AOD-9604

AOD-9604 (Anti-Obesity Drug 9604) is a synthetic peptide corresponding to the C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone, specifically amino acids 177-191 with a tyrosine residue added at the N-terminus. This modification isolates the lipolytic (fat-burning) activity of growth hormone while eliminating its growth-promoting, diabetogenic, and IGF-1-elevating effects, making it a focused tool for body composition research. AOD-9604 stimulates lipolysis by mimicking the way natural growth hormone regulates fat metabolism, activating beta-3 adrenergic receptors on adipocytes and enhancing fatty acid oxidation without affecting blood sugar levels or promoting cell proliferation. In preclinical studies, AOD-9604 reduced body fat in obese animal models without the adverse metabolic effects associated with full-length growth hormone administration. The peptide has also shown promise in cartilage repair research, with studies demonstrating stimulation of proteoglycan and collagen synthesis in chondrocytes. AOD-9604 received Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status from the FDA for use as a food supplement ingredient.