Research Profile — Weight Loss Research

AOD-9604: Complete hGH Fragment 176-191 Research Profile

Advanced Obesity Drug-9604HGH Frag 176-191

AOD-9604 is a 16-amino-acid hGH-derived fragment used in metabolic and adipose-targeted research. Interest in the compound centers on whether selective fragment biology can influence fat metabolism pathways without reproducing full GH systemic signaling behavior. In practical research use, it is often compared with incretin compounds and GH-axis modulators when investigators want pathway-specific adiposity hypotheses.

Technical Specifications

CAS Number	221231-10-3
Molecular Formula	C78H123N23O23S2
Molecular Weight	1815.1 g/mol
Amino Acids	16
Sequence	Tyr-Leu-Arg-Ile-Val-Gln-Cys-Arg-Ser-Val-Glu-Gly-Ser-Cys-Gly-Phe
Purity	>=99% (HPLC)
Appearance	White lyophilized powder
Salt Form	Acetate
Solubility	Soluble in water
Storage	-20C lyophilized, 2-8C reconstituted

Origin & Discovery

AOD-9604 is a modified peptide fragment derived from the C-terminal region of human growth hormone (amino acids 176-191), developed to investigate adipose-related biology while minimizing broad growth-promoting effects associated with full-length hGH.

Mechanism of Action

AOD-9604 is investigated as an hGH fragment with adipose-focused pathway relevance. Fragment-Selective Signaling Hypothesis: Designed to preserve portions of lipolytic biology while avoiding broad GH-like anabolic signaling. Adipose Endpoint Focus: Commonly associated with studies on body-fat signaling and metabolic context endpoints. Comparator Role: Often used as a niche comparator in broader weight-management peptide research stacks.

Adipose Biology and Weight-Management Context

AOD-9604 studies have explored fat-metabolism hypotheses in both preclinical and clinical settings, with mixed outcomes across programs and endpoint definitions. This makes clear endpoint selection and conservative interpretation essential.

Citations

Ng FM, et al. (2000) "Human GH fragment (176-191) and adipose metabolism research." Obes Res, 8(7), 514-522.

Evidence Interpretation and Use-Case Boundaries

AOD-9604 literature highlights the importance of distinguishing mechanistic plausibility from consistent clinical efficacy. It is best treated as a targeted fragment model rather than a universal comparator for all metabolic protocols.

Citations

Heffernan M, et al. (2001) "Clinical development perspectives for hGH fragment analogs." Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord, 25(3), 383-389.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AOD-9604?▼

AOD-9604 is a 16-amino-acid fragment of human growth hormone (176-191) studied for adipose-focused metabolic signaling.

Is AOD-9604 the same as full HGH?▼

No. It is a fragment model designed to study selective pathway effects, not full-length hGH signaling.

Why is AOD-9604 often compared with incretin peptides?▼

Both may be discussed in weight-management research contexts, but they work through different mechanisms and should be interpreted as distinct pathway classes.