What is AOD-9604?
AOD-9604 (Advanced Obesity Drug 9604) is a synthetic peptide representing a modified form of the C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone, spanning residues 176–191 of the 191-amino-acid hGH sequence. It was originally developed by Professor Frank Ng and colleagues at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia — giving it particular scientific significance as an Australian research compound.
The core research hypothesis behind AOD-9604 was that the lipolytic (fat-metabolising) properties of hGH could be isolated in a fragment that retained the fat-mobilisation signalling without also activating the anabolic, growth-promoting pathways driven by the N-terminal portions of the hGH molecule and the subsequent IGF-1 axis activation.
In preclinical models, the hGH 176-191 fragment has been studied for its effects on adipocyte metabolism and body composition, demonstrating lipolytic activity in obese rodent models without the concurrent effects on glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, or linear growth that characterise full-length GH therapy. ClaraScience supplies AOD-9604 in 5mg lyophilised vials independently HPLC-tested to ≥99.0% purity. For laboratory research use only.
Origin. Developed at Monash University, Melbourne — an Australian research compound with an extensive local research history.
Fragment. hGH residues 176-191, modified C-terminal fragment. 16 amino acids.
Research interest. Lipolytic activity in adiposity models without growth-promoting or insulin-sensitising effects of full hGH.
Research Background
The preclinical research programme on AOD-9604 spans more than two decades, with key early publications from the Monash University group. Heffernan et al. (2001) published data in Endocrinology (142:5182) demonstrating body composition effects of the hGH fragment in animal models, providing the mechanistic basis for subsequent human phase trials.
AOD-9604 progressed through Phase I, II, and III clinical trials for obesity indications, during which the compound demonstrated a favourable safety profile in human subjects. While the compound ultimately did not achieve regulatory approval for obesity treatment, the clinical trial data contributed substantially to the scientific understanding of hGH fragment pharmacology and safety in human subjects.
For contemporary research, AOD-9604 remains a useful tool for studying the structural basis of hGH's lipolytic effects, comparing fragment vs full-length GH mechanisms, and investigating adipocyte metabolism modulation in cell culture and animal models. It is also studied alongside other metabolic research compounds including Tesamorelin and Tirzepatide in comparative metabolic research programmes.
Key citation Heffernan M 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 knockout mice." Endocrinology. 2001;142(12):5182–5189.
Compound Specifications
| Common Name |
AOD-9604 (hGH fragment 176-191) |
| Structure |
hGH fragment 176–191 · 16 amino acids |
| Molecular Weight |
1815.08 g/mol |
| Purity (HPLC) |
≥99.0% (99.4% verified this batch) |
| Vial Size |
5mg lyophilised powder |
| Storage |
2–8°C (short-term) · −20°C (long-term) |
| Primary Reference |
Heffernan M et al., Endocrinology 2001;142:5182 |
Storage & Handling
- Unopened vial: 2–8°C for regular use; −20°C for longer-term storage.
- Reconstituted: 2–8°C, use within 28 days. Do not freeze after reconstitution.
- Reconstitution: Sterile bacteriostatic water. Use our free reconstitution calculator.
Full protocols in our Storage & Handling Guide.
Ordering & Pricing — Australia
| Quantity |
Price per vial |
Saving |
| 1–4 vials |
$79.95 AUD |
— |
| 5–9 vials |
$69.95 AUD |
Save 12% |
| 10+ vials |
$59.95 AUD |
Save 25% |
Free priority tracked shipping on orders over $250 AUD. Dispatched within 24 hours. Wholesale enquiries welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AOD-9604?
AOD-9604 is a synthetic modified fragment of human growth hormone (residues 176-191) developed at Monash University, Melbourne. It has been studied in preclinical models for lipolytic activity without the growth-promoting effects of full-length hGH. For laboratory research use only.
Was AOD-9604 developed in Australia?
Yes. AOD-9604 was developed by Professor Frank Ng and colleagues at Monash University, Melbourne, Australia — making it one of the few major research peptides with Australian-origin research pedigree.
Did AOD-9604 complete clinical trials?
AOD-9604 progressed through Phase I, II, and III clinical trials for obesity indications. While it did not achieve therapeutic approval, the clinical trial data established a favourable human safety profile and contributed substantially to understanding hGH fragment pharmacology.
Is AOD-9604 available in Australia?
ClaraScience stocks AOD-9604 in our Australian warehouse. Research-grade, 5mg vials, dispatched within 24 hours. For laboratory research use only.
What purity is your AOD-9604?
≥99.0% purity, batch verified at 99.4% at a WHO/GMP-certified laboratory. Full COA included with every batch.
