AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide derived from the C-terminal region of human growth hormone. It was developed primarily as an investigational compound for obesity and fat metabolism, based on the hypothesis that the lipolytic activity of growth hormone could be separated from its growth-promoting effects. AOD-9604 is designed to influence fat metabolism without producing the broader effects associated with full-length growth hormone.
Key Points
Full name: AOD-9604
Alternative descriptions: hGH fragment 176–191 analogue; Tyr-hGH(177–191)
Class: Growth-hormone C-terminal fragment analogue
Primary research area: Obesity and lipid metabolism
Proposed action: Investigated for effects on lipolysis and fat metabolism.
Growth-hormone activity: Developed with the intention of retaining proposed fat-metabolism activity while avoiding many of the growth-promoting effects of full-length growth hormone.
Clinical evidence: Human evidence has not demonstrated a clinically meaningful weight-loss benefit. A randomized Phase 2b study did not show a statistically significant difference in body weight compared with placebo.
Regulatory status: AOD-9604 is not an FDA-approved drug for weight loss or another therapeutic indication.
Safety: Long-term safety and immunogenicity data remain limited, particularly for subcutaneous or transdermal use. FDA review materials noted insufficient evidence to support long-term use for obesity.
Research status: Investigational/unapproved.
Specifications
Peptide sequence: YLRIVQCRSVEGSCGF
Length: 16 amino acids
Molecular formula:C₇₈H₁₂₃N₂₃O₂₃S₂ (free base)
Molecular weight: Approximately 1,815.1 g/mol
CAS number:221231-10-3
Structure: Contains an intramolecular disulfide bond between two cysteine residues.
Acetate form: Molecular weight approximately 1,875.1 g/mol, with formula C₈₀H₁₂₇N₂₃O₂₅S₂.
Routes studied: Oral administration has been evaluated clinically; subcutaneous administration has been investigated in research settings.
Approved therapeutic dose: None established.
Approved indication: None.
Important: AOD-9604 should not be considered an established weight-loss treatment. Claims regarding substantial fat loss or body-composition improvement exceed the strength of current clinical evidence.
