AOD-9604 – Technical Brief (Research-Use-Only)
1. Identity
AOD-9604 (“Anti-Obesity Drug 9604”) is a 15-amino-acid fragment of human growth hormone corresponding to residues 176-191 (sequence Tyr-Leu-Arg-Ile-Val-Gln-Cys-Arg-Ser-Val-Glu-Gly-Ser-Cys-Gly-Phe). It was engineered to isolate hGH’s lipolytic domain while eliminating growth-promoting interaction with the GH receptor, thus avoiding IGF-1 elevation or anabolic effects A B.
2. Mechanistic Highlights
1. Lipolysis activation – Mimics hGH’s fat-mobilising signal, raising cAMP and triggering hormone-sensitive lipase to break down stored triglycerides C A.
2. Inhibition of lipogenesis – Suppresses acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity, reducing formation of new adipocytes C.
3. GH-receptor sparing – Lacks affinity for the full GH receptor, so it does not boost IGF-1 or promote tissue growth, differentiating it from recombinant hGH therapy A.
4. Metabolic neutrality – Early human studies report no meaningful effect on fasting glucose or insulin sensitivity, supporting its “fat-specific” profile C.
3. Safety Profile (clinical context)
GI/ Systemic
(Common) Mild headache or injection-site irritation in some volunteers
(Severe/Rare) None reported to date in short-term studies, Most trials ≤12 weeks
Endocrine:-
(Common) No IGF-1 rise, no changes in fasting glucose
(Severe/Rare) N/A — Distinguishes it from hGH C
Overall:-
(Common) Well-tolerated at 0.25–1.0 mg kg⁻¹ orally or up to 10 mg day⁻¹ s.c. in Phase I/II trials
(Severe/Rare) Mixed efficacy; long-term data lacking - Safety not established for uncontrolled human use
4. Legal Position in the United Kingdom
• AOD-9604 is not scheduled under the Misuse of Drugs Act and is uncontrolled.
• When supplied strictly “FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY – NOT FOR HUMAN OR VETERINARY USE,” it remains outside the scope of the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.
• Any marketing or supply that implies weight-loss or therapeutic benefit reclassifies it as a medicinal product, bringing it under MHRA licensing and enforcement.
5. Practical Laboratory Handling
Reconstitution: use sterile 0.9 % Benzyl alcohol Bacteriostatic water, 1–3 mL⁻¹; swirl gently—avoid vigorous shaking.
• Storage: aliquot, −80 °C long term; ≤ 30 days at −20 °C once re-suspended.
• Typical exploratory dosing (rodent): 250-500mcg subcutaneously, Daily..
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Bottom line
AOD-9604 is a GH-fragment peptide that targets fat metabolism without the growth-stimulating liabilities of full-length hGH. In the UK it may be purchased, possessed, and used exclusively as a laboratory research reagent; any promotion or use outside that remit contravenes medicines legislation.