Appearance & Body Composition Peptides | Research Compounds
Body composition and appearance research peptides cover melanogenesis, skin ECM remodelling, adipose lipolysis, and metabolic body composition — each through mechanistically distinct pathways. QSC supplies the full range at ≥99% purity with domestic shipping to five regions.
6
Body composition research compounds
MC1R/MC4R
Melanotan II receptor targets
Beta-3
AOD-9604 / HGH Frag lipolysis pathway
≥99%
HPLC purity — all compounds
Research Compounds in This Category
QSC supplies six appearance and body composition research compounds covering melanogenesis, skin biology, fat metabolism, and GLP-1R-mediated body composition:
Adipose research: four mechanistically distinct lipolytic tools
For fat metabolism research, QSC supplies four compounds with non-overlapping mechanisms: AOD-9604 and HGH Fragment 176-191 (beta-3 adrenergic lipolysis, GH-receptor-independent), 5-Amino-1MQ (NNMT inhibition, adipogenesis suppression, metabolic reprogramming), and orforglipron (GLP-1R-mediated appetite suppression and body composition). Parallel arms using all four in a DIO rodent model provides the full mechanistic landscape of fat reduction.
Melanotan II is a synthetic analog of alpha-MSH (alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone) that activates melanocortin receptors, primarily MC1R (melanogenesis — skin pigmentation and UV protection) and MC4R (appetite suppression, sexual function, energy balance). Research applications include melanogenesis and photoprotection models, melanocortin receptor pharmacology, pigmentation biology, and appetite-regulating MC4R axis studies.
What is the difference between AOD-9604 and HGH Fragment 176-191?
HGH Fragment 176-191 is the natural C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone (residues 176-191). AOD-9604 is a modified version of this fragment with an additional N-terminal tyrosine. Both activate lipolysis via the beta-3 adrenergic receptor pathway without activating the GH receptor — providing adipose-selective fat metabolism effects without systemic GH-like effects. The additional tyrosine in AOD-9604 modestly improves stability and bioavailability vs native Fragment 176-191.
What does GHK-Cu do in skin research?
GHK-Cu (glycine-histidine-lysine copper tripeptide) activates fibroblasts to upregulate collagen and elastin synthesis, stimulates angiogenesis in wound healing models, reduces MMP (matrix metalloproteinase) expression that degrades extracellular matrix, and activates antioxidant defence systems. In skin research, it is studied for wound healing acceleration, anti-ageing dermatology mechanisms, and ECM remodelling biology.
Can GLP-1 peptides like orforglipron be used in body composition research?
Yes. GLP-1R agonists produce significant body fat reduction through appetite suppression and metabolic effects. Orforglipron is particularly useful for oral GLP-1R agonism research in body composition models where injection stress confounds are a concern. For the full GLP-1 peptide category including semaglutide, tirzepatide, and retatrutide, see the GLP-1 Peptides category page.
QSC quality standard — every compound, every batch
≥99% Purity
HPLC verified — full chromatogram in COA
MS Identity
Molecular weight confirmed every batch
Janoshik COA
Independent third-party — publicly verifiable
Direct Manufacture
Fmoc SPPS in-house — Qingdao facility
5-Region Shipping
Domestic: USA · EU · UK · Canada · Australia
Research Use Only: All products sold on qsc-eu.com are intended strictly for laboratory research purposes only. They are not approved for human consumption, veterinary use, or any other application.
