AOD-9604 (hGH Fragment 176-191)

AOD-9604 is a lab-made peptide (a short chain of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins) that copies just the tail end (positions 176-191) of human growth hormone, with one extra amino acid (tyrosine) added to the front. In studies it is described as a modified fragment built to reproduce the fat-handling activity of the full hormone while leaving out its growth-promoting action.

How it works

Unlike full growth hormone, AOD-9604 has been reported in lab binding tests not to switch on the growth hormone receptor (the docking point on cells that growth hormone normally acts through). Instead, studies in rodent fat tissue have linked its fat-breakdown activity to a different signaling system: it appears to raise levels of the beta-3-adrenergic receptor, the main docking point on fat cells that triggers fat breakdown [1]. Researchers have used it as a tool to separate growth hormone's fat-handling effects from its growth-promoting effects and its effect on a growth-signal called IGF-1 [2].

What researchers have studied it for: fat handling and body composition

Long-term studies in obese mice, and in mice bred to lack the beta-3-adrenergic receptor, measured body weight, body-fat amount, and fat burning. They reported drops in body fat that tracked with changes in the beta-3 receptor [1]. Earlier studies measured the fragment's ability to break down fat and to slow fat build-up in isolated fat cells [2].

What researchers have studied it for: the growth hormone system

Because the fragment was built to leave out the growth-promoting action, researchers checked markers of the growth hormone and IGF-1 system to confirm that its fat effects happened without the blood-sugar and growth changes that come with whole growth hormone [2].

What the research hasn't shown yet

Much of the supporting data comes from animal and cell studies, and later human testing did not confirm a strong fat-breakdown effect. The research does not show that this compound is safe or effective for any one person who buys it, and no benefit to the buyer is implied. AOD-9604 is supplied by K4 Elite only as a reference compound for laboratory and test-tube research, not for any other use.

For laboratory use the lyophilized peptide is typically reconstituted with bacteriostatic or sterile water to a suitable working concentration. Store the lyophilized powder at -20°C, keep reconstituted solution refrigerated at 2-8°C, minimize freeze-thaw cycles, and protect from light to help maintain stability.