AOD-9604 is a synthetic analogue of the C-terminal region of human growth hormone — residues 176-191, with a tyrosine residue added at the N-terminus. Sequence Tyr-Leu-Arg-Ile-Val-Gln-Cys-Arg-Ser-Val-Glu-Gly-Ser-Cys-Gly-Phe, with an intramolecular disulfide bridge between the two cysteine residues. Molecular weight approximately 1,815 Da.
It is a fragment rather than a truncation in the loose sense: the 176-191 region was identified in the literature as the segment of the growth hormone molecule associated with lipid metabolism, and AOD-9604 was developed to isolate that region from the rest of the sequence.
Research context
The published literature examines AOD-9604 primarily in models of adipose tissue metabolism — lipolysis and lipogenesis in adipocytes — and in the question of whether the metabolic activity of the 176-191 region can be separated from the broader effects of the intact hormone.
That separation is the central analytical interest. Full-length growth hormone acts through the GH receptor and drives hepatic IGF-1 production; the fragment has been studied for whether it produces effects on lipid handling without that receptor-mediated signalling cascade. Work in the literature has looked at beta-3 adrenergic receptor pathways in this context. Findings across model systems are not uniform, and the mechanism remains an open question rather than a settled one.
Specification
CAS number and batch purity to be confirmed against the Certificate of Analysis supplied with your vial. Supplied as a white lyophilized powder at 10mg.
Handling
Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water, introducing the diluent slowly against the vial wall and swirling gently rather than shaking. Store lyophilized at −20°C protected from light; refrigerate at 2–8°C once reconstituted and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Ships with a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis. Cross-check the batch ID printed on your vial against the CoA before use — see the guide to reading a CoA if you are unfamiliar with the format.
Frequently asked questions about AOD-9604
How does AOD-9604 differ from HGH?
It is a 16-residue fragment against a 191-residue protein — roughly 1.8 kDa versus 22 kDa. HGH is a folded protein signalling through the GH receptor with downstream IGF-1 production; AOD-9604 isolates one region of that molecule and has been studied for metabolic activity independent of that pathway. They are not interchangeable tools.
Why is the tyrosine added at the N-terminus?
The native 176-191 fragment does not carry it. The added tyrosine was introduced during development of the analogue; in the literature it is associated with stability and with providing a site for radiolabelling in tracer studies.
Does the disulfide bridge matter for handling?
Yes. The two cysteine residues form an intramolecular bridge, and reducing conditions or harsh agitation can disrupt it. As with any disulfide-containing peptide, avoid vortexing and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles — a disrupted bridge is not visible on inspection of the reconstituted solution.
Research use only. Not for human or veterinary use, not for use in diagnostic procedures, and not evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
