Peptide Info

What Is AOD-9604? The Growth Hormone Fragment Explained

AOD-9604 is a 16-amino-acid fragment of human growth hormone developed at Monash University in Melbourne. Here is its structure, history, regulatory story and how it differs from whole growth hormone.

AussiePeptides Research Team 2 min read
AOD-9604 5mg peptide vial with AussiePeptides label

AOD-9604 at a glance

AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone (hGH): amino acids 177 to 191, with an extra tyrosine added at the start, for 16 amino acids in total. It was developed at Monash University in Melbourne in the 1990s and commercialised by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals, also based in Melbourne. It is also written AOD 9604 or AOD9604.

Parent
hGH residues 177-191 + Tyr
Length
16 amino acids
Developed
Monash University, 1990s
Developer
Metabolic Pharmaceuticals
Our vial
5mg
Size compared (amino acids)
  • Human growth hormone191
  • AOD-960416

Why a fragment?

Researchers found that the end of the growth hormone molecule (the C-terminal region) was linked to its effects on fat metabolism. The idea behind AOD-9604 was to isolate that region without the rest of growth hormone's activity. In studies the fragment did not raise IGF-1 the way whole growth hormone does, which is the clearest sign it behaves differently.

Human growth hormone AOD-9604
Length 191 amino acids 16 amino acids
Raises IGF-1 Yes Not in studies
Approved medicine Yes No

History

  1. 1990sDeveloped at Monash University in Melbourne.
  2. 2000sHuman trials as an obesity treatment; a larger phase 2b trial did not meet its goals and development stopped.
  3. 2013AOD-9604 becomes widely known in Australia during the Essendon Football Club supplements investigation.
  4. TodayNot an approved medicine. Listed by WADA as prohibited (S0, non-approved substances).

AOD-9604 vs 5-Amino-1MQ

Both appear in metabolic research, but 5-Amino-1MQ is a small molecule, not a peptide, that works on an enzyme called NNMT. For the incretin peptides, see retatrutide vs tirzepatide.

We stock AOD-9604 in 5mg vials, ≥99% pure with a verified COA.

Further reading

For laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption. Not medical or legal advice.

FAQ

Common questions

What is AOD-9604?

AOD-9604 is a 16-amino-acid fragment of human growth hormone (residues 177 to 191 plus a tyrosine), developed at Monash University in Melbourne.

Is AOD-9604 the same as growth hormone?

No. It is a small fragment and in studies did not raise IGF-1 the way whole growth hormone does.

Is AOD-9604 approved?

No. A phase 2b obesity trial did not meet its goals and it was never approved as a medicine.

Is AOD-9604 banned in sport?

Yes. WADA lists it as prohibited under S0, non-approved substances.

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