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AOD-9604

hGH 177-191 analogue · Tyr-hGH(177-191)

Last reviewed:

MW
1815 Da
Research focus
regenerationjoint

A 16-amino-acid C-terminal analogue of human growth hormone, originally investigated for lipolytic activity and subsequently studied for cartilage repair and post-injury recovery.

Mechanism of action

AOD-9604 mimics the C-terminal lipolytic region of human growth hormone without engaging growth-hormone receptor signalling responsible for IGF-1 release and tissue growth. Animal models report β3-adrenergic-receptor-mediated lipolysis, anti-adipogenic effects in adipocyte culture, and emerging interest in articular cartilage research.

Research history

Developed in the late 1990s by Monash University and Metabolic Pharmaceuticals as an oral anti-obesity candidate. Although the obesity programme did not reach approval, AOD-9604 has continued to be studied for connective-tissue and cartilage-repair applications.

Summarised studies

AOD-9604 lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Heffernan M. et al., Endocrinology · 2007

AOD-9604 stimulated lipolysis and inhibited triglyceride accumulation in cultured adipocytes via β3-adrenergic-receptor pathways.

Cartilage repair effect of AOD-9604 in osteoarthritis model

Kwon D.R., Park G.Y., Lee S.C., Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc · 2015

Intra-articular AOD-9604 combined with hyaluronic acid improved cartilage repair in a rabbit osteoarthritis model versus hyaluronic acid alone.

Safety profile

Phase II human trials in obesity reported a favourable short-term safety profile with no significant glycaemic or IGF-1 changes. Long-term safety and cartilage-targeted data remain limited; the WADA position on AOD-9604 has historically been case-by-case.

UK regulatory status

AOD-9604 is not licensed for any indication in the UK. Australia's TGA has previously classified AOD-9604 as a 'novel food'; this status does not extend to the UK. Research-laboratory possession is unrestricted; therapeutic use is not approved.

Frequently asked questions

Does AOD-9604 raise IGF-1?
Clinical trials in obesity did not detect significant changes in IGF-1 concentrations, distinguishing AOD-9604 from full-length growth hormone.
Is AOD-9604 banned by WADA?
AOD-9604 has not been universally listed by name, but its status has been the subject of athlete-specific anti-doping cases. WADA's broader category covering growth-hormone fragments and mimetics should be consulted for the current position.
What dose forms are used in research?
Subcutaneous injection and intra-articular injection are the most common routes in pre-clinical work.

Where to source AOD-9604 for laboratory research

The following UK-based suppliers stock research-grade, lyophilised peptides for in-vitro and pre-clinical work. Purity and provenance vary; always request a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and confirm cold-chain storage on arrival. None of the products linked below are approved for human use.

  • PeptideAuthority.co.uk

    UK-based research peptide supplier with batch certificates of analysis and >99% purity testing.

  • PeptideBarn.co.uk

    Wide catalogue of research-grade lyophilised peptides shipped from the UK, including bulk vials.

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Cited in research summaries

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