Detailed Explanation
AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide consisting of the last 16 amino acids (176–191) of human growth hormone (hGH), with a tyrosine residue added at the beginning. It was developed to isolate hGH's fat-metabolizing activity from its growth-promoting and diabetogenic effects.
The peptide was originally developed by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals in Australia and went through early clinical trials showing some evidence of fat loss without affecting blood sugar or growth. However, it failed to reach statistical significance in Phase IIb/III trials for obesity and development was discontinued for that indication. It was later approved in Australia by the TGA as a food supplement ingredient.
AOD-9604 is believed to work by mimicking the way natural growth hormone regulates fat metabolism — stimulating lipolysis (fat breakdown) and inhibiting lipogenesis (fat formation) — without activating the full growth hormone receptor. In the peptide therapy community, it remains a subject of interest, though its clinical evidence base is limited compared to peptides like semaglutide or tirzepatide.
Key Facts
- Fragment of human growth hormone: amino acids 176–191 + Tyr
- Designed to separate fat metabolism from growth effects
- Failed Phase IIb/III clinical trials for obesity
- Does not affect blood sugar or IGF-1 levels in studies
- Not FDA-approved as a drug
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