AOD-9604 and MOTS-c are two distinct research peptides that are frequently studied, and frequently searched, in the same metabolic-research context. This page compares their verified chemical identity and the preclinical research models in which each appears. It does not compare human outcomes and does not recommend either compound for any use; both are supplied strictly as research materials.
AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide fragment derived from the C-terminal region of human growth hormone (residues 176-191), with a tyrosine added at the N-terminus. In preclinical literature it is studied as a hGH-fragment tool compound in cell and animal metabolic-research models.
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA region. It is studied in preclinical research as a regulatory peptide of cellular metabolism, most often in AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling and metabolic-homeostasis models.
Both are supplied as lyophilized powders that are water-soluble on reconstitution.
Side-by-side comparison (verified research properties)
| Property | AOD-9604 | MOTS-c |
|---|---|---|
| Compound class | hGH (176-191) fragment analog | Mitochondrial-derived peptide |
| CAS number | 221231-10-3 | Not consistently registered (see note) |
| PubChem CID | 71300630 | 176489569 (also 146675088) |
| Molecular formula | C78H123N23O23S2 | C101H152N28O22S2 |
| Molecular weight | ~1815.1 g/mol | ~2174.6 g/mol |
| Length | 16 residues (hGH 176-191 + N-terminal Tyr) | 16 residues |
| Sequence | YLRIVQCRSVEGSCGF | MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR |
| Parent origin | C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone | Encoded in mitochondrial 12S rRNA |
| Primary research models | hGH-fragment metabolic / lipolysis-pathway models | AMPK signaling, cellular-metabolism models |
| Physical form | Lyophilized powder | Lyophilized powder |
Data verified against PubChem (CID 71300630 and 176489569) and corroborating references. A discrete CAS number is not consistently registered for MOTS-c; it is identified by formula, sequence, and PubChem CID.
How they differ in the research
The two compounds are studied through different mechanistic lenses in the preclinical record:
- Biological origin. AOD-9604 is derived from a fragment of the human growth hormone sequence (residues 176-191) with an added N-terminal tyrosine; MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA region.
- Structure. Both are 16-residue peptides, but they share no sequence homology and have distinct molecular formulas and weights (AOD-9604 ~1815.1 g/mol; MOTS-c ~2174.6 g/mol). AOD-9604 contains two cysteine residues; the sequences are otherwise unrelated.
- Research-model emphasis. AOD-9604 is studied as an hGH-fragment tool compound in metabolic / lipolysis-pathway cell and animal models. MOTS-c is most often examined for its association with AMPK-pathway signaling and cellular-metabolism endpoints, including nuclear-translocation studies under metabolic stress.
- Overlap. Both appear in metabolic-research literature, which is why researchers reference them together. Any overlap is in the research models studied, not in established human effects. There are no large controlled human trials establishing either compound for a therapeutic use, and neither is an FDA-approved drug.
These mechanisms are described strictly in in vitro and animal research contexts; they are not established human-use mechanisms.
QuestionsFrequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between AOD-9604 and MOTS-c?
AOD-9604 is a synthetic 16-residue peptide derived from the human growth hormone fragment 176-191 plus an N-terminal tyrosine (C78H123N23O23S2, ~1815.1 g/mol), studied in metabolic / lipolysis-pathway research models. MOTS-c is a 16-residue mitochondrial-derived peptide (C101H152N28O22S2, ~2174.6 g/mol) studied for AMPK-pathway and cellular-metabolism signaling. They share no sequence homology and differ in origin, formula, and research models.
Are AOD-9604 and MOTS-c studied together?
They are frequently referenced together in metabolic-research literature. Any association is within research-model contexts only; there are no controlled human trials establishing combined use, and neither is approved for human use.
Which is the larger molecule, AOD-9604 or MOTS-c?
MOTS-c is larger by molecular weight (~2174.6 g/mol) than AOD-9604 (~1815.1 g/mol), although both are 16-residue peptides.
Do AOD-9604 and MOTS-c come from the same source?
No. AOD-9604 is derived from a fragment of human growth hormone (residues 176-191); MOTS-c is encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA region. They are biologically and structurally distinct.
Are AOD-9604 or MOTS-c approved for human use?
No. Neither AOD-9604 nor MOTS-c is an FDA-approved drug, and neither is intended for human consumption. Both are offered strictly as research compounds for laboratory use.
For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not approved by the FDA. 21+
- HPLC + MS tested, every batch
- U.S. synthesized
- Batch COA on the product page
