The short version of hGH fragment fits in a sentence. The long version — which is the one that helps — is below.
This page was last updated on 2026-08-01 and is reviewed periodically as new material appears.
AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide whose sequence is modeled on the C-terminal region of human growth hormone. Published descriptions commonly place it as a modified fragment corresponding to hGH amino acids 176–191, with a tyrosine residue added or retained at the N-terminus to support detection and handling. It is not intact growth hormone and lacks the full receptor-binding architecture of the parent protein. The molecule was developed as a research candidate for metabolic studies rather than as a replacement for growth hormone therapy. Its identity is defined by its amino acid sequence rather than by any single commercial preparation.
AOD-9604 drew attention in the 1990s and 2000s as a potential anti-obesity agent. Early work explored both injectable and oral routes, which is unusual for a peptide of this size. Animal studies reported changes in fat metabolism without the growth-promoting or insulin-like effects associated with full-length growth hormone. Subsequent human trials produced mixed or modest results, and the compound did not obtain regulatory approval for weight management in major markets. It remains known mainly through research literature, sports anti-doping listings, and non-approved supplement advertising.
AOD-9604 is prohibited in sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency under the peptide hormone class. Its presence in a sample can be detected through mass spectrometry-based methods, although the exact assay depends on the laboratory. In research settings, material is often supplied as a lyophilized powder for reconstitution. Buyers and researchers should note that products labeled AOD-9604 may vary in purity and actual peptide content. Analytical certificates and independent testing are common ways to verify identity, but no global harmonized standard exists for all commercial lots.
Regulatory bodies have taken different approaches to AOD-9604. It is not approved as a prescription medicine by major agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the European Medicines Agency. In sport, the World Anti-Doping Agency prohibits peptide hormones, growth factors, and related substances, and AOD-9604 has been treated as a prohibited substance. These regulatory decisions reflect concerns about safety, efficacy, and potential misuse rather than proof of benefit.
Research on AOD-9604 also examines how the peptide is measured in biological samples. Analytical methods may include liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, immunoassays, or both. Detection can be challenging because the peptide is small and may be present at low concentrations. Published methods vary in sensitivity and specificity, so comparative interpretation requires attention to validation details. The presence of related hGH fragments can complicate identification in some matrices.
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular class | Synthetic peptide | Fragment analog of human growth hormone |
| Sequence basis | hGH 176–191 region | Modified C-terminal fragment |
| Common synonyms | AOD-9604; AOD9604; hGH fragment | Research and trade names vary |
| Regulatory status | Not approved as a drug | Prohibited in competitive sport |
| Research code | AOD9604 | Used in scientific and patent literature |
AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide whose sequence matches the C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone, specifically residues 176 through 191. This region differs from the full hormone in its receptor interactions. The peptide is not a growth hormone secretagogue and does not bind the growth hormone receptor in the same manner. Researchers have examined it for effects on lipid metabolism, but its exact pharmacological profile remains an active area of study.
Development of AOD-9604 began in the 1990s as scientists sought to isolate metabolic effects of growth hormone without its growth-promoting actions. Early laboratory work focused on fat cells and animal models. Several human trials followed, examining changes in body composition and fat mass. Results have been mixed, and the peptide has not progressed to widespread clinical approval. Interest continues in research settings, particularly regarding its mechanism and potential metabolic targets.
Regulatory status varies by country. In the United States, AOD-9604 is not approved as a prescription drug. It is sometimes sold as a research chemical or dietary supplement, though such marketing may fall outside legal frameworks. The World Anti-Doping Agency prohibits its use in sport. Researchers must obtain it through legitimate suppliers and follow institutional rules. Its legal classification continues to evolve as authorities increasingly assess peptide products more broadly.
AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide modeled on the C-terminal region of human growth hormone. It is often described as hGH fragment 176-191. Research interest arose because it was designed to isolate possible effects on fat metabolism from other actions of growth hormone. It is not a full growth hormone molecule. Its development history includes early laboratory and animal studies followed by human trials. The peptide has been examined in laboratory, animal, and limited human studies.
The compound has been studied as a potential treatment for obesity and related metabolic conditions. Published trials have examined changes in body weight, fat mass, and safety markers over limited durations. Results have been mixed or modest, and no large-scale outcome trials are established. Regulatory agencies in several countries have not approved it as a therapeutic drug. Some commercial products have been marketed outside regulated pharmaceutical channels, which raises questions about quality and claims.
In the scientific literature, AOD-9604 appears in reviews of growth hormone fragments and in discussions of peptide-based metabolic research. Some sources distinguish it from growth hormone itself, while others group it with compounds marketed for weight management. The evidence base is small compared with approved obesity medications. Questions about long-term efficacy and clinical relevance remain open, and independent replication of key findings is limited. Most published reports are early-stage and exploratory.
Ronald E. Blaylock, Managing Partner of GenNx360 Capital Partners Albert Bourla, CEO of Pfizer Mortimer J. Buckley, former CEO of The Vanguard Group Sue Desmond-Hellmann, former CEO of The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Joseph J. Echevarria, former CEO of Deloitte LLP Scott Gottlieb, former Commissioner of the FDA Helen Hobbs, Professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Susan Hockfield, 16th President of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Dan Littman, professor of Molecular Immunology at New York University Shantanu Narayen, CEO of Adobe Suzanne Nora Johnson, former Vice Chairman of Goldman Sachs James Quincey, CEO of The Coca-Cola Company James C. Smith, former CEO of Thomson Reuters Cyrus Taraporevala, former president and CEO of State Street Global Advisor
=== Russia === The use of ractopamine in Russia is prohibited. On 6 June 2011, the Russian Ministry of Agriculture notified key meat import/exporters in Russia of a future prohibition of ractopamine in meat imported to Russia. On 7 December 2012, the prohibition went into force, and pork and beef export to Russia required submission of compliance certificates confirming absence of ractopamine in exported meat.
He also said that the government would also target 86 more people and companies connected to President Putin, including people who were "actively undermining the impact of existing sanctions". Sunak said that the new sanctions were made to ensure Russia paid "a price for its illegal activity" and urged other G7 countries to follow suit. The United States also announced that it would tighten export controls to Russia, particularly with regard to militarily important goods, and impose nearly 300 new sanctions against targets linked to Russia. Canada also imposed sanctions on targets linked to the Russian military, relatives of listed persons, members of the Kremlin elite, and those involved in human rights violations. In response to these sanctions, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced a ban on entry into the country on 500 Americans including former President Barack Obama, comedians Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel and Seth Meyers, Senators JD Vance, Katie Britt and Eric Schmitt, former US Ambassador Jon Huntsman Jr., presumptive Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Q. Brown Jr. and several journalists of CNN. Also included were officials involved in the prosecution of participants in the United States Capitol attack in 2021. It also continued to deny US consular access to detained journalist Evan Gershkovich in retaliation for the blocking of entry to Russian journalists during Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov's visit to the UN in New York in April 2023.
Acute coronary syndrome, e.g., NSTEMI Atrial fibrillation Deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (both prevention and treatment) Other thrombotic states and conditions Cardiopulmonary bypass for heart surgery ECMO circuit for extracorporeal life support Hemofiltration Indwelling central or peripheral venous catheters Heparin and its low-molecular-weight derivatives (e.g., enoxaparin, dalteparin, tinzaparin) are effective in preventing deep vein thromboses and pulmonary emboli in people at risk, but no evidence indicates any one is more effective than the other in preventing mortality. In angiography, 2 to 5 units/mL of unfractionated heparin saline flush is used as a locking solution to prevent the clotting of blood in guidewires, sheaths, and catheters, thus preventing thrombus from dislodging from these devices into the circulatory system . Unfractionated heparin is used in hemodialysis. Compared to low-molecular-weight heparin, unfractionated heparin does not have prolonged anticoagulation action after dialysis and is low cost. However, the short duration of action for heparin would require it to maintain continuous infusion to maintain its action. Meanwhile, unfractionated heparin has higher risk of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
=== Impact === A study in 2015 found that alcohol and tobacco use combined resulted in a significant health burden, costing over a quarter of a billion disability-adjusted life years. Illicit drug use caused tens of millions more disability-adjusted life years. According to The Lancet, 'four industries (tobacco, unhealthy food, fossil fuel, and alcohol) are responsible for at least a third of global deaths per year'. In 2024, the World Health Organization published a report including these figures. Many Native Americans in the United States have been harmed by, or become addicted to, drinking alcohol. Qualitative analysis reveals that the alcohol industry likely misinforms the public about the dangers of alcohol, similar to the tobacco industry. The alcohol industry influences alcohol policy and health messages, including those for schoolchildren.
Sub-sub-series R850-R852/12B/26142 - Standardisation of Biological Products - UN Geneva archives Sub-sub-series R6214-R6216/8E/2887 - Permanent Commission on Biological Standardisation - UN Geneva archives Bulletin of the Health Organization, volumes 6–11 - National Library of Scotland
Former fighters have told the media that the pills helped them overcome their fear. Doctors report that the drug has dangerous side effects, including psychosis and brain damage. According to former fighters, hundreds became addicted to the pills they were given by brigade leaders without knowing what they were taking. Fenethylline use was associated with the rise of jihadist group ISIS. One 19-year-old fighter named Kareem, who said he fought alongside ISIS for more than a year, told CNN in 2014: "They gave us drugs, hallucinogenic pills that would make you go to battle not caring if you live or die." In February 2023, Israel's Ministry of Defense claimed to have thwarted an attempt to smuggle thousands of fenethylline tablets from the West Bank into the Gaza Strip. Hamas claimed it had seized 50,000 fenethylline pills on the border, and claimed Israel was attempting to dope Gaza. Israel has publicly stated that fenethylline was used during the October 7 attacks, but this has been doubted by Caroline Rose, director of New Lines Institute's Strategic Blind Spots Portfolio. Israeli forces said they had found fenethylline-containing tablets, powder, and liquid on the bodies of the attackers. Rose said that she had never seen fenethylline made in liquid form. While precursor chemicals for fenethylline tend to be in powdered form, she said, fenethylline itself is not commonly a powder.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
No. It is a synthetic peptide fragment modeled on part of human growth hormone, not the full hormone. It does not contain the complete sequence or receptor-binding regions of hGH.
It was investigated in clinical trials for obesity, but it did not receive approval for that use in major markets. Results were generally modest or mixed, and it remains an experimental compound.
WADA lists it as a prohibited peptide hormone. Its use can be detected by laboratory methods, and athletes are subject to sanctions if it is found in samples.
No. It is not approved as a therapeutic drug by major regulators. It is sold for research purposes in many settings, which is not the same as clinical approval.