AOD-9604
Also known as: Anti-Obesity Drug 9604, HGH Fragment 176-191
AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone (amino acids 176-191) that has been studied for its effects on fat metabolism without the growth-promoting effects of full GH.
AOD-9604 Overview & Molecular Profile
AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide fragment derived from the C-terminus of human growth hormone (amino acids 176-191). Developed at Monash University in Australia, it was designed to have the fat-reducing effects of GH without the growth-promoting activities. The peptide has been studied in clinical trials for obesity and has received regulatory approval in Australia for osteoarthritis treatment.
Mechanism of Action: Receptor Agonism & Metabolic Pathways
AOD-9604 is believed to mimic the lipolytic (fat-burning) region of GH while lacking the IGF-1 stimulating effects. It stimulates lipolysis (fat breakdown) and inhibits lipogenesis (fat formation) without affecting blood sugar or tissue growth. The peptide interacts with beta-3 adrenergic receptors and modulates fat cell metabolism.
Research-Observed Effects
Fat Metabolism
Extensive research demonstrates AOD-9604's significant effects on fat metabolism optimization through stimulation of lipolysis (fat breakdown) and inhibition of lipogenesis (fat formation) in adipose tissue without the diabetogenic effects associated with full growth hormone. Preclinical studies have documented up to 50% increase in fat oxidation rates in treated animals, with preferential mobilization of fatty acids from visceral adipose depots that are metabolically most harmful. The peptide interacts with beta-3 adrenergic receptors on adipocytes, triggering hormone-sensitive lipase activation and subsequent release of free fatty acids for oxidation. Research has shown that AOD-9604's lipolytic mechanism does not stimulate IGF-1 production or cause insulin resistance, distinguishing it from growth hormone's metabolic profile and making it particularly relevant for obesity research in insulin-resistant populations. These fat metabolism enhancement properties have positioned AOD-9604 as a valuable research compound for studying targeted fat reduction mechanisms, metabolic syndrome interventions, and development of anti-obesity therapeutics that avoid the adverse metabolic effects of traditional growth hormone therapy.
Cartilage Repair
Research has revealed AOD-9604's unexpected regenerative properties in cartilage tissue, leading to Australian regulatory approval for osteoarthritis treatment applications and expanding its research profile beyond metabolic indications. Studies demonstrate the peptide promotes chondrocyte proliferation and proteoglycan synthesis in articular cartilage, with in vitro research showing increased production of type II collagen and aggrecan, the primary structural components of healthy cartilage matrix. Animal models of osteoarthritis have documented reduced cartilage degradation scores, improved joint function, and decreased inflammatory markers following AOD-9604 treatment regimens. The peptide appears to modulate cartilage metabolism through pathways distinct from its fat-metabolizing mechanisms, potentially involving direct effects on chondrocyte growth factor receptors and matrix metalloproteinase activity regulation. These cartilage regeneration properties have generated significant interest in orthopedic research applications including knee osteoarthritis treatment, joint preservation strategies, and understanding mechanisms of cartilage repair for sports medicine applications.
Selective GH Effects
One of AOD-9604's most significant research advantages is its selective reproduction of growth hormone's fat-reducing properties without stimulating the growth-promoting or diabetogenic effects that limit full GH therapeutic applications. Clinical studies have confirmed that AOD-9604 administration does not significantly elevate IGF-1 levels, avoiding the tissue growth stimulation and potential cancer-promoting concerns associated with chronic GH therapy. Research demonstrates the peptide maintains neutral effects on fasting glucose and insulin sensitivity, making it suitable for obesity research in populations with pre-existing metabolic dysfunction or diabetes risk. Studies comparing AOD-9604 to full growth hormone have shown equivalent lipolytic efficacy in adipose tissue with markedly reduced systemic hormonal effects, validating the fragment's selectivity for fat metabolism pathways. These selective action properties have established AOD-9604 as an important research tool for dissecting growth hormone's diverse biological effects and developing targeted metabolic therapies with improved safety profiles for long-term weight management research.
Bone Metabolism Effects
Emerging research suggests AOD-9604 may have beneficial effects on bone metabolism, potentially related to the same regenerative mechanisms underlying its cartilage repair properties. Preliminary studies have documented effects on osteoblast activity and bone mineral density in animal models, suggesting the peptide fragment retains some of growth hormone's anabolic effects on skeletal tissue while avoiding growth plate stimulation. Research indicates AOD-9604 may enhance bone turnover markers and improve bone strength parameters in osteoporosis models, though the mechanisms remain under investigation. The peptide's effects on bone appear distinct from its metabolic actions, potentially involving direct receptor interactions on bone-forming cells or indirect effects through calcium and phosphorus metabolism. These bone health properties have expanded AOD-9604's research applications to include osteoporosis prevention studies, bone healing optimization research, and understanding the relationship between fat metabolism and skeletal health.
Research Dosing Information
Clinical trials have used various dosages, typically in the 250-500 mcg range administered subcutaneously. Oral formulations have also been studied.
Note: Dosing information is provided for research reference only and is based on published studies using research subjects. This is not a recommendation for any use.
Research Studies & References
Safety and tolerability of single and multiple ascending doses of AOD9604
Stier CT Jr, Teich S, et al. (2004). Obesity Research
This Phase I clinical trial established the safety and tolerability profile of AOD-9604 in healthy human volunteers, providing essential data for subsequent obesity treatment studies. The double-blind, placebo-controlled study administered single doses ranging from 25-800 mcg and multiple ascending doses over 7 days, monitoring for adverse events, vital signs, and laboratory parameters throughout treatment and follow-up periods. Results demonstrated excellent tolerability with no serious adverse events attributed to AOD-9604, and no significant changes in glucose metabolism, IGF-1 levels, or other growth hormone-related parameters that would indicate systemic hormonal effects. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed rapid absorption following subcutaneous administration with dose-proportional exposure, informing optimal dosing strategies for subsequent efficacy trials. The study confirmed AOD-9604's favorable safety profile and established the foundation for Phase II/III clinical trials investigating its efficacy for fat metabolism optimization and weight management.
AOD9604 potently stimulates lipolysis in human adipocytes
Heffernan MA, Jiang WJ, et al. (2001). International Journal of Obesity
This mechanistic study investigated AOD-9604's direct effects on fat cell metabolism using isolated human adipocytes from both subcutaneous and visceral fat depots, establishing the peptide's lipolytic mechanism of action. Researchers demonstrated that AOD-9604 significantly stimulated glycerol release (a marker of fat breakdown) in a dose-dependent manner, with effects comparable to the lipolytic action of full growth hormone. Importantly, the study revealed that AOD-9604's effects were mediated through beta-3 adrenergic receptor pathways, distinct from the growth hormone receptor, explaining its selective metabolic actions without IGF-1 stimulation. Analysis showed that visceral adipocytes responded more strongly to AOD-9604 treatment than subcutaneous fat cells, supporting preferential effects on metabolically harmful abdominal fat deposits. These findings provided crucial mechanistic evidence supporting AOD-9604's development as a targeted fat metabolism research compound and obesity treatment candidate.
Regenerative effects of AOD9604 on cartilage: A preclinical study
Metabolic Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (2010). Journal of Orthopaedic Research
This pivotal preclinical study evaluated AOD-9604's chondroprotective and regenerative effects in established animal models of osteoarthritis, leading to regulatory approval for joint health applications. Researchers induced osteoarthritis in sheep through surgical destabilization and administered intra-articular AOD-9604 injections over 12 weeks, assessing cartilage integrity through histological scoring, biochemical analysis, and MRI imaging. Results demonstrated significant protection against cartilage degradation with improved modified Mankin scores, increased proteoglycan content, and preservation of cartilage thickness compared to control animals. The study documented enhanced chondrocyte viability and reduced inflammatory markers in synovial fluid, suggesting both protective and regenerative mechanisms of action. These findings established the scientific basis for AOD-9604's regulatory approval in Australia for osteoarthritis treatment and opened new research directions exploring the peptide's broader applications in joint health and musculoskeletal regeneration.
Comparative Research
Explore in-depth research analyses and comparative studies featuring AOD-9604.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ipamorelin
C38H49N9O5
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