MECHANISM OF ACTION
AOD-9604 is a small piece snipped from the end of human growth hormone. Researchers at Monash University discovered that this specific fragment carries the fat-burning signal but not the growth signal. It works by switching on the fat-breakdown process (called lipolysis) inside fat cells. Crucially, it does not raise IGF-1 (a growth factor that builds muscle) or mess with blood sugar levels, two side effects associated with full growth hormone. It reached phase IIb/III clinical trials for obesity before the research programme was wound down.
RESEARCH APPLICATIONS
- Adipose tissue lipolysis and fat mass reduction models
- Selective fat metabolism without anabolic or diabetogenic effects
- Obesity pharmacotherapy research (Metabolic Pharmaceuticals data)
- Body composition recomposition research stacks (with Tesamorelin, MOTS-C)
- GH fragment comparative pharmacology
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
Selective Lipolysis Without IGF-1 Elevation
2001Multiple studies confirm AOD-9604 stimulates lipolysis in fat cells via β3-adrenergic pathway without triggering GHR-mediated IGF-1 production - distinguishing it from GH itself.
Ref: Heffernan et al., Endocrinology
Phase IIb Obesity Trial Data
200424-week RCT (n=300+) demonstrated significant reduction in body fat percentage vs. placebo, with no adverse metabolic effects (fasting glucose, insulin sensitivity unchanged).
Ref: Metabolic Pharmaceuticals ASX
RESEARCH PROTOCOL NOTES
Chemical Identity
Sequence
Tyr-Leu-Arg-Ile-Val-Gln-Cys-Arg-Ser-Val-Glu-Gly-Ser-Cys-Gly-Phe
Storage & Stability
Lyophilised: 2–8°C or -20°C. Reconstituted: 2–8°C, 28 days. More stable than many larger GH-related peptides.
Regulatory Status
Received GRAS (Generally Recognised As Safe) status from FDA for use as a food ingredient. Not approved as an injectable pharmaceutical. Not a GH secretagogue - does not bind GHR or elevate IGF-1. WADA: not explicitly listed on the prohibited list. SAHPRA: unscheduled research compound.