What is AOD-9604?
AOD-9604 (Advanced Obesity Drug 9604) is a modified fragment of human growth hormone consisting of the last 15 amino acids of the GH molecule (amino acids 177-191), plus a tyrosine at the N-terminus. It was developed specifically to isolate the fat-burning effects of growth hormone without the growth-promoting and diabetogenic effects.
Developed at Monash University in Australia, AOD-9604 represents an attempt to create a targeted anti-obesity treatment based on GH pharmacology.
Note: AOD-9604 completed Phase 2 clinical trials but was not approved by FDA. It has GRAS status for use in foods. This information is for educational purposes.
Development History
Origins
AOD-9604 was developed to address the observation that growth hormone promotes fat loss but also has unwanted effects:
- Muscle growth
- Blood sugar elevation
- Growth promotion
By using just the C-terminal fragment, researchers aimed to isolate lipolytic effects.
Clinical Development
- Phase 1/2 trials for obesity conducted
- Did not achieve primary endpoints in Phase 2b
- Development discontinued for obesity indication
- Later received GRAS status (food applications)
Molecular Profile
Structure
Modification of hGH fragment 177-191:
Tyr-Leu-Arg-Ile-Val-Gln-Cys-Arg-Ser-Val-Glu-Gly-Ser-Cys-Gly-Phe
Molecular Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C78H123N23O23S2 |
| Molecular Weight | ~1815 Da |
| CAS Number | 221231-10-3 |
Mechanism of Action
Proposed Lipolytic Mechanism
AOD-9604 is thought to work by:
- Mimicking GH's fat-burning domain
- Stimulating lipolysis (fat breakdown)
- Inhibiting lipogenesis (fat formation)
- Without affecting IGF-1 levels
- Without affecting blood glucose
What It Doesn't Do
Unlike full GH:
- No growth promotion
- No IGF-1 increase
- No blood sugar effects
- No effect on other GH pathways
Research Findings
Preclinical Data
Animal studies showed:
- Reduced body fat
- No effect on growth
- No effect on IGF-1
- Apparent lipolytic activity
Clinical Trials
Phase 2 trials for obesity:
- Some weight loss observed
- Did not meet primary efficacy endpoints
- Safety profile acceptable
- Development discontinued for obesity
Current Status
- Not approved as drug
- GRAS status for food applications
- Available as research compound
- Interest continues in fitness/research communities
Comparison with Fragment 176-191
| Aspect | AOD-9604 | Fragment 176-191 |
|---|---|---|
| Sequence | 177-191 + Tyr | 176-191 |
| N-terminus | Tyrosine added | Native sequence |
| Stability | May be enhanced | Standard |
| Research | More clinical data | Less human data |
Safety Profile
Clinical Trial Observations
- Generally well-tolerated
- No significant safety signals
- No GH-like side effects
- No blood sugar issues
Summary
AOD-9604 represents an innovative approach to targeting specific GH effects. While clinical development for obesity was discontinued, it remains of research interest.
Key Points:
- Classification: Modified hGH C-terminal fragment
- Purpose: Isolate fat-burning effects of GH
- Clinical Status: Completed Phase 2, not approved
- Current Status: GRAS for food; research compound