Description of AOD-9604

A synthetically produced peptide AOD-9604 consists of 15 amino acids. It is a derived fragment of human growth hormone (fragment 176-191) known mainly for its lipolytic qualities, thanks to which it can perfectly stimulate body fat burning without negative side effects that are mainly perceived by using common weight loss drugs. Studies have shown that it has very good tolerability and safety, thus the immune system does not form any antibodies against the AOD-9604 peptide. Another great benefit seems to be that blood sugar levels are not affected. However, several studies have also shown that chronic treatment with AOD-9604 had no adverse effect on insulin sensitivity of researched animals. So, the peptide does not appear to affect IGF-1 or insulin levels at all.

Now we would like to bring you closer to the effects of the peptide, which have been researched and confirmed in studies.

Research Confirmed Effects

1. AOD-9604 in Obesity Problems and Fat Burning

AOD-9604 as a lipolytic fragment of HGH was developed and thereafter studied most of all for its effective fat burning functions and as a potential anti-obesity drug. Demonstration of these qualities was realized by several clinical studies both in animals and humans. Obese rats which were treated with AOD-9604 for 19 days reduced their body weight over 50% and the lipolytic activity of their adipose tissues increased.

Another research in mice was studying treatment effects of human GH and AOD-9604 in weight loss for 14 days. One mechanism which could lead to these properties was suggested to be the binding of beta-3-adrenergic receptors located on white fat and thus increasing the rate of metabolism in fat cells. Even though the peptide can increase the expression of the major lipolytic fat cell receptor, this probably has only some secondary function in fat loss. The study showed that even mice lacking these receptors showed fat loss after administration of AOD-9604.

Most obesity drugs may suppress appetite or food absorption, but only few actually stimulate fat metabolism like the peptide AOD-9604, which has also been tested as an obesity drug in humans. Clinical trials testing the drug on 300 obese patients in Australia once a day for 12 weeks tripled the weight loss compared to a placebo. It was also shown that the rate of weight loss remained stable during the trial period. The patients used six different doses: 0 mg (placebo), 1 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg. Finally, the weight lost by the group using the 1 mg dose was slightly more than that achieved by the world's largest selling prescription obesity medication in similar trials over the same period, without its troublesome side effects.

2. AOD-9604 For Joint Function and Pain

Another benefit which could be potentially derived from AOD-9604 and was researched is the matter of joint function and pain relief. The research study carried out this time in rats assumed the application of AOD-9604 injections directly into the arthritic joints of the animals. The conclusion was that injections using ultrasound guidance enhanced cartilage regeneration, and combined AOD-9604 plus hyaluronic acid (HA) injections were much more effective. The effectiveness of AOD-9604 in treating the underlying cause of osteoarthritis was demonstrated by changes in the gross clinical examination as well as changes in the microscopic structure of the cartilage in the affected joints. AOD-9604 can thus be effective not only as a treatment, but also as a prevention. And while it works well on its own, it seems to work better when combined with other beneficial compounds such as HA. Further research on the peptide may thus reveal new pathways to improve cartilage growth and regeneration.

3. Heart Disease and AOD-9604

Reducing body fat and weight is directly related to reducing the risk of heart disease. Therefore AOD-9604 can have beneficial effects on heart function in addition to its fat-burning effects. Some evidence suggests that AOD-9604 has beneficial effects on the heart even beyond its ability to reduce fat burden. It is believed that this peptide may directly affect metabolism and reduce complications independent of its effects on obesity.

References

1. F. M. Ng, J. Sun, L. Sharma, R. Libinaka, W. J. Jiang, and R. Gianello, "Metabolic studies of a synthetic lipolytic domain (AOD9604) of human growth hormone," Horm. Res., vol. 53, no. 6, pp. 274–278, 2000.
2. H. Stier, E. Vos, and D. Kenley, "Safety and Tolerability of the Hexadecapeptide AOD9604 in Humans," J. Endocrinol. Metab., vol. 3, no. 1–2, pp. 7-15–15, Apr. 2013.
3. "Obesity drug codenamed AOD9604 highly successful in trials," News-Medical.net, 16-Dec-2004.
4. M. Heffernan et al., "The Effects of Human GH and Its Lipolytic Fragment (AOD9604) on Lipid Metabolism Following Chronic Treatment in Obese Mice and β3-AR Knock-Out Mice," Endocrinology, vol. 142, no. 12, pp. 5182–5189, Dec. 2001.
5. D. R. Kwon and G. Y. Park, "Effect of Intra-articular Injection of AOD9604 with or without Hyaluronic Acid in Rabbit Osteoarthritis Model," Ann. Clin. Lab. Sci., vol. 45, no. 4, pp. 426–432, Jul. 2015.
6. M. D. Jensen, "Potential role of new therapies in modifying cardiovascular risk in overweight patients with metabolic risk factors," Obes. Silver Spring Md, vol. 14 Suppl 3, pp. 143S-149S, Jun. 2006.