16AA Phase II Terminated

AOD-9604

A synthetic hGH C-terminal fragment studied for fat metabolism; passed Phase IIa but failed Phase IIb efficacy endpoints in humans.

In Plain English: AOD-9604 is a 16-amino acid synthetic peptide built from the tail end of human growth hormone (residues 177–191) with an extra tyrosine added. Scientists engineered it to carry only hGH's fat-burning signal—inhibiting new fat formation and stimulating fat breakdown—without triggering the growth-promoting or blood-sugar-disrupting effects of the full hormone. Six Phase II clinical trials in 900+ people confirmed a clean safety profile, but the large pivotal trial (536 participants, 24 weeks) found no statistically significant weight loss over placebo, ending pharmaceutical development in 2007. Research now continues in cartilage repair and as a GRAS nutraceutical ingredient.

Research Maturity Phase II Terminated (21 PubMed-indexed papers; 6 completed Phase II RCTs (900+ participants, 2001–2007)+ Studies)

Quick Facts

Focus

Body Composition Metabolic Signaling

Route

Oral SubQ

Origin

Synthetic analog of human growth hormone C-terminal fragment (hGH 177-191) with N-terminal Tyr addition; developed by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals, Melbourne, Australia.

Mechanism

Stimulates lipolysis and inhibits lipogenesis in adipose tissue via beta-3 adrenergic receptor upregulation and direct non-GHR pathways; does not bind GH receptor, does not elevate IGF-1, and preserves insulin sensitivity.

Outcome

Fat oxidation, body weight (preclinical and early-phase human); cartilage regeneration (rabbit OA model); no effect on IGF-1, glucose tolerance, or hGH isoform immunoassay.

Safety Flags & Warnings

WADA Prohibited (S2) Phase IIb Efficacy Failure Injection Site Reactions

Always consult a licensed physician. Research purposes only.

AOD-9604

Safety Flags & Warnings

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