AOD-9604
AOD-9604 is studied as a synthetic hexadecapeptide corresponding to the c-terminal fragment of human growth hormone with an n-terminal tyrosine in biochemical and physiological models.
AOD-9604 Biological Classification
Investigated within physiological and chemical models.
What is AOD-9604?
AOD-9604 is classified as a synthetic hexadecapeptide corresponding to the c-terminal fragment of human growth hormone with an n-terminal tyrosine. A synthetic fragment of human growth hormone with no FDA-approved drug product. It is named on the WADA Prohibited List as a growth-hormone fragment. A 2013 paper summarised six sponsor-run human tolerability trials; that literature is not an approved-indication programme.
Why are people interested in it?
Researchers and clinicians study AOD-9604 primarily to understand its biological interactions, receptor binding affinity, and potential role within its biochemical class.
Primary Research Categories
- Growth-hormone fragments
- Preclinical research compounds
How does it work in the body?
AOD-9604 interacts with specific cellular receptors and metabolic pathways corresponding to its structural classification as a synthetic hexadecapeptide corresponding to the c-terminal fragment of human growth hormone with an n-terminal tyrosine.
Biological Pathway Overview
AOD-9604 Receptor & Target Interactions
This compound is evaluated in scientific research for its interactions with target cellular receptors and signaling cascades. Consult the evidence section below for specific peer-reviewed papers.
Target Pathway
Engages specific cellular signaling cascades characteristic of its structural family.
Endocrine/Paracrine Activity
Investigated for its regulatory effects on local tissue synthesis and cellular signaling.
What has actually been demonstrated in humans?
Evidence for AOD-9604 is currently derived primarily from laboratory or preclinical models. Consult the published evidence file for specific indexed studies.
Pharmaceutical Reality vs. Unregulated Research Chemicals
AOD-9604 is not an FDA-approved medication. Always verify chemical identity and testing documentation before interpreting research literature.
What is still uncertain or unknown?
Controlled human clinical trials evaluating AOD-9604 for therapeutic efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics are limited or absent in peer-reviewed Western registries.
Companion Resources & Guides
Research at a Glance
Open the full evidence file (3 records)3 records in this file
- CLINICAL TRIAL1
- REGULATORY2
Publication span: 2013–2026
What Has Actually Been Studied
- FDA — bulk substances nominated for compounding and withdrawn: AOD-9604 (FDA compounding communications, 2026) — FDA compounding classification.
- WADA Prohibited List — S2.2.3 growth hormone fragments, e.g. AOD-9604 (WADA Prohibited List, 2026) — Anti-doping listing.
- Safety and tolerability of the hexadecapeptide AOD9604 in humans (Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2013) — Summary of six randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials.
What is Still Unknown
What we know
- A 2013 paper summarises six sponsor-run randomised tolerability trials and reports a placebo-like safety narrative in those studies. That is not an approved obesity indication.
- No FDA-approved drug product exists. The substance is on FDA's withdrawn compounding-nominations table.
- WADA names AOD-9604 at S2.2.3 as a growth-hormone fragment. That is an anti-doping classification.
Editorial reading of the records below, labelled as Therapept analysis. How records are built
What remains uncertain
- Independent, contemporary human interventional data outside the originating sponsor programme.
- How closely commercial research-use material matches the material used in the 2013 summary.
Preparation and Handling
Lyophilized peptides ship as freeze-dried powders; whatever happens next involves diluents, concentrations and storage conditions that are compound- and product-specific.
United States Regulatory Status
No FDA-approved product
- No approved drug product exists in Drugs@FDA.
- Listed on FDA's table of bulk substances nominated for compounding and subsequently withdrawn. Published concerns include immunogenicity risk, peptide-related impurities, API characterisation complexity, limited safety information, and serious adverse events whose causality FDA states is not clear.
- Not treated here as interchangeable with native growth hormone.
WADA Anti-Doping Status
Named at S2.2.3 — growth hormone fragments, e.g. AOD-9604 and hGH 176-191. Prohibited at all times; non-Specified.
Technical Chemical SpecificationsClick to view CAS, sequence, and molecular formulas
- Molecular weight
- 1815.1 g/mol
- Sequence length
- 16 chars
- CAS number
- 221231-10-3
- PubChem CID
- 71300630
- Compound class
- Synthetic hexadecapeptide corresponding to the C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone with an N-terminal tyrosine
- Sequence
- YLRIVQCRSVEGSCGF
- Molecular formula
- C78H123N23O23S2
- Molecular weight
- 1815.1 g/mol
- CAS number
- 221231-10-3
- PubChem CID
- 71300630
Sources
Last reviewed 12 September 2026 · Compiled by Therapept Editorial · How these records are built