AOD-9604 — Published Research

The C-terminal fragment of human GH (residues 177–191) was identified through structure-function studies as a region involved in lipolytic activity. Unlike full-length GH, the fragment does not bind to the GH receptor (GHR), does not stimulate IGF-1 production, and does not induce longitudinal bone growth. Research suggests the fragment may interact with beta-3 adrenergic receptors on adipocytes or act through an as-yet-unidentified receptor distinct from GHR. The lipolytic domain is conformationally distinct from the somatogenic (growth-promoting) domains of GH. Research compound — not for human use.

Ng FM et al. “Metabolic studies of a synthetic lipolytic domain (AOD9604) of human growth hormone.” Horm Res. 2000. PubMed

In vitro studies using 3T3-L1 adipocytes demonstrated that AOD-9604 stimulated lipolysis (glycerol release) and inhibited lipogenesis (fatty acid incorporation into triglycerides). The anti-lipogenic effect appears to involve suppression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase and fatty acid synthase enzyme activities. In obese mouse models, chronic AOD-9604 administration did not alter IGF-1 levels or glucose/insulin homeostasis markers, consistent with its lack of GHR binding. Research compound — not for human use.

Heffernan MA et al. “The effects of human GH and its lipolytic fragment (AOD9604) on lipid metabolism following chronic treatment in obese mice and beta(3)-AR knock-out mice.” Endocrinology. 2001. PubMed

Preclinical safety characterization of AOD-9604 included standard genotoxicity assays (Ames test, chromosomal aberration assay, micronucleus test), all of which showed no mutagenic activity. Chronic administration studies in rodent models monitored hematology, clinical chemistry, and IGF-1 levels to confirm the absence of GH-like somatogenic activity. The safety data support AOD-9604’s classification as a non-GHR-binding peptide fragment. Research compound — not for human use.

Stier H et al. “Safety of AOD9604, a Synthetic Peptide Fragment of Human Growth Hormone, in a Comprehensive Safety Assessment.” J Obesity Eating Disord. 2019. J Obes Eat Disord