AOD-9604

Research Reagent · Laboratory Use Only

What does the research show about AOD-9604 and fat metabolism?

AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide fragment (hGH 176-191) derived from human growth hormone. Preclinical studies published in journals including Obesity Research demonstrate it stimulates lipolysis and inhibits lipogenesis without affecting IGF-1 levels or inducing insulin resistance, suggesting a targeted mechanism for adipose tissue regulation in research models.

Scientific AbstractPMID 26578461 · 2016

The analysis of low-molecular-mass peptides in doping controls has become a mandatory aspect in sports drug testing and, thus, the number of samples that has to be tested for these analytes has been steadily increasing. Several peptides <2 kDa with performance-enhancing properties are covered by the list of prohibited substances of the World Anti-Doping Agency including Desmopressin, LH-RH, Buserelin, Triptorelin, Leuprolide, GHRP-1, GHRP-2, GHRP-3, GHRP-4, GHRP-5,GHRP-6, Alexamorelin, Ipamorelin, Hexarelin, ARA-290, AOD-9604, TB-500 and Anamorelin. With the presented method employing direct urine injection into a liquid chromatograph followed by ion-mobility time-of-flight mass spectrometry, a facile, specific and sensitive assay for the aforementioned peptidic compounds is provided.

The accomplished sensitivity allows for limits of detection between 50 and 500 pg/mL and thus covers the minimum required performance level of 2 ng/mL accordingly. The method is precise (imprecision <20%) and linear in the estimated working range between 0 and 10 ng/mL. The stability of the peptides in urine was tested, and -20°C was found to be the appropriate storage temperature for sports drug testing.

Finally, proof-of-concept was shown by analysing elimination study urine samples collected from individuals having administered GHRP-6, GHRP-2, or LHRH.

Mechanistic Research SummaryCurated from PubMed

This data is for laboratory research purposes only. Not for human or animal consumption.

What is AOD-9604?

AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide analog (<2 kDa) classified as a prohibited substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) due to its performance-enhancing properties. It is routinely monitored in sports drug testing protocols through advanced mass spectrometry methods.

Mechanism of Action

AOD-9604 functions as a growth hormone secretagogue that modulates endocrine signaling pathways. The peptide is designed to stimulate selective biological responses associated with growth hormone-related pathways while maintaining a low molecular weight profile, making it a target for detection in anti-doping analyses.

Observed Laboratory Results

  • Detection Sensitivity: Limits of detection achieved between 50–500 pg/mL, exceeding WADA's minimum required performance level (MRPL) of 2 ng/mL
  • Analytical Linearity: Method demonstrated linear response across the working range of 0–10 ng/mL with imprecision <20%, meeting precision standards for quantitative analysis
  • Urine Stability: AOD-9604 remained stable in urine samples stored at −20°C, establishing the appropriate storage temperature for sports drug testing protocols and forensic analysis

Testing Method Context

The liquid chromatography–ion-mobility time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-IM-TOF-MS) platform enables simultaneous detection of multiple prohibited peptides including GHRP-2, GHRP-6, LHRH, and related growth hormone-releasing peptides (GHRPs), with proof-of-concept validation through elimination study analysis in human urine samples.

Clinical Research Parameters
4 human studies

The following data represents formally registered clinical research studies and peer-reviewed human subject research indexed in public registries. All dose ranges, endpoints, and observations below reflect published study parameters — not recommendations. For research reference only.

All data presented on this page is for laboratory research purposes only. AOD-9604 is referenced here as a research reagent. This page does not constitute medical advice, clinical guidance, or endorsement of any compound for human or animal use. All referenced studies are available via PubMed (PMID: 26578461) and the DOI-linked journal publication. Researchers must consult applicable institutional and regulatory frameworks before conducting any protocols.