AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide corresponding to amino acids 177–191 at the C-terminus of human growth hormone (HGH). It is often called "HGH Fragment 177–191" and represents the region of the HGH molecule that researchers identified as responsible for its fat-metabolising activity — isolated and stabilised as a standalone compound.
What Is AOD-9604?
The full HGH molecule performs multiple physiological roles: stimulating IGF-1 production, promoting lean muscle accrual, influencing glucose metabolism, and triggering lipolysis (fat breakdown). Researchers at Monash University in Australia set out to identify which portion of the HGH sequence was responsible for lipid regulation. The answer was the C-terminal fragment spanning residues 177 to 191 — now known as AOD-9604.
The "AOD" designation stands for "Anti-Obesity Drug," reflecting the compound's original research trajectory. The peptide contains a tyrosine residue at its N-terminus that is not present in native HGH, which was introduced to stabilise the molecule and improve its activity profile.
Mechanism: Lipolysis Without IGF-1 Elevation
The critical distinction in AOD-9604 research is the separation of lipolytic activity from growth-promoting activity. Full-length HGH elevates IGF-1 systemically, which drives cell proliferation and anabolic effects throughout the body. This comes with well-documented downstream consequences when used outside physiological ranges.
AOD-9604 does not bind to the GH receptor in a manner that triggers IGF-1 production. Preclinical studies show it activates fat breakdown through a mechanism involving beta-3 adrenergic receptors and direct effects on adipocyte metabolism — stimulating lipolysis (release of stored triglycerides) and inhibiting lipogenesis (new fat formation from carbohydrates) — without measurable IGF-1 elevation. This makes it a focused tool for adipose tissue research.
Additionally, AOD-9604 has demonstrated cartilage and bone regeneration activity in preclinical studies, suggesting a secondary research application beyond body composition.
Research Dosage Protocol
Standard research dosage: 300 mcg per day, administered subcutaneously
Timing: Morning administration on an empty stomach is commonly used in protocols, as elevated insulin can blunt lipolytic signalling
Half-life: Approximately 30–60 minutes; some protocols split into two 150 mcg injections (morning and pre-sleep)
Cycle length: Most research protocols run 12–16 weeks to assess effects on adipose tissue
Use our BAC Water Reconstitution Calculator to calculate exact IU draw for your 300 mcg dose based on how much bacteriostatic water you add to the vial.
Reconstitution and Storage
AOD-9604 arrives as a lyophilised white powder. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water using a slow wall-drip technique — do not inject BAC water directly onto the powder. For a 5mg vial with 1ml BAC water, concentration is 5mg/ml (50 mcg per IU). A 300 mcg dose = 6 IU draw.
Store lyophilised vials at -20°C for long-term stability (up to 24 months). Once reconstituted, refrigerate at 2–8°C and use within 4–6 weeks.
AOD-9604 vs MOTS-C for Metabolic Research
Researchers studying metabolic pathways often compare AOD-9604 with MOTS-C, the mitochondria-derived peptide. These two compounds target fat metabolism through entirely different mechanisms: AOD-9604 acts primarily at the adipocyte level via adrenergic pathways, while MOTS-C operates upstream in mitochondrial metabolism, improving insulin sensitivity and AMPK activation. Some researchers stack both for complementary coverage of lipolytic and metabolic-efficiency pathways, though they represent distinct research vectors.
Where to Buy AOD-9604 in India
Peptide Central stocks AOD-9604 at 99% purity, independently HPLC-verified with COA included on every order. Pan-India delivery with COD available. All vials are stored cold and dispatched with cold-pack protection during warm months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AOD-9604 raise IGF-1 levels?
Preclinical research indicates AOD-9604 does not stimulate IGF-1 production. Unlike full-length HGH, it lacks the domain that binds the growth hormone receptor in a growth-promoting manner, making it specific to lipolytic pathways in research models.
What is the standard AOD-9604 research dose?
The most commonly referenced research dosage is 300 mcg per day via subcutaneous injection, administered in the morning in a fasted state.
How should AOD-9604 be stored?
Store lyophilised AOD-9604 at -20°C. After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water, store at 2–8°C and use within 4–6 weeks.
How does AOD-9604 compare to full HGH?
AOD-9604 isolates the lipolytic activity of HGH without the growth-promoting, IGF-1-elevating effects of the full molecule. It is a more targeted research compound for studying adipose tissue metabolism specifically.