AOD-9604

clinical trials

Also known as: hGH Fragment 177-191 (modified)

**Mechanism of Action:** AOD-9604 is a synthetic modified peptide corresponding to amino acids 177–191 of the C-terminal region of human growth hormone (hGH). Unlike full-length hGH, it selectively stimulates lipolysis by activating hormone-sensitive lipase in adipose tissue via a cAMP-dependent pathway, without binding to the growth hormone receptor. This design avoids the insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) release and anti-insulin effects associated with native hGH, thereby preventing growth-promoting or glycemic side effects. **Key Research Findings:** Preclinical studies demonstrate that AOD-9604 reduces body weight and fat mass in rodent models of obesity, with enhanced lipid mobilization from visceral and subcutaneous depots. In clinical trials, phase II studies reported modest reductions in waist circumference and body fat percentage in overweight adults over 12–24 weeks, though results were not consistently superior to placebo. Notably, the peptide did not alter glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, or IGF-1 levels, confirming its metabolic specificity. However, larger phase III trials have not been completed, and long-term safety data remain limited. **Clinical Relevance:** AOD-9604 is investigated as a potential adjunct for weight management, particularly for reducing abdominal adiposity without the systemic risks of hGH therapy. Its lack of mitogenic activity suggests a favorable safety profile for non-growth applications. However, current evidence is insufficient to support routine clinical use, and regulatory approval has not been granted in major markets. Further robust, long-term trials are needed to establish efficacy and safety in diverse populations. For research purposes only — not medical advice.

Key data

Category
Metabolic & Weight
Molecular weight
1815.1 g/mol
Molecular formula
C78H123N23O23S2
CAS number
221231-10-3
Administration
subcutaneous, oral
Research status
clinical trials
References
11
Tags
gh-fragment, fat-loss

Research & studies

Detecting peptidic drugs, drug candidates and analogs in sports doping: current status and future directions
Expert review of proteomics · 2014 · PubMed

Detection methods cover low, intermediate, and high molecular mass peptidic compounds.; Common biological specimens include blood, serum, and urine.; A gap remains between advanced detection techniques and daily analytical implementation.

Analytical approaches for the detection of emerging therapeutics and non-approved drugs in human doping controls
Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis · 2014 · PubMed

The number and diversity of performance-enhancing substances is growing due to new pharmaceuticals and black-market designer drugs.; Analytical strategies for detecting doping agents in blood or urine include chromatographic-mass spectrometric and alternative methods.; Substances covered include peptidic (e.g., modified IGF-1, TB-500, growth hormone releasing peptides) and non-peptidic (e.g., SARMs, HIF stabilizers, siRNA) compounds, plus cobalt.; Detection approaches must consider physicochemical properties, concentration levels, and metabolism of each substance.

Obesity drugs in clinical development
Current opinion in investigational drugs (London, England : 2000) · 2006 · PubMed

Centrally-acting drugs include radafaxine, rimonabant, APD-356, and oleoyl-estrone.; Peripheral satiety signal drugs target GLP-1 (exenatide, liraglutide), PYY, and amylin.; Novel lipase inhibitors cetilistat and GT-389255 block fat absorption.; AOD-9604, a human growth hormone fragment, increases adipose tissue breakdown.

Frequently asked questions

What is AOD-9604?

**Mechanism of Action:** AOD-9604 is a synthetic modified peptide corresponding to amino acids 177–191 of the C-terminal region of human growth hormone (hGH). Unlike full-length hGH, it selectively stimulates lipolysis by activating hormone-sensitive lipase in adipose tissue via a cAMP-dependent pathway, without bindin

How does AOD-9604 work?

Modified C-terminal hGH fragment designed to stimulate lipolysis without growth-promoting or glycemic effects.

What is the research status of AOD-9604?

AOD-9604 is currently classified as clinical trials, with 11 research references on record. This is for research purposes only and is not medical advice.

What is the molecular weight of AOD-9604?

AOD-9604 has a molecular weight of approximately 1815.1 g/mol (formula C78H123N23O23S2).

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