The Chemical Identity of AOD-9604
AOD-9604 is the short-form name for a synthetic peptide originally investigated for its potential to treat obesity. As a modified fragment of the human growth hormone (hGH) protein, its more descriptive names reveal its specific chemical structure and function. The most common alternative names include:
- Tyr-hGH Fragment 176-191: This name accurately describes its composition. It is a fragment of hGH, specifically amino acids 177 through 191, with an added tyrosine (Tyr) molecule at the N-terminal end for stability.
- GH Fragment 176-191: This is a more general term for the same peptide, referring to the specific amino acid sequence derived from the growth hormone molecule.
- Lipotropin: Some sources refer to AOD-9604 as lipotropin, though this is a less precise term. Lipotropin is a hormone that causes lipolysis, but the name is also used colloquially to describe the fat-burning effects of AOD-9604.
- H-Tyr-Leu-Arg-Ile-Val-Gln-Cys(1)-Arg-Ser-Val-Glu-Gly-Ser-Cys(1)-Gly-Phe-OH: This is the full, detailed chemical name that outlines the specific amino acid sequence and modification.
These names highlight its origins and intended purpose, helping to differentiate it from the full human growth hormone and other peptides used in research and wellness contexts.
Origins and Development of AOD-9604
The story of AOD-9604 begins in Australia during the 1990s when Professor Frank Ng at Monash University pioneered its development. The goal was to create an anti-obesity drug that could harness the fat-reducing (lipolytic) properties of hGH without the growth-promoting and metabolic side effects associated with the full hormone. Researchers sought to isolate the specific part of the hGH molecule responsible for fat metabolism, leading to the creation of the peptide fragment AOD-9604.
Clinical trials followed in the early 2000s to test its effectiveness and safety. Initial findings from animal studies and early human trials showed some promise, with one 12-week human study reporting an average weight loss of 2.6 kg in the treatment group compared to 0.8 kg in the placebo group. However, later, more extensive 24-week trials failed to replicate significant, statistically relevant results, leading to the termination of the drug's development in 2007.
Mechanism of Action and Clinical Research Findings
AOD-9604's mechanism of action involves influencing fat metabolism in two key ways:
- Stimulating Lipolysis: The peptide is designed to promote the breakdown of stored fat into usable energy. Research suggests it may increase the sensitivity of lipolytic receptors in fat cells.
- Inhibiting Lipogenesis: It also aims to suppress the formation of new fat, preventing the conversion of non-fat food materials into body fat.
Unlike full hGH, AOD-9604 was engineered not to significantly impact insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels, which avoids potential side effects related to blood sugar regulation and excessive tissue growth.
Clinical findings, while initially promising, were ultimately mixed. Here is a summary of key research observations:
- Animal Studies: In genetically obese animal models, AOD-9604 successfully reduced body weight and increased lipolytic activity in adipose tissues without negatively affecting glucose metabolism.
- Early Human Trials: Some short-term human studies indicated modest fat reduction and a good safety profile.
- Later Human Trials: A longer-term (24-week) study showed insignificant weight loss compared to placebo, leading to the cessation of clinical development for obesity.
- Regenerative Potential: Some early research explored other potential applications, including bone and cartilage repair, though these studies are less conclusive.
AOD-9604 vs. Other Peptides for Weight Management
To understand where AOD-9604 fits into the landscape of peptide-based therapies, it is helpful to compare it with other well-known options. Here is a comparison of AOD-9604 with peptides that have different mechanisms and clinical histories:
| Peptide | Primary Mechanism | Key Difference from AOD-9604 | Regulatory Status | WADA Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AOD-9604 | Mimics hGH fragment to stimulate fat metabolism | Directly targets fat metabolism, minimal impact on IGF-1 | Not FDA-approved for weight loss; research chemical | Prohibited |
| Tesamorelin | GHRH analog that stimulates hGH release | Promotes GH release more effectively; FDA-approved for HIV lipodystrophy | FDA-approved for specific indication | Prohibited |
| CJC-1295 | GHRH analog that increases hGH release | Raises hGH levels, affecting overall body composition | Unapproved; research chemical | Prohibited |
| Semaglutide | GLP-1 receptor agonist affecting appetite | Regulates appetite and blood sugar, not a GH fragment | FDA-approved for weight loss | Not listed as prohibited |
Regulatory Status and Safety Considerations
Despite its past clinical testing and continued presence in certain wellness circles, it is crucial to understand the regulatory status and limitations of AOD-9604:
- Not FDA-Approved: AOD-9604 is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a prescription medication for weight loss or any other therapeutic purpose. Its development was terminated due to a lack of sufficient efficacy.
- Research Chemical Status: The peptide is often sold as a "research chemical," which means it is not intended for human consumption. The use of such unregulated compounds can carry risks related to quality control, dosing accuracy, and contamination.
- WADA Prohibition: The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has classified AOD-9604 as a prohibited substance for competitive athletes due to its status as a non-approved peptide hormone.
- Safety Profile: While clinical trials showed a generally good safety and tolerability profile compared to placebo, these studies were limited in duration. The long-term safety of unregulated AOD-9604 is not known. Some conflicting information exists, with sources incorrectly claiming FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status, which is not accurate for its intended use as a fat-loss drug.
Conclusion
In summary, the question of "What is another name for AOD-9604?" has several answers, including the specific chemical designations like Tyr-hGH Frag 176-191 and the functional, yet less specific, term lipotropin. This peptide was developed as a promising anti-obesity drug by isolating a fragment of the human growth hormone, but its clinical journey was cut short in 2007 due to underwhelming results in large-scale human trials. Today, AOD-9604 is not a government-approved medication and is classified as a prohibited substance in competitive sports. Its continued availability in unregulated markets underscores the importance of exercising caution and seeking evidence-based alternatives for weight management under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. More information on the peptide can be found on resources like Wikipedia's entry on AOD9604.
