Metabolic Research · UAE

AOD-9604: mechanisms, forms, and research use in the UAE

How the hGH fragment works, what six human trials reported, Remy Research formats and AED prices, laboratory handling and FDA/WADA status.

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Editorial research review · Not a clinical consultation
Update History ▾
26 October 2026: published UAE research guide covering mechanism, trial timelines, formats, laboratory handling, safety findings and regulatory status.
TL;DR — Research Summary

AOD-9604 is a synthetic 16-amino-acid peptide derived from the C-terminal region of human growth hormone (HGH), specifically residues 177–191, with an added N-terminal tyrosine. It is a research compound supplied by Remy Research in Dubai for laboratory research only - it is not approved for clinical or veterinary use by any regulatory agency worldwide.

This article covers the biochemical characteristics of AOD-9604, the mechanisms proposed in published studies, timelines from clinical trials, research applications across metabolic and cartilage fields, available formats (lyophilised vials and pre-mixed pens), practical laboratory handling, and the regulatory context relevant to researchers in the UAE. It does not provide guidance on human dosing, cycles, or clinical administration.

The audience is lab scientists, method-development teams, and institutional buyers in the UAE and wider GCC who require high-purity peptides backed by certificates of analysis (COAs) and practical handling information.

In short: AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of HGH investigated primarily for its effects on fat metabolism in animal models and early human studies, with research evidence linking its activity to beta-3 adrenergic receptor expression rather than to classical growth hormone signalling.

From this article, you will gain:

This is a research review, not a treatment guide. Remy Research products are strictly for in-vitro laboratory research, not human or veterinary use.

How does AOD-9604 work?

AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone studied for its effects on fat metabolism. Published animal and early human work suggest it stimulates lipolysis and inhibits lipogenesis through pathways linked to beta-3 adrenergic receptor expression, rather than through the full growth hormone/IGF-1 axis. Its precise primary mechanism and receptor target remain incompletely defined.

Peptide structure

AOD-9604 is a hexadecapeptide with the amino acid sequence YLRIVQCRSVEGSCGF, encompassing HGH residues 177–191 plus an N-terminal tyrosine. A disulfide bond links the two cysteine residues at positions 7 and 14 (corresponding to positions 182 and 189 in full-length growth hormone), forming an intramolecular loop. Its molecular weight is approximately 1,815.1 Da, with a molecular formula of C₇₈H₁₂₃N₂₃O₂₃S₂.

Proposed mechanisms from preclinical work

In obese mice, daily intraperitoneal administration of AOD-9604 over 14–28 days increased fat oxidation, reduced body fat, and enhanced beta-3 adrenergic receptor expression (Heffernan et al., 2001, Endocrinology). The peptide stimulates lipolysis - the breakdown of stored triglycerides into free fatty acids - and inhibits lipogenesis, reducing new fat formation. Knockout mice lacking beta-3 adrenergic receptors did not show the weight or lipolysis changes seen in wild-type mice after 28 days of AOD-9604, though acute increases in energy expenditure and fat oxidation persisted, suggesting both receptor-dependent and receptor-independent components.[1][1]

AOD-9604 vs full growth hormone

Full-length recombinant HGH (191 amino acids) acts via the GH receptor and elevates serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1). In contrast, AOD-9604 targets fat metabolism without affecting IGF-1 levels. Published human trial data from the METAOD programme found no significant elevation of IGF-1, no impaired glucose tolerance, and none of the adverse effects associated with full-length GH treatment (Stier et al., 2013, Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism).[2][2]

Known vs unknown aspects

Known:

Unknown or uncertain:

AOD-9604 has a very short half-life of approximately 3 minutes after intravenous dosing in pigs, and FDA identified no human studies of its pharmacokinetics by any route (FDA Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee briefing, December 2024), which contributes to the difficulty in fully characterising its pharmacokinetic profile across different routes of administration.[3]

How long does AOD-9604 take to work in studies?

Timelines for AOD-9604 can only be described as the original papers report them. Major human clinical trials for obesity ran 12–24 weeks, with endpoints assessed at trial completion and sometimes at interim time points. Preclinical animal studies used shorter exposures ranging from days to several weeks.

Early Phase 1/II trials (METAOD001–004)

The initial studies involved single intravenous or oral doses, or a 7-day multiple oral dosing regimen, focused on safety and pharmacokinetics rather than metabolic endpoints. METAOD004, for example, was a 7-day oral dosing study in 36 obese men with BMI ≥ 30, testing oral doses of 9, 27, and 54 mg daily (METAOD004, Metabolic Pharmaceuticals, summarised by Stier et al., 2013, Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism).[2]

12-week Phase IIb trial (METAOD005)

The Phase IIb placebo-controlled trial enrolled approximately 300 obese adults (BMI ≥ 35) across five dose groups (1, 5, 10, 20 or 30 mg) receiving daily oral doses for 12 weeks. Primary endpoints included body weight change and waist circumference. Conference abstract data reported some reductions compared to the placebo group, but this study was primarily designed to guide dose selection rather than confirm efficacy.[2]

24-week Phase IIb trial (METAOD006 / OPTIONS)

The Phase IIb OPTIONS trial enrolled 534–536 obese adults and randomised 502 (BMI 30–45) after a 4-week placebo run-in (Stier et al., 2013; FDA PCAC briefing, 2024). Participants received 0.25, 0.5, or 1.0 mg daily or placebo. The primary endpoint was weight loss at 24 weeks, with an interim analysis at week 12. AOD-9604 failed to show statistically significant weight loss compared to placebo at its primary endpoint. Metabolic Pharmaceuticals announced in February 2007 that the results did not support commercial viability and terminated development of the obesity programme.[3][3]

Preclinical cartilage studies

Published cartilage and osteoarthritis animal models - such as rabbit intra-articular studies - used weekly injections over several weeks (weeks 4–7 after collagenase induction in Kwon and Park, 2015, Annals of Clinical and Laboratory Science) to assess cartilage morphology and proteoglycan synthesis. These timeframes and routes differ substantially from the oral obesity trials and are not directly comparable.[4]

For planning lab protocols, researchers typically mirror these documented exposure windows rather than assuming faster or slower timelines than those reported in the literature.

How much does AOD-9604 cost in the UAE?

AOD-9604 pricing in the UAE varies by format and supplier. Remy Research offers both lyophilised vials and pre-mixed research pens, with same-day dispatch from Dubai stock and next-day cold-chain delivery across the UAE. Current prices: AED 400 for one 10 mg vial (AED 360 per vial for two, AED 320 per vial for five), AED 900 for the 25 mg AQ pen and AED 1,100 for the 50 mg HGH Fragment + AOD-9604 pen; delivery is AED 50 below AED 1,000 and free from AED 1,000.

Lyophilised vials:

Pre-mixed research pens:

Remy Research does not supply nasal spray or troche formulations of AOD-9604. The focus remains on well-characterised peptide for in-vitro bench work.

UAE logistics: Orders placed before 4 PM ship same-day within Dubai by temperature-controlled courier. Next-business-day cold-chain delivery is available to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other Emirates.

Value beyond price: All Remy Research AOD-9604 products meet a 99%+ purity line standard and carry traceable lot numbers suitable for institutional documentation and publication records.

What is AOD-9604 used for in research?

AOD-9604 has been investigated mainly in obesity and metabolic research, plus exploratory cartilage and bone studies. In modern laboratories, it is used in in vitro models (and has been used in published in vivo studies) to probe GH-fragment biology, adipocyte pathways, and joint-tissue signalling.

Metabolic and obesity research

Cartilage and bone research

Mechanistic cell work

Integration into research programmes

Remy Research customers in Dubai and across the UAE typically integrate AOD-9604 into broader peptide research programmes - for example, comparing it alongside GLP-1 analogues or GH-axis peptides in separate experimental arms at the bench level.

What does AOD-9604 stand for?

"AOD" originally stood for "Anti-Obesity Drug," the internal development code used by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals during the compound's clinical programme in Australia. The number "9604" is a sponsor-specific numeric designation - it does not describe a structural or scientific property such as residue numbers or molecular weight.

AOD-9604 is also described in the literature as "Tyr-hGH(177–191)," "[Tyr176]-hGH(176–191)," or simply "hGH fragment 176–191," though this last label is technically ambiguous because it does not specify the N-terminal tyrosine modification. The inconsistency between patent filings and published papers is a common source of confusion in database searches.

There is no formal International Nonproprietary Name (INN) for AOD-9604 because it never progressed to an approved drug. Development began in the late 1990s at Monash University (Australia), led by Frank Ng, with early animal studies around 2000, patent filings including US Patent 7,098,029, and clinical trials under the METAOD naming during the early-to-mid 2000s, culminating in the February 2007 announcement that Metabolic Pharmaceuticals terminated development.[5]

Alternative labels researchers may encounter:

Is AOD-9604 the same as HGH Frag 176-191? Is it a growth hormone?

AOD-9604 is closely related to the 176–191 fragment of human growth hormone but includes an additional N-terminal tyrosine that the native fragment lacks. It is not full-length growth hormone, and published human data indicate it does not behave as a classical GH in terms of IGF-1 elevation or growth effects.

Structural relationship

Full-length recombinant HGH is a 191 amino acid protein arranged in a four-helix bundle. The HGH fragment 176–191 is the native C-terminal sequence beginning with phenylalanine. AOD-9604 substitutes this phenylalanine with tyrosine - a difference of approximately 16 Da in molecular weight. The remaining amino acid sequence and the disulfide bridge between cysteine residues corresponding to positions 182 and 189 of the full HGH molecule are identical.

Functional distinctions

Human clinical trials of AOD-9604 (METAOD programme, 2001–2006, Journal of Obesity and Fat Management) demonstrated that AOD-9604 did not increase IGF-1 levels in trials and did not cause classical GH adverse events such as fluid retention or impaired glucose metabolism. In contrast, full growth hormone consistently elevates IGF-1 and produces broader systemic effects through direct growth hormone signalling.

Both AOD-9604 and HGH Frag 176–191 are considered GH fragments, but they are not interchangeable. Their distinct physicochemical properties - including the tyrosine substitution - may influence receptor-binding behaviour and in vivo activity.

Clarifications:

AOD-9604 vs tesamorelin: what is the difference?

AOD-9604 is a GH fragment analogue that was studied but not approved for obesity. Tesamorelin is a growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH) analogue that is FDA approved to reduce excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy. They occupy entirely different positions in the GH axis, differ in structure, mechanism, regulatory approval, and evidence base.

Tesamorelin mechanism

Tesamorelin is a 44-amino-acid GHRH analogue that binds to the GHRH receptor on the pituitary gland, stimulating endogenous GH secretion. This raises IGF-1 levels and reduces visceral adipose tissue, as demonstrated in Phase 3 trials in patients with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Tesamorelin is FDA approved specifically for this indication.[6]

AOD-9604 mechanism

AOD-9604 acts independently of the GH receptor as a fragment analogue derived from the hormone's C-terminal tail. It does not bind the GH receptor or stimulate GH release. In the Phase IIb METAOD006 trial (2006, ~502 obese adults, 24 weeks), the weight loss primary endpoint did not reach statistical significance versus placebo, and no regulatory approval followed.

Key contrasts

For researchers: if the study objective involves upstream stimulation of GH release and its systemic consequences, tesamorelin is the appropriate comparator. If the goal is to isolate GH fragment effects on adipose tissue independently of growth hormone signalling, AOD-9604 provides a distinct tool.

AOD-9604 forms: lyophilised vial vs pre-mixed pen vs nasal spray vs troche

AOD-9604 has appeared in multiple research formats internationally, but Remy Research focuses on high-purity lyophilised vials and pre-diluted research pens. Clinical-use nasal sprays and troches are not part of the Remy Research catalogue.

Lyophilised AOD-9604 vials

The lyophilised vial is the primary format offered by Remy Research: freeze-dried peptide in sealed glass vials, supplied to a 99%+ purity line standard (see the COA and HPLC purity guide).

Pre-mixed research pens

A pre-mixed pen is a device prefilled with a defined AOD-9604 solution, useful for repeated, standardised experimental dosing in blinded in-vitro protocols. Remy Research supplies AOD-9604 pens in defined concentration ranges suitable for serial and volume-controlled experimental work.

Nasal spray and troche formulations in the literature

Some international suppliers and non-research markets reference nasal sprays or sublingual troches. However, published human exposure data for these routes are limited or absent. The FDA's 2024 Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee review did not identify human pharmacokinetic data for any route and found no information on subcutaneous or transdermal use in humans.[3]

Remy Research does not supply these formats. Researchers should treat dose conversions between oral, nasal, and parenteral routes as non-equivalent and rely only on published pharmacokinetic work, which remains sparse for non-oral/IV routes.

How is AOD-9604 reconstituted and stored in the lab?

This section covers general laboratory handling considerations - choice of solvent, common causes of cloudiness, and temperature control - for researchers working with AOD-9604 in the UAE. Specific methods must follow each laboratory's SOPs and material safety documentation.

Solvent selection

Bacteriostatic water and sterile saline are the most common vehicles in peptide research protocols. AOD-9604 is typically reconstituted with bacteriostatic water. Some protocols reference dilute acetic acid for certain peptides, but whether this is required depends on the supplied salt form and manufacturer guidance. Remy Research product documentation specifies the appropriate solvent for each product.

Expected appearance

A correctly prepared AOD-9604 solution should appear clear and free of visible particles under standard laboratory lighting. Gentle reconstitution - injecting solvent along the inner vial wall without vigorous shaking - helps ensure complete dissolution.

Why a solution might appear cloudy

Cloudiness or gel-like appearance can result from:

Visibly cloudy or particulate solutions should be discarded rather than used in experiments. Prepare a fresh solution using aseptic technique and verify the solvent and pH against the product's technical documentation.

Storage

Documentation

Label every vial with concentration, solvent used, preparation date, and batch/COA ID. Maintaining these records supports publication requirements, QA audits, and institutional compliance. Remy Research's published batch reports can be linked directly into LIMS or laboratory records.

AOD-9604 alongside retatrutide or tirzepatide: what has been studied?

No published animal or human data currently describe AOD-9604 used together with retatrutide or tirzepatide. Any "stacking" protocols encountered online are anecdotal and outside the current evidence base.

Current evidence landscape for GLP-1/GIP agonists

Tirzepatide activates GLP-1 and GIP receptors for weight loss and has been evaluated in the SURPASS (diabetes) and SURMOUNT (obesity) trial programmes (Jastreboff et al., 2022, New England Journal of Medicine). Semaglutide 2.4 mg produced a mean 14.9% body weight reduction at 68 weeks in STEP 1 (Wilding et al., 2021, New England Journal of Medicine). Retatrutide, a triple GLP-1/GIP/glucagon receptor agonist, is under investigation in Phase 3 trials.[7][8]

None of these programmes included an AOD-9604 arm. The mechanisms differ fundamentally: GLP-1/GIP agonists work through incretin-based appetite and glucose metabolism pathways, while AOD-9604's proposed actions involve beta-3 adrenergic–mediated fat breakdown and lipid metabolism.

Research design implications

Remy Research tracks GLP-1 programme publications and mechanistic literature to support labs designing comparative - not combinational - experiments. For example, a study might evaluate AOD-9604 vs a GLP-1 analogue in separate experimental arms to contrast downstream metabolic effects and body composition changes, rather than co-administering compounds for which no published combination safety data exist.

What safety findings were reported in the human trials?

Across multiple Phase 1 and Phase 2 obesity trials totalling several hundred tested participants, AOD-9604 showed a tolerability profile similar to placebo, with mostly mild adverse events and no consistent IGF-1 or glucose abnormalities reported in peer-reviewed and sponsor-submitted safety data.

Phase 1 / short-term data (METAOD001–004)

Single-dose IV and oral studies, followed by the 7-day multiple-dosing METAOD004 trial, reported no significant changes in vital signs, ECG, standard laboratory parameters, or IGF-1 levels versus placebo. No serious adverse events were attributed to AOD-9604 in these studies. The most common adverse event was mild or moderate headache; mild injection site reactions were isolated, and in METAOD002 one severe event, a feeling of chest tightness, was deemed possibly related to treatment (Stier et al., 2013).[2]

12-week Phase IIb trial (METAOD005)

Approximately 300 participants across several dose groups. Reported adverse events included headache, gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhoea, flatulence, increased appetite, nausea), at rates comparable to the placebo group. Five participants had serious adverse events - basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and a lipoma in the 20 mg group, breast cancer in the 5 mg group and malignant melanoma in the 10 mg group - and the investigator judged none of them related to AOD-9604 (Stier et al., 2013); FDA's 2024 briefing lists diarrhoea, chest tightness and various cancers among serious adverse events in oral-dosing studies. No dose-related serious safety signals were identified. Plasma glucose and carbohydrate metabolism parameters showed no significant perturbation. Anti-AOD-9604 antibodies were not detected at baseline or at weeks 4, 8, and 12.

24-week Phase IIb trial (METAOD006 / OPTIONS)

Common adverse events mirrored the 12-week findings: headache, increased appetite, and gastrointestinal complaints. Serious adverse events were distributed similarly across treatment and placebo arms. The neoplasms often quoted for the AOD-9604 programme (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma, lipoma and breast cancer) were recorded in the 12-week METAOD005 study above, not in this trial.

IGF-1 changes were minimal: mean change of 1.76 nmol/L at 12 weeks and 1.24 nmol/L at 24 weeks, neither statistically significant versus placebo. No evidence of insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, or metabolic syndrome markers emerged.[2]

Evidence gaps

No published human safety data extend beyond 24 weeks. Long-term safety data for chronic administration remain unavailable. Published human data for subcutaneous, transdermal, or nasal routes are limited or absent, as noted by FDA reviewers in their 2024 assessments. AOD-9604 is prohibited in competitive sports by WADA, listed under S2 as a growth hormone fragment on the 2027 Prohibited List.[3][9]

Is AOD-9604 FDA approved, and what is its status in the UAE?

AOD-9604 is not FDA approved for any therapeutic use. No regulatory agency has approved AOD-9604 as a drug worldwide. In the UAE, it is supplied as a laboratory research reagent, not as a registered therapeutic product.

FDA status

Despite completion of Phase 2 obesity trials (METAOD001–006), no New Drug Application was approved. At its December 4, 2024 meeting the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee voted 0 yes, 12 no on adding AOD-9604 to the 503A bulks list, and FDA's Category 2 page now lists it as nominated but withdrawn, so it was not recommended for addition to lists that would facilitate compounding use.[10][11]

AOD-9604 is marketed for fat loss in some online channels but lacks convincing evidence for meaningful statistically significant weight loss in humans. It is available only as a research chemical labelled "not for human consumption."

Other jurisdictions

AOD-9604 was explored under Australian regulatory frameworks by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals but never received therapeutic approval there either. It lacks broad regulatory approval as an obesity medication in any jurisdiction.

UAE context

Remy Research sells AOD-9604 as a research-grade peptide for in-vitro laboratory research in Dubai and across the UAE, with no marketing claims for human or veterinary treatment. Products carry traceable lot numbers and documentation to support institutional compliance requirements. Availability of AOD-9604 in Dubai includes Remy Research's own stock with same-day dispatch and cold-chain logistics.

Comparison: AOD-9604 vs HGH Frag 176-191 vs tesamorelin vs full-length HGH

Many researchers compare AOD-9604 with related substances in the GH axis when designing study arms. The table below summarises structural class, primary mechanism, regulatory status, and key evidence points for each compound.

When designing experiments, this table helps distinguish upstream GH-axis stimulation (tesamorelin, full HGH) from isolated fragment signalling (AOD-9604, HGH Frag 176–191). The regulatory status differences also matter when selecting comparator arms for institutional review.

AOD-9604 vs related GH-axis compounds
CriterionAOD-9604HGH Frag 176–191TesamorelinFull-length recombinant HGH
Type / structureSynthetic 16-residue GH fragment analogue (Tyr + hGH 177–191), disulfide bond Cys7–Cys14, ~1,815 DaNative 16-residue C-terminal fragment (Phe at N-terminus), ~1,799 DaGHRH analogue (~44 amino acids), linear peptide191-amino-acid protein, four-helix bundle
Primary mechanism (research)Stimulates lipolysis, inhibits lipogenesis via beta-3 AR pathways; does not bind GH receptorSimilar lipolytic activity in preclinical models; limited formal mechanistic dataStimulates pituitary GH release → raises IGF-1 → reduces visceral fatBinds GH receptor directly; broad systemic effects including growth, lipid metabolism, protein synthesis
IGF-1 effectNo significant increase (METAOD005/006: mean changes 1.76 and 1.24 nmol/L, not statistically significant vs placebo)No formal human trial dataSignificant elevation (part of intended action)Robust and sustained elevation
Regulatory statusNot approved; development terminated 2007Not approved; research use onlyFDA approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophyApproved for GH deficiency and other indications
Key human evidencePhase IIb (METAOD006, 502 randomised adults, 24 weeks): no statistically significant weight loss vs placebo; tolerability profile indistinguishable from placeboPreclinical only; very limited formal human dataPhase 3 trials: significant reductions in visceral adipose tissue in HIV lipodystrophy patientsExtensive clinical evidence across multiple indications; well-characterised risk–benefit profile

Common laboratory challenges with AOD-9604 and how to address them

While AOD-9604 is handled like other small peptides, labs in Dubai and the wider UAE frequently ask about solubility, stability, and documentation. This section provides practical, non-clinical guidance for researchers working with this research compound.

Cloudy or particulate solutions

Likely causes include incompatible solvent, excessive peptide concentration, pH outside the recommended range, or contamination during handling. Discard compromised vials. Prepare a new solution using aseptic technique, verify the solvent and pH against the product's technical sheet, and reconstitute slowly along the vial wall.

Stability and storage deviations

Accidental room-temperature exposure, missed freezer transfer, or repeated freeze–thaw cycles can degrade peptide integrity. Quarantine affected vials, consult Remy Research stability data or contact support, and avoid using material from vials that have clearly exceeded recommended conditions.

Documentation and COA traceability

Record batch numbers, COA IDs, preparation dates, and storage conditions for every vial. This supports publications, QA audits, and regulatory inspections. Remy Research provides online access to its published batch reports, which can be linked into LIMS or institutional records.

Conclusion and next steps

AOD-9604 is a 16-amino-acid fragment of human growth hormone with an added N-terminal tyrosine, investigated primarily for its effects on fat metabolism through beta-3 adrenergic receptor pathways. Current evidence from six clinical trials and multiple preclinical studies shows a tolerability profile similar to placebo but does not support claims of significant weight loss in humans. It holds no regulatory approval from any agency and is supplied by Remy Research strictly as a research-grade peptide for controlled laboratory use.

Recommended next steps for researchers:

  1. Review the key AOD-9604 preclinical papers (Ng 2000, Hormone Research; Heffernan 2001, Endocrinology) and clinical trial reports (METAOD005, METAOD006) before designing new protocols[12]
  1. Use the comparison table above to select appropriate comparator arms - e.g. AOD-9604 vs GLP-1 analogues or GH-axis peptides - when planning study designs
  1. Request Remy Research product documentation and stability data for internal method validation via the product pages
  1. Align laboratory handling SOPs with the reconstitution and storage considerations discussed, using the reconstitution calculator for concentration planning
  1. Confirm current AED pricing and format availability directly through the Remy Research catalogue

Our Research Standards

Primary papers, FDA advisory-committee materials and the WADA Prohibited List are distinguished throughout; trial figures are given as the papers report them. Evidence checked 26 October 2026. Read our editorial policy →

RR
Editorial Team

Editorial Board, Remy Research

The Remy Research Editorial Team publishes research explainers based on published literature and cited community material.

About the editorial team →

AOD-9604 UAE research FAQ

These frequently asked questions address common quick queries from UAE researchers about AOD-9604 handling and terminology.

What is AOD-9604?

AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide corresponding to human growth hormone amino acids 177–191 with an added N-terminal tyrosine. It was developed as an investigational metabolic agent by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals and is now used exclusively as a research-only reagent. It is a 16-amino-acid fragment of human growth hormone with a molecular weight of approximately 1,815 Da.

How long does a vial last once reconstituted in the lab?

Reconstituted peptide solutions are generally less stable than lyophilised powder. Store reconstituted AOD-9604 at 2–8°C and avoid multiple freeze–thaw cycles. Consult the Remy Research product documentation for recommended use-within timeframes.

Does AOD-9604 need acetic acid for dissolution?

Many labs successfully use bacteriostatic water or sterile saline. Whether dilute acetic acid is needed depends on the peptide's salt form and the manufacturer's guidance. Remy Research documentation specifies the recommended solvent for each product.

Why is my AOD-9604 solution cloudy?

Common causes include excessive concentration, pH outside the recommended range, contamination during handling, or physical damage to the peptide from temperature excursions. Discard visibly cloudy or particulate solutions rather than using them in experiments.

Is AOD-9604 hydrophobic?

AOD-9604 has a mixed amino acid composition and is generally water-soluble under appropriate pH and ionic-strength conditions. Consult the technical sheet for specific solubility data relevant to your reconstitution protocol.

How is AOD-9604 made?

AOD-9604 is manufactured by solid-phase peptide synthesis, followed by purification via reverse-phase HPLC and analytical verification using mass spectrometry. Remy Research specifies a 99%+ purity line standard for its research line.

Is AOD-9604 the same as HGH?

It is not full-length human growth hormone. AOD-9604 is a short fragment analogue that does not replicate GH's full range of endocrine effects, does not significantly raise IGF-1, and is not an approved substitute for recombinant GH therapies.

Can AOD-9604 be used in humans or animals?

Remy Research supplies AOD-9604 for in-vitro laboratory research only. It is not licensed or sold as a treatment for humans or veterinary patients. In the UAE, any peptide administration should occur under appropriate medical supervision and institutional oversight.

Sources

  1. Heffernan M, Summers RJ, Thorburn A, et al. The effects of human GH and its lipolytic fragment (AOD9604) on lipid metabolism following chronic treatment in obese mice and beta(3)-AR knock-out mice. Endocrinology. 2001;142(12):5182-5189. ↩
  2. Stier H, Vos E, Kenley D. Safety and Tolerability of the Hexadecapeptide AOD9604 in Humans. J Endocrinol Metab. 2013;3(1-2):7-15. ↩
  3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. December 4, 2024 Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee Meeting Presentation: AOD-9604 evaluation (pharmacokinetics, clinical effectiveness and safety). ↩
  4. Kwon DR, Park GY. Effect of Intra-articular Injection of AOD9604 with or without Hyaluronic Acid in Rabbit Osteoarthritis Model. Ann Clin Lab Sci. 2015;45(4):426-432. ↩
  5. Belyea CI, Ng FM, Vaughan P. Product and method for control of obesity. US Patent 7,098,029 B1 (Metabolic Pharmaceuticals Limited), 29 August 2006. ↩
  6. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. EGRIFTA WR (tesamorelin for injection) Prescribing Information, revised March 2025. ↩
  7. Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity (SURMOUNT-1). N Engl J Med. 2022;387:205-216. ↩
  8. Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity (STEP 1). N Engl J Med. 2021;384:989-1002. ↩
  9. World Anti-Doping Agency. 2027 Prohibited List. Published September 21, 2026; in force January 1, 2027. ↩
  10. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. December 4, 2024 Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee Meeting: summary minutes and vote. ↩
  11. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Certain Bulk Drug Substances for Use in Compounding that May Present Significant Safety Risks (Category 2). ↩
  12. Ng FM, Sun J, Sharma L, Libinaka R, Jiang WJ, Gianello R. Metabolic studies of a synthetic lipolytic domain (AOD9604) of human growth hormone. Horm Res. 2000;53(6):274-278. ↩

Research information only. Remy Research products are for in-vitro laboratory research, not human or veterinary use.

For the native fragment's structure, proposed mechanism, rodent and AOD-9604 trial evidence and WADA status in one place, see the HGH Fragment 176-191 research article.

Related Research

Evidence review AOD-9604 hGH Fragment Research→ Terminology hGH Fragment 176-191 vs AOD-9604→ Dubai guide AOD-9604 Dubai Research Vial→