Is AOD-9604 banned by WADA?
AOD-9604 is not specifically listed on the WADA Prohibited List as of the most recent published updates. The compound’s relationship to the WADA framework is nuanced — it is a 16-amino-acid synthetic fragment of human growth hormone but pharmacologically distinct from full-length hGH and from the broader GH-axis compounds covered by the WADA Section S2 framework.
What the research literature says
The Orlovius analytical work documented that AOD-9604 does not influence the WADA hGH isoform immunoassay (PMID 24124033) — the test designed to detect full-length human growth hormone use does not produce a positive signal from AOD-9604 administration. The Cox detection and in-vitro metabolism work (PMID 25208511) characterised the compound’s analytical signature in anti-doping contexts.
The compound’s position on the WADA Prohibited List has been the subject of interpretation in research and anti-doping discussions because the underlying compound class — synthetic fragments of human growth hormone — sits adjacent to the WADA Section S2 (Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics) framework. The interpretation has historically been that AOD-9604 does not fall under the Section S2 scope based on its mechanistic distinction from full-length hGH.
The Wilding drug-evaluation review covers the broader clinical-pharmacology framework that anchors AOD-9604’s pharmacological characterisation (PMID 15134286). Researchers working in anti-doping-relevant research contexts should consult the most current WADA Prohibited List directly rather than relying on summary characterisations.
Why this matters in research context
The WADA status question is a recurring inquiry for researchers working in sports-medicine, anti-doping, or analytical-chemistry contexts. AOD-9604’s specific position depends on the most current WADA Prohibited List interpretation; researchers should verify with the WADA framework directly rather than relying on third-party summaries. The published anti-doping analytical work (Orlovius, Cox) provides the underlying technical basis for the WADA-detection-framework analysis.
Related compounds
- AOD-9604 5mg — the compound covered by this answer
Related research questions
References
- Wilding J. AOD-9604 Metabolic. Curr Opin Investig Drugs 2004;5(4):436-439. [PMID 15134286]
- Orlovius AK et al. AOD-9604 does not influence the WADA hGH isoform immunoassay. Drug Test Anal 2013;5(11-12):850-852. [PMID 24124033]
- Cox HD et al. Detection and in vitro metabolism of AOD9604. Drug Test Anal 2015;7(1):31-38. [PMID 25208511]
Research-questions pages describe research-context use of peptide-research terminology. They do not constitute medical, veterinary, or clinical advice. AOD-9604 is sold strictly as a research-grade reagent for laboratory and bench research applications.