If you have been reading about AOD-9604 and want a single page that covers the useful parts, this is it: definitions, context, how it is studied, and the questions that come up repeatedly.
Updated 2026-07-11. Numbers and descriptions here follow the published literature rather than marketing material.
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.
AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide modeled on the C-terminal region of human growth hormone. It corresponds to residues 176-191 of the 191-amino-acid hGH sequence. The fragment is not the full hormone and lacks the receptor-binding region associated with growth and metabolic effects of hGH. Researchers developed it to isolate a specific portion of hGH for study. Its exact sequence and length are often stated in peptide catalogs and patents.
The peptide is frequently described as a growth hormone fragment, although it is chemically distinct from full-length hGH. AOD-9604 contains 16 amino acids and includes two cysteine residues that can form an intramolecular disulfide bond. In solution, this structural feature can influence folding, aggregation, and stability. Published descriptions sometimes call it hGH 176-191 or AOD9604, with spacing and capitalization varying. Such naming differences can complicate literature searches, database entries, and product verification.
Researchers have studied the fragment in cell and animal models to understand its metabolic actions. Some experiments report effects on fat breakdown and fat storage pathways, but the underlying mechanism remains incompletely defined. AOD-9604 does not appear to stimulate the same broad growth hormone receptor signaling as full-length hGH. Whether its observed activities arise from direct receptor interactions or downstream metabolic changes is an open question. Results from different assays are not always consistent.
| 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 |
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.
Clinical development of AOD9604 included trials in people with obesity, but the results did not lead to approval as a prescription medicine in major markets. Interest later shifted to research settings and to unapproved products marketed for body composition. Regulatory agencies have questioned whether the peptide qualifies as a dietary ingredient, and some have issued warnings about its presence in supplements. Long-term human safety data are limited, and questions about efficacy, dosing, and target populations remain unresolved.
AOD9604 is a synthetic peptide modeled on the C-terminal region of human growth hormone. It corresponds to a short sequence near the end of the 191-amino-acid hormone, often described as residues 176–191 or a related fragment. Researchers designed it to separate metabolic effects from the growth-promoting actions of full-length growth hormone. Early work in the 1990s explored it as a candidate for weight and lipid disorders. It is not a naturally circulating hormone fragment produced in large amounts.
Laboratory studies have reported that AOD9604 can increase lipolysis and reduce lipid accumulation in fat cells. The precise molecular target remains uncertain, and the compound does not appear to activate the growth hormone receptor in the same way as full-length hGH. Proposed mechanisms include effects on beta-adrenergic signaling and enzymes involved in fatty acid synthesis, but these pathways are not firmly established. Because most evidence comes from cell and animal models, whether the same effects occur in humans is an open question.
== Formal oxidation states for pyrite, marcasite, molybdenite and arsenopyrite == From the perspective of classical inorganic chemistry, which assigns formal oxidation states to each atom, pyrite and marcasite are probably best described as Fe2+[S2]2−. This formalism recognizes that the sulfur atoms in pyrite occur in pairs with clear S−S bonds. These persulfide [−S−S−] units can be viewed as derived from hydrogen disulfide, H2S2. Thus pyrite would be more descriptively called iron persulfide, not iron disulfide. In contrast, molybdenite, MoS2, features isolated sulfide S2− centers and the oxidation state of molybdenum is Mo4+. The mineral arsenopyrite has the formula FeAsS. Whereas pyrite has [S2]2− units, arsenopyrite has [AsS]3− units, formally derived from deprotonation of arsenothiol (H2AsSH). Analysis of classical oxidation states would recommend the description of arsenopyrite as Fe3+[AsS]3−.
In the evening in Beijing, Trump arrived at Beijing Capital International Airport, where he was greeted by Chinese vice president Han Zheng, Chinese Ambassador to the US Xie Feng, Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, and US Ambassador to China David Perdue, as well as a military honor guard, a military band and around 300 Chinese students waving Chinese and American flags. Trump and his entourage then boarded a motorcade, which later arrived at the Four Seasons Beijing Hotel, while other members of the delegation would stay at the Kempinski Hotel Beijing Yansha Center.
HVEC's first product line targeted cancer treatment, an application that demonstrated the practical value of controlled particle acceleration for medicine. Between 1948 and 1969, the company manufactured compact 2-megavolt electron accelerators designed for hospital radiotherapy departments. These 8-foot-long generators could be operated by technicians and nurses, making radiation therapy accessible beyond major research hospitals. During their production run, 35 U.S. hospitals and eight hospitals abroad installed the machines for cancer treatment. The generators addressed significant limitations in available cancer treatments. Traditional radiotherapy relied on radium sources, which were expensive, scarce, and produced uncontrolled radiation that damaged healthy tissue surrounding tumors. Low-voltage (0.25 MV) x-ray devices were available, but lacked sufficient penetration to treat deep tumors and caused violent skin reactions. HVEC's 1- and 2-MV Van de Graaff accelerators generated artificial X-rays that could be precisely aimed and modulated, allowing physicians to target deep-seated tumors while minimizing exposure to surrounding organs. The beam energy could be adjusted to match tumor depth, and therapy could be spread across multiple sessions to reduce side effects. HVEC also supported medical research.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
== Production == The film was first announced in October 2014 as a live action adaptation of Dark Horse Comics' Polar, developed by Dark Horse Entertainment and Constantin Film. A spec script for the film by Jayson Rothwell was purchased. In October 2017, Mads Mikkelsen signed on to star in the film. In February 2018, Vanessa Hudgens, Katheryn Winnick and Matt Lucas joined the cast with Netflix onboard to distribute the film. Filming began early February 2018 in Orono, Ontario, Canada, and continued around February 23 in Toronto, Ontario, with Swedish director Jonas Åkerlund at the helm. Among various filming locations used was the residence of musician Deadmau5, for the opening scene. In September 2018, Deadmau5 announced that he was in the process of producing the film's original score. Netflix started streaming the film on January 25, 2019, with Deadmau5 releasing the soundtrack on the same day.
== Interactions == Serotonin syndrome may result from the combined use of dextromethorphan and serotonergic antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). The doses of dextromethorphan beyond those normally used therapeutically that can produce this effect are unknown. In any case, dextromethorphan should not be taken with MAOIs due to the possibility of this complication. Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur rapidly, due to a buildup of an excessive amount of serotonin in the body. Combining alcohol with dextromethorphan significantly increases the risk of overdose, according to the NIAAA. Compounds in grapefruit affect a number of drugs, including dextromethorphan, through the inhibition of the cytochrome P450 system in the liver, and can lead to excessive accumulation of the drug which both increases and prolongs effects. Grapefruit and grapefruit juices (especially white grapefruit juice, but also including other citrus fruits such as bergamot and lime, as well as a number of noncitrus fruits) generally are recommended to be avoided while using dextromethorphan and numerous other medications.
== Interactions == Sauvagine has been shown to interact with corticotropin releasing factor receptors 1 and 2, and (as with other CRF-related peptides) is also bound by the corticotropin-releasing factor binding protein.
==== The riddle in popular culture ==== In Jean Cocteau's retelling of the Oedipus legend, The Infernal Machine, the Sphinx tells Oedipus the answer to the riddle in order to kill herself so that she did not have to kill any more, and also to make him love her. He leaves without ever thanking her for giving him the answer to the riddle. The scene ends when the Sphinx and Anubis ascend back to the heavens. There are mythic, anthropological, psychoanalytic and parodic interpretations of the Riddle of the Sphinx, and of Oedipus's answer to it. Sigmund Freud describes "the question of where babies come from" as a riddle of the Sphinx.
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== External links == AGSD. - Association for Glycogen Storage Disease. A US-based non-profit, parent and patient oriented support group dedicated to promoting the best interest of all the different types of glycogen storage disease. AGSD-UK - Association for Glycogen Storage Disease (UK). A UK-based charity which helps individuals and families affected by Glycogen Storage Disease by putting people in contact, providing information and support, publishing a magazine and holding conferences, workshops, courses and family events. IamGSD - International Association for Muscle Glycogen Storage Disease. A non-profit, patient-led international group encouraging efforts by research and medical professionals, national support groups and individual patients worldwide. IPA - International Pompe Association. (Pompe Disease is also known as GSD-II). A non-profit, federation of Pompe disease patient's groups world-wide. It seeks to coordinate activities and share experience and knowledge between different groups. EUROMAC - EUROMAC is a European registry of patients affected by McArdle Disease and other rare neuromuscular glycogenoses. CoRDS - Coordination of Rare Diseases at Sanford (CoRDS) is a centralized international patient registry for all rare diseases. They work with patient advocacy groups, including IamGSD, individuals and researchers. CORD - Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders (CORD) is a Canadian national network for organizations representing all those with rare disorders.
== Pharmacokinetics == Many drugs follow the multi-compartment model. In other words, a drug may have a preference for a particular body compartment which will result in the majority of that drug to ultimately settle in that particular compartment. For highly polar drugs very little will be in the tissues of the body For highly lipophilic drugs majority of drug will be located in body tissues Initially, because the drug is given intravenously, the drug will distribute to the central compartment (i.e. circulation system). The drug (e.g. lipophilic drug) will move out of the central compartment and move into the peripheral compartments The movement from one compartment to another is influenced by passive diffusion (Moves from an area of high concentration to one with low concentration) A drug like fentanyl is very fat soluble. Initial doses ‘wear off’ relatively quickly because the drug redistributes to adipose tissue. However, if the infusion is ongoing then the peripheral compartment (body tissue) will have a large store of fentanyl The duration of infusion determines whether or not steady state was reached Once a drug enters the body, elimination and distribution begins. Initially the drug present in central compartment (i.e. circulation system) is being distributed into the tissues, and being eliminated At steady state, the concentration of free drug in the central compartment (i.e. circulation system) is equal to the concentration of free drug in the peripheral compartment (i.e.
Caffeine has been found to increase striatal dopamine in animal models, as well as inhibit the inhibitory effect of adenosine receptors on dopamine receptors, however the implications for humans are unknown. Unlike most stimulants, caffeine has no addictive potential. Caffeine does not appear to be a reinforcing stimulus, and some degree of aversion may actually occur, per a study on drug abuse liability published in a NIDA research monograph that described a group preferring placebo over caffeine. In large telephone surveys only 11% reported dependence symptoms. However, when people were tested in labs, only half of those who claim dependence actually experienced it, casting doubt on caffeine's ability to produce dependence and putting societal pressures in the spotlight. Coffee consumption is associated with a lower overall risk of cancer. This is primarily due to a decrease in the risks of hepatocellular and endometrial cancer, but it may also have a modest effect on colorectal cancer. There does not appear to be a significant protective effect against other types of cancers, and heavy coffee consumption may increase the risk of bladder cancer. A protective effect of caffeine against Alzheimer's disease is possible, but the evidence is inconclusive. Moderate coffee consumption may decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, and it may somewhat reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Drinking 1–3 cups of coffee per day does not affect the risk of hypertension compared to drinking little or no coffee.
There is great variation in the carbon isotope composition of amino acids within a single organism. In cyanobacteria, Macko et al. observed a ~30‰ range in δ13C values amongst the amino acids. Amino acids produced from the same precursors also had widely varying compositions. It is difficult to explain these trends because of limited data on the kinetic isotope effects associated with reactions that synthesize amino acid carbon skeletons. Nevertheless, some insights can be gained by applying the logic above to the reaction networks responsible for amino acid biosynthesis. Consider the amino acids synthesized from pyruvate. Pyruvate is produced during glycolysis and can be decarboxylated by pyruvate dehydrogenase to generate acetyl groups. These acetyl groups enter the citric acid cycle as acetyl-CoA or can be used to synthesize lipids. There is a large kinetic isotope effect associated with this reaction, so the remaining pyruvate pool becomes enriched in 13C relative to the acetyl groups. This enriched pyruvate can be transaminated to produce alanine. In the experiments by Macko et al., alanine indeed had a δ13C value slightly higher than that of cyanobacterial photosynthate. Valine is synthesized by the addition of a 13C depleted acetyl group to pyruvate. Consistent with this mechanism, Takano et al. found valine to be depleted in 13C relative to alanine in anaerobic methanotrophic archaea. However, in cyanobacteria, Macko et al. observed a higher δ13C value for valine than alanine.
The CoRR Hypothesis proposes that this co-location of genes with their gene products is required for redox regulation of gene expression, and accounts for the persistence of DNA in bioenergetic organelles.
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 a synthetic peptide fragment corresponding to a small portion of hGH. It is not the full 191-amino-acid hormone and does not reproduce all of hGH's effects.