AOD-9604: The Science Behind the Fat-Burning Peptide(Evolve)
AOD-9604, short for "Anti-Obesity Drug-9604," is a synthetic peptide derived from the C-terminal region of human growth hormone (hGH), specifically amino acids 177–191. This fragment was modified to enhance its stability and lipolytic (fat-burning) properties without the growth-promoting effects associated with full-length hGH. The addition of a tyrosine residue at the N-terminus further increases its stability.(Swolverine, American Medical Wellness, Core Peptides)
Mechanism of Action
AOD-9604 functions by stimulating lipolysis—the breakdown of fats—and inhibiting lipogenesis—the formation of new fat. It achieves this by upregulating beta-3 adrenergic receptors (β3-AR) in adipose tissue, which play a crucial role in fat metabolism. Studies have shown that AOD-9604 increases the expression of β3-AR RNA in obese mice, leading to enhanced lipolytic sensitivity. (Core Peptides, Swolverine, PubMed)
Importantly, AOD-9604 does not stimulate insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) production, distinguishing it from full-length hGH and reducing the risk of unwanted anabolic effects. (American Medical Wellness)
Benefits of AOD-9604
1. Fat Reduction Without Muscle Loss
Clinical trials have demonstrated that AOD-9604 can promote weight loss. In a 12-week randomized clinical trial, participants receiving 1 mg/day of AOD-9604 experienced an average weight loss of 2.8 kg compared to 0.8 kg in the placebo group. (REGENX HEALTH MAIN)
2. No Impact on Blood Sugar or IGF-1 Levels
Unlike hGH, AOD-9604 does not adversely affect blood glucose levels or insulin sensitivity. This makes it a safer alternative for individuals concerned about glucose metabolism. (weightlossandvitality.com)
3. Potential Joint and Cartilage Support
Preliminary in vitro studies suggest that AOD-9604 may promote cartilage and bone repair by enhancing the differentiation of adipose mesenchymal stem cells into bone and promoting proteoglycan and collagen production. (Annals of Clinical & Laboratory Science)
Considerations and Regulatory Status
Despite promising results, AOD-9604 is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight loss treatment. Currently, AOD-9604 is available for research purposes and is used off-label in some wellness clinics. Its use in sports has been controversial, leading to its inclusion on the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) prohibited list. (Research Compound, Wikipedia)
Conclusion
AOD-9604 represents a targeted approach to fat loss, leveraging specific sequences of hGH to stimulate fat metabolism without the broader effects of the full hormone. While early studies are encouraging, further research is necessary to fully understand its efficacy and safety profile. Individuals considering AOD-9604 should consult healthcare professionals and consider current regulatory guidelines.(American Medical Wellness)
References:
-
Heffernan M, 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)
-
Ng FM, et al. "Metabolic studies of a synthetic lipolytic domain (AOD9604) of human growth hormone." Horm Res. 2000. (PubMed)
-
"AOD9604." Wikipedia. (Wikipedia)
-
"Effect of Intra-articular Injection of AOD9604 with or without Hyaluronic Acid in a Rabbit Model of Osteoarthritis." Annals of Clinical and Laboratory Science. (Annals of Clinical & Laboratory Science)