AOD-9604
What it is
AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide corresponding to residues 176 to 191 of the C-terminal region of human growth hormone, with a modification at the N-terminus. It is a short fragment engineered to represent only a portion of the parent hormone rather than the full molecule, placing it in the growth-hormone fragment family.
Research context and categorization
AOD-9604 is generally grouped under metabolic and weight-regulation research, and it is also discussed in the context of healing and tissue repair. It was originally developed in the late 1990s as an anti-obesity drug candidate, and it is commonly discussed in relation to lipid metabolism and fat regulation. Separately, it has been investigated in animal and cell-culture models for cartilage and bone-related endpoints, including collagenase-induced osteoarthritis models where it has been studied alongside hyaluronic acid.
A point often noted in the literature is that AOD-9604 has been reported not to bind the growth hormone receptor or to raise IGF-1 in the studies that examined it, which is why it is discussed separately from full growth-hormone activity. All of these uses are investigational. None of them are confirmed or approved outcomes, and much of the supporting work is preclinical or early-stage rather than established human results.
Status
- Regulatory status: Research-only, not FDA-approved as a drug for any medical indication. It completed a clinical development program that did not establish it as an approved therapeutic, and its compounding status in the United States has shifted over time. A GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) determination has been cited for oral food-ingredient use only, which is distinct from drug approval and does not cover injectable preparations.
- Sport status: Prohibited under the WADA Prohibited List. WADA has stated that AOD-9604 falls under the S0 category (non-approved substances, since it has no current governmental approval for human therapeutic use) and, as a growth-hormone fragment, is also discussed in relation to the S2 class (peptide hormones, growth factors, and related substances). It was central to the Essendon anti-doping case in Australia.
Reconstitution notes (general)
For lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptides supplied as a powder, concentration is the milligrams of powder in the vial divided by the millilitres of bacteriostatic water added. For example, 5 mg reconstituted with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water yields 2.5 mg/mL. To work out any combination of vial size and diluent volume, use the calculator at /pages/tools.
Dilution and handling notes (compound-specific)
AOD-9604 ships as a lyophilized powder and is reconstituted before laboratory use. A commonly referenced range is about 2 mL to 3 mL of bacteriostatic water per 5 mg vial, with the exact volume chosen to reach a target concentration. A correctly reconstituted solution should be clear and colorless.
The practical quirk with this peptide is that it does not always dissolve into a clean, clear solution. It has relatively low intrinsic water solubility, so it can stay cloudy, form a hazy or colloidal-looking suspension, or leave partial clumping, particularly when prepared at higher concentrations. Two handling factors reduce that tendency. First, method of addition: adding the diluent slowly down the inner vial wall rather than directly onto the powder, then letting the vial rest and swirling gently, works better than adding it quickly. Second, agitation: swirling rather than shaking is preferred, since vigorous shaking foams the solution and is thought to stress the peptide. If haze persists, some protocols let the vial sit for several minutes and then swirl again. A small amount of a mild acidifying diluent, such as dilute acetic acid added slowly alongside the bacteriostatic water, is sometimes described as an aid for difficult dissolution, though plain bacteriostatic water is the standard starting point.
Handling and storage
Refrigerate the reconstituted vial at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius and keep it out of light. Wipe the stopper with an alcohol swab before drawing, and label the vial with the mix date. A refrigerated window of roughly four weeks is commonly cited for the reconstituted solution. Discard the material if it becomes cloudy in a way it was not at mixing, changes color, or shows visible particles or floaters that were not present at reconstitution.
Related reading
Tools and supplies
- Reconstitution & blend calculators
- Bacteriostatic Water 30 ml
- Gansulin Metal Reusable Pen
- 3 ml Glass Cartridges (10-pack)
- Complete Starter Kit
For laboratory and research reference only. Educational content, not medical, dosing, injection, or therapeutic guidance, and not intended for human or animal use. Any research uses described are investigational and not confirmed or approved benefits. Confirm anything involving health with a licensed professional. References linked above.