depends on storage conditions. Lyophilized powder is generally more stable than reconstituted solution. Recommended storage is typically at -20°C or lower, protected from light and moisture. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles can cause aggregation or degradation. In solution, the peptide may be susceptible to hydrolysis or oxidation, so aliquoting and cold storage are common practices. Researchers often add stabilizers such as mannitol or trehalose during lyophilization to improve shelf life.
Quality control for AOD-9604 involves verifying identity, purity, and concentration. Suppliers may provide a certificate of analysis listing HPLC purity and mass spectrometry data. Independent verification is advised because peptide products can vary in quality. Researchers should check for counterions, residual solvents, and microbial contamination. Proper documentation supports reproducibility and safety in laboratory studies. When sourcing, institutions often require third-party testing and detailed chain-of-custody records. These steps help ensure that experimental results are attributable to the peptide rather than impurities.
AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide whose sequence is modeled on the C-terminal region of human growth hormone. Published descriptions commonly place it as a modified fragment corresponding to hGH amino acids 176–191, with a tyrosine residue added or retained at the N-terminus to support detection and handling. It is not intact growth hormone and lacks the full receptor-binding architecture of the parent protein. The molecule was developed as a research candidate for metabolic studies rather than as a replacement for growth hormone therapy. Its identity is defined by its amino acid sequence rather than by any single commercial preparation.
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.
=== Reproductive system === In experiments with male rats, subchronic exposure to inhaled BaP has been shown to generally reduce the function of testicles and epididymis with lower sex steroid/testosterone production and sperm production.
=== Exon-skipping === Antisense oligonucleotides (oligos), structural analogs of DNA, are the basis of a potential treatment for 10% of people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The compounds allow faulty parts of the dystrophin gene to be skipped when it is transcribed to RNA for protein production, permitting a still-truncated but more functional version of the protein to be produced. It is also known as nonsense suppression therapy. Two kinds of antisense oligos, 2'-O-methyl phosphorothioate oligos (such as drisapersen) and morpholino oligos (such as eteplirsen), have tentative evidence of benefit and are being studied. Eteplirsen is targeted to skip exon 51. "As an example, skipping exon 51 restores the reading frame of ~ 15% of all the boys with deletions. It has been suggested that by having 10 AONs to skip 10 different exons it would be possible to deal with more than 70% of all DMD boys with deletions." This represents about 1.5% of cases.
== Nomenclature == Usually, a "phenyl group" is synonymous with C6H5− and is represented by the symbol Ph (archaically, Φ), or Ø. Benzene is sometimes denoted as PhH. Phenyl groups are generally attached to other atoms or groups. For example, triphenylmethane (Ph3CH) has three phenyl groups attached to the same carbon center. Many or even most phenyl compounds are not described with the term "phenyl". For example, the chloro derivative C6H5Cl is normally called chlorobenzene, although it could be called phenyl chloride. In special (and rare) cases, isolated phenyl groups are detected: the phenyl anion (C6H−5), the phenyl cation (C6H+5), and the phenyl radical (C6H•5). Although Ph and phenyl uniquely denote C6H5−, substituted derivatives also are described using the phenyl terminology. For example, C6H4NO2− is nitrophenyl, and C6F5− is pentafluorophenyl. Monosubstituted phenyl groups (that is, disubstituted benzenes) are associated with electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions and the products follow the arene substitution pattern. So, a given substituted phenyl compound has three isomers, ortho (1,2-disubstitution), meta (1,3-disubstitution) and para (1,4-disubstitution). A disubstituted phenyl compound (trisubstituted benzene) may be, for example, 1,3,5-trisubstituted or 1,2,3-trisubstituted. Higher degrees of substitution, of which the pentafluorophenyl group is an example, exist and are named according to IUPAC nomenclature.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
Unk is sometimes used instead of Xaa, but is less standard. Ter or * (from termination) is used in notation for mutations in proteins when a stop codon occurs. It corresponds to no amino acid at all. In addition, many nonstandard amino acids have a specific code. For example, several peptide drugs, such as Bortezomib and MG132, are artificially synthesized and retain their protecting groups, which have specific codes. Bortezomib is Pyz–Phe–boroLeu, and MG132 is Z–Leu–Leu–Leu–al. To aid in the analysis of protein structure, photo-reactive amino acid analogs are available. These include photoleucine (pLeu) and photomethionine (pMet).
British endocrinologist Albert T. W. Simeons proposed HCG as an adjunct to an ultra-low-calorie weight-loss diet (fewer than 500 calories). Simeons, while studying pregnant women in India on a calorie-deficient diet, and obese boys with pituitary issues (Frölich's syndrome) treated with low-dose HCG, observed that both lost fat rather than lean (muscle) tissue. He reasoned that HCG must be programming the hypothalamus to do this in the former cases in order to protect the developing fetus by promoting mobilization and consumption of abnormal, excessive adipose deposits. Simeons in 1954 published a book entitled Pounds and Inches, designed to combat obesity. Simeons, practicing at Salvator Mundi International Hospital in Rome, Italy, recommended low-dose daily HCG injections (125 IU) in combination with a customized ultra-low-calorie (500 cal/day, high-protein, low-carbohydrate/fat) diet, which was supposed to result in a loss of adipose tissue without loss of lean tissue. Other researchers did not find the same results when attempting experiments to confirm Simeons' conclusions, and in 1976 in response to complaints the FDA required Simeons and others to include the following disclaimer on all advertisements:
When SO2−4 is assimilated by organisms, it is reduced and converted to organic sulfur, which is an essential component of proteins. However, the biosphere does not act as a major sink for sulfur, instead the majority of sulfur is found in seawater or sedimentary rocks including: pyrite rich shales, evaporite rocks (anhydrite and baryte), and calcium and magnesium carbonates (i.e. carbonate-associated sulfate). The amount of sulfate in the oceans is controlled by three major processes:
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
It is a synthetic peptide based on a C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone. It is commonly referred to as hGH fragment 176-191 and is studied for metabolic effects rather than growth effects.
No. It represents only a short portion of the hGH sequence and lacks the full hormone's structure. As a result, its biological activity and regulatory status differ from those of prescription hGH.
The exact peptide is not typically described as a circulating hormone; it is a synthetic construct based on a natural sequence. Fragments of hGH can exist in laboratory or metabolic contexts, but AOD-9604 itself is manufactured for research.
No, it is a synthetic peptide fragment corresponding to a small portion of hGH. It is not the full 191-amino-acid hormone and does not reproduce all of hGH's effects.