AOD-9604 5 mg – HGH fragment (176-191) without IGF-1 activation

What is AOD-9604 (5 mg)?

AOD-9604 is a synthetic C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone (HGH 176-191), designed to retain the lipolytic and antilipogenic properties of hGH without raising IGF-1 levels. It is a variant of the same functional core as HGH Frag 176-191 (AOD-9604 has a modified N-terminus).

In the Peptology catalog, AOD-9604 is assigned to the category peptides for skin, sleep and libido, though functionally it belongs to the group of metabolic / body composition control compounds — alongside 5-Amino-1MQ and AICAR.

It is a research compound — it is not a medicinal product and holds no authorization for clinical use. Data on body weight reduction in humans are inconclusive — some RCTs observed a slight advantage over placebo, others no significant difference. The product offered by Peptology is a research-grade reagent.

In the version offered by Peptology, AOD-9604 is available in a 5 mg vial as a lyophilized peptide with purity ≥ 99%, confirmed by independent laboratory analysis (CoA for every batch). The product is intended exclusively for scientific research and in vitro applications.

Variant: AOD-9604 5 mg

This page concerns one dosage variant — AOD-9604 5 mg. Each vial contains 5 mg of the lyophilized 176-191 fragment. A typical working reconstitution is 1 mL → 5 mg/mL, which makes it easier to measure small doses in a metabolic protocol.

AOD-9604 is offered in the 5 mg variant. You will find an almost identical functional core as HGH Frag 176-191, and another metabolic compound — 5-Amino-1MQ.

How AOD-9604 works — the lipolytic mechanism

In the research literature, AOD-9604 is described as an hGH fragment targeting fat metabolism. Below are the three most frequently studied elements.

Why the lack of IGF-1 activation matters

Full growth hormone acts both lipolytically and through IGF-1 (affecting tissue growth and carbohydrate metabolism). The 176-191 fragment (AOD-9604) was designed to retain only the "fat-burning" element — in human studies, no increase in IGF-1 or worsening of OGTT was observed, with a good tolerability profile.

It should be clearly noted, however: efficacy in body weight reduction in humans remains inconclusive. The same functional core is shared by HGH Frag 176-191. This data comes from studies and does not constitute a claim about the effect of the research-grade product offered by Peptology.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (research framework)

AOD-9604 is a short, 16-amino-acid fragment of hGH with a lipolytic profile. The most important research characteristics:

• Structure: the C-terminal fragment of hGH 176-191 (16 amino acids) with N-terminal modification
• Targets: fat metabolism in adipocytes (↑ lipolysis, ↓ lipogenesis), possible β3-AR modulation
• IGF-1 profile: no increase in IGF-1 in published human series
• Glucose metabolism: no adverse effect on OGTT
• Efficacy in humans: inconclusive (mixed RCT results)
• Route of administration in protocols: most often subcutaneous, per the research protocol

Comparison: AOD-9604 vs HGH Frag vs 5-Amino-1MQ

Within the same category, it is worth comparing AOD-9604 with two other metabolic compounds — the almost identical HGH Frag 176-191 and the NNMT inhibitor 5-Amino-1MQ. All concern fat metabolism, but via different routes.

AOD-9604 and HGH Frag 176-191 are the same functional core in the literature (AOD-9604 has a modified N-terminus for stability), while 5-Amino-1MQ acts by a different route (NNMT). The comparison is indicative in nature and does not constitute a recommendation for use.

Research data on AOD-9604

AOD-9604 was studied up to the clinical phase in the context of obesity. Below are the most important observations — with the caveat that efficacy remains inconclusive.

Lipolysis and adipose tissue

In animal models (ob/ob mice) and ex vivo human adipose tissue biopsies, AOD-9604 was associated with stimulation of lipolysis and inhibition of lipogenesis, with possible modulation of β3-adrenergic receptors.

Clinical studies (obesity)

In individual 12-week RCTs with a low oral dose (≈1 mg/day), a slight weight loss relative to placebo was observed, but other analyses pointed to uncertain and inconsistent efficacy. There is no approved treatment based on AOD-9604.

Safety profile

Human studies describe good tolerability, no increase in IGF-1 and no worsening of glucose metabolism — without serious adverse effects related to administration. These are research observations, not confirmation of the efficacy of the research-grade product.

Note: The information is presented for scientific and informational purposes and is based on the preclinical literature and studies on the 176-191 fragment / AOD-9604. It does not constitute medical advice, a recommendation for use or a claim about the effect of the research-grade product offered by Peptology.

AOD-9604 profile at a glance

• C-terminal fragment of hGH (176-191) with a modified N-terminus — the "fat-burning" element of growth hormone
• Lipolytic and antilipogenic profile — fat breakdown and limitation of its synthesis (models)
• Mechanism independent of IGF-1 — without an increase in IGF-1 and without worsening of OGTT
• Efficacy in humans inconclusive — mixed RCT results on body weight
• The same core as HGH Frag 176-191; another metabolic compound: 5-Amino-1MQ
• Every batch with a CoA and purity ≥ 99%

All information provided refers to the research literature on AOD-9604 / the 176-191 fragment and should not be interpreted as a promise of effect, an instruction for use or a claim about the effect of the research-grade product offered by Peptology. Clinical efficacy remains inconclusive.

Research dosing protocols

In research protocols, AOD-9604 is usually administered after reconstitution of the lyophilizate, most often subcutaneously:

• Working reconstitution: 1 mL → 5 mg/mL; calculate precise volumes in the peptide calculator
• Schedules are usually spread over time, in the context of metabolic / body composition protocols
• Often considered on an empty stomach (away from carbohydrate meals) in lipolysis protocols
• Maximum 3 mL of solvent per vial

In combined protocols, AOD-9604 is sometimes considered alongside GLP-1 protocols or other lipolytic/metabolic compounds, such as HGH Frag or 5-Amino-1MQ. These schedules come from the research literature and do not constitute a recommendation for self-administration.

Side effects and safety

In published human studies, AOD-9604 is described as well tolerated. Side effects are usually mild and transient, without serious events. The data concern research on the molecule.

The safety profile in studies is described as favorable (no effect on IGF-1 or glucose), although clinical efficacy remains inconclusive. This information is scientific in nature and does not constitute an instruction for use.

Storage and reconstitution

AOD-9604 is supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder in a vial. In lyophilized form it is stable at room temperature, protected from light and moisture — refrigeration before reconstitution is not mandatory. After reconstitution, stability depends on the solvent used, with Peptide Matrix Water™ significantly extending the peptide's lifespan.

• Before reconstitution: room temperature, in the original packaging, protected from light and moisture. A refrigerator is not mandatory.
• After reconstitution with Peptide Matrix Water™: stability in the refrigerator +2 °C to +8 °C for up to 60 days under appropriate laboratory conditions — the stabilizing formula extends the peptide's lifespan relative to standard solvents.
• After reconstitution with bacteriostatic or sterile water: stability in the refrigerator +2 °C to +8 °C for up to 28 days under appropriate conditions. Do not refreeze the reconstituted solution.
• Reconstitution: in a laboratory setting, Peptide Matrix Water™, bacteriostatic water or sterile water for injection is usually used, depending on the protocol.
• Volume: maximum 3 mL of solvent (capacity of a standard vial). For a precise calculation of volume and units, use the peptide calculator.
• Homogenization: add the solvent slowly down the vial wall, without vigorous shaking, then wait 10–15 min. Swirl gently, do not shake.

Laboratory tip: With your order, you can add Peptide Matrix Water™ to the cart — a stabilizing solution designed for working with reconstituted research peptides. More in the article Bacteriostatic water vs acetic acid vs matrix water.

Frequently asked questions about AOD-9604

How does AOD-9604 differ from HGH Frag (176-191)?

Functionally it is the same core — the lipolytic fragment of hGH 176-191. In the literature, the "Frag 176-191"/AOD-9604 matrix is treated as the same functional core in different formats; AOD-9604 has a modified N-terminus for stability.

Does AOD-9604 raise IGF-1 levels like HGH?

No — published human studies showed no increase in IGF-1 after AOD-9604 administration. This is a key difference from full growth hormone.

Does it worsen glucose tolerance?

In human studies, no worsening of OGTT results was observed (in contrast to rhGH). This is one of the elements of the favorable metabolic profile of the 176-191 fragment.

How is AOD-9604 stored and reconstituted?

The lyophilized vial is stored at room temperature, protected from light and moisture. After reconstitution, stability depends on the solvent: with Peptide Matrix Water™ — up to 60 days in the refrigerator +2 °C to +8 °C; with bacteriostatic or sterile water — up to 28 days. Avoid refreezing.

Where to buy AOD-9604 for research?

Peptology offers AOD-9604 (5 mg) as a research peptide with confirmed purity ≥ 99% and independent laboratory analysis for every batch. Fast shipping, discreet packaging and certificates of purity with the product. For scientific background, also see the article Peptides — what they are, how they work, main categories and safety profile.

Related products in the Peptology catalog

Researchers working with AOD-9604 often also consider related metabolic and body composition control compounds. Each of the products below has a certificate of purity (CoA):

See the full catalog: Peptides for skin, sleep and libido · Peptides for weight loss · Peptides for energy and regeneration · All peptides · Blog on peptide research

Molecule identity

Laboratory reconstitution

Laboratory protocol — reconstitution, research protocols, storage

Standardized protocol applicable to all research peptides in the Peptology catalogue. To calculate the solution concentration (mg/mL) for each vial, use the peptide reconstitution calculator.

60-second protocol

Quick reference

What you need

Five rules for reconstitution

Calculating concentration

Storage

Four mistakes to avoid

Shipping information

🚚 Shipping information

• Products in our warehouse – orders placed by 15:00 on working days are dispatched the same day, later orders on the next working day.

• Delivery with GLS to your address in 3–5 working days.

• Shipping costs €5 and is free from €50.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does AOD-9604 increase IGF-1 like HGH?

No; in published human studies IGF-1 does not increase after AOD-9604.

How does it differ from HGH Frag (176-191)?

Functionally AOD-9604 is a lipolytic HGH fragment (176-191). In the literature the „Frag 176-191“/AOD-9604 construct is often regarded as the same functional core, in different formats/formulations.

In what form is AOD-9604 supplied and how should it be stored?

It is supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder in a sealed vial. Store the unopened vial dry and protected from light, ideally at 2–8 °C. After laboratory reconstitution, keep the solution at 2–8 °C and use it within the period stated in the “Laboratory reconstitution” tab (up to 60 days with Peptide Matrix Water).

Where can I buy AOD-9604 in Europe and what does it cost?

You can buy AOD-9604 in Europe online from Peptology, from 40,00 €. Delivery with GLS in 3–5 working days. Shipping is free from 50,00 €. Payment by card. Purity 99%+, with an HPLC report for every batch.

Laboratory Analysis

AOD-9604 - 5 mg - Batch - 0226 - Purity