AOD-9604 5mg

Overview

AOD-9604 (Anti-Obesity Drug 9604) is a synthetic 16-amino acid peptide corresponding to the C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone (amino acids 176-191), with a tyrosine residue substituted at the N-terminus for structural stabilization. It contains a disulfide bridge between cysteine residues at positions 7 and 14 that is critical to its three-dimensional conformation and biological activity. Originally developed by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals Ltd. in Australia during the 1990s, AOD-9604 was designed to isolate the lipolytic properties of growth hormone without its growth-promoting, diabetogenic, or IGF-1-stimulating effects. Unlike full-length GH, AOD-9604 does not bind the GH receptor -- it appears to act through a distinct mechanism involving beta-3 adrenergic receptor signaling in adipose tissue.

Primary Research Areas

• Lipid metabolism -- stimulation of lipolysis (triglyceride hydrolysis into free fatty acids and glycerol) in isolated adipocyte models, with concurrent inhibition of lipogenesis (de novo fatty acid synthesis)
• Adipose tissue biology -- selective fat metabolism modulation without affecting glucose homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, or IGF-1 levels -- distinguishing it from full-length GH administration
• Beta-3 adrenergic signaling -- receptor-mediated lipolytic pathways in white adipose tissue, including studies using beta-3 AR knockout mouse models
• Cartilage and joint biology -- emerging research examining chondrocyte activity, proteoglycan synthesis, and articular cartilage repair potential
• Body composition research -- multi-tissue metabolic effects in diet-induced obesity models without lean mass or bone density perturbation

AOD-9604 completed six human clinical trials involving over 900 participants, providing substantial safety and pharmacokinetic data. It has received GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status from the FDA for use as a food ingredient.