Does AOD-9604 raise IGF-1 like full GH?

No. The 176-191 fragment was specifically engineered to retain the lipolytic effects of GH while not activating the GH receptor's classic signaling cascade — so IGF-1 is not elevated and the GH-axis feedback loops aren't engaged.

MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded by the mitochondrial genome (the 12S rRNA region). It's one of the first identified "mitochondrial-derived peptides" and acts as a signaling molecule for nutrient stress, activating AMPK and modulating insulin sensitivity.

What's the purity spec?

Both AOD-9604 and MOTS-c are HPLC verified at ≥98% with mass-spec confirmation. COAs are included.

Metabolic Research Protocol

Adipose biology and metabolic signaling

Overview

AOD-9604 + MOTS-c. Adipose lipolysis at the cell level paired with mitochondrial-derived peptide signaling at the systemic level.

What's in This Stack

Each compound ships individually with its own Certificate of Analysis.

AOD 9604 5mg — The engineered lipolytic GH fragment — 16 amino acids retaining selective fat-burning activity without IGF-1 stimulation, with Phase IIb human trial data supporting its metabolic research profile. — $58.00 USD
MOTS-C 10mg — The mitochondrial genome peptide — translocates to the cell nucleus under metabolic stress to activate AMPK, improve insulin sensitivity, and mimic the metabolic benefits of exercise. — $54.99 USD

Research Rationale

Adipose biology and energy metabolism are most informative when studied through complementary mechanisms. AOD-9604 isolates the lipolytic effect of GH(176-191) without engaging the GH receptor signaling cascade — a clean probe for adipocyte fat metabolism. MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open-Reading-frame of the Twelve S rRNA-c) is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded by the mitochondrial genome that activates AMPK and signals nutrient-stress responses.

Synergistic Mechanism

AOD-9604 acts directly on adipocyte lipolysis. MOTS-c acts upstream at the mitochondrial-to-nuclear signaling layer. Together they let researchers probe adipose biology at two distinct levels: the local adipocyte (AOD-9604) and the systemic metabolic-stress response (MOTS-c). The combination is useful for studies of obesity models, exercise metabolism, and metabolic flexibility.

Protocol Details

Components: AOD-9604 (5mg) + MOTS-c (10mg)
Storage: Lyophilized at -20°C. Reconstituted at 2-8°C, use within 30 days
Verification: Each compound independently HPLC verified ≥98% purity
Documentation: Individual COA for each compound included

Key References

AOD-9604: lipolytic activity of human GH C-terminal fragment — Heffernan et al., 2001
MOTS-c: mitochondrial-encoded peptide regulating insulin sensitivity — Lee et al., 2015
AMPK activation by MOTS-c in skeletal muscle — Reynolds et al., 2021
GH(176-191) fragment specificity — lipolysis without GH-axis activation — Ng et al., 2002

Frequently Asked Questions

Does AOD-9604 raise IGF-1 like full GH?: No. The 176-191 fragment was specifically engineered to retain the lipolytic effects of GH while not activating the GH receptor's classic signaling cascade — so IGF-1 is not elevated and the GH-axis feedback loops aren't engaged.
What is MOTS-c?: MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded by the mitochondrial genome (the 12S rRNA region). It's one of the first identified "mitochondrial-derived peptides" and acts as a signaling molecule for nutrient stress, activating AMPK and modulating insulin sensitivity.
What's the purity spec?: Both AOD-9604 and MOTS-c are HPLC verified at ≥98% with mass-spec confirmation. COAs are included.