AOD-9604 5mg

AOD 9604 is a synthetic peptide fragment derived from the C‑terminal region of human growth hormone (hGH) — specifically the sequence around amino acids 176–191, with an added N‑terminal tyrosine to improve stability. 

• It’s a hexadecapeptide (16 amino acids in total).  
• Designed to mimic the fat‑mobilizing (lipolytic) region of hGH while excluding the growth‑promoting effects associated with full‑length growth hormone.  
• Not an FDA‑approved drug — its clinical development was discontinued, and it remains classified as a research compound.  

⚙️ How It Works (Mechanism of Action)

🔹 Promotes Fat Breakdown (Lipolysis)

AOD 9604 appears to enhance lipolysis — the breakdown of stored triglycerides into free fatty acids — partly by increasing β3‑adrenergic receptor expression in adipose (fat) cells and activating downstream signaling pathways. 

🔹 Inhibits Fat Formation (Lipogenesis)

It also downregulates lipogenesis, the biochemical process that converts other substrates into fat, helping to shift metabolism toward fat utilization instead of storage. 

🔹 Selective Metabolic Effect (Non‑Hormonal)

Importantly, AOD 9604 does not bind to the growth hormone receptor, does not elevate IGF‑1 levels, and lacks the broad hormonal effects of hGH — meaning it doesn’t trigger the typical anabolic (growth) cascade. 

🔹 Other Pathways

Some research suggests additional effects like increased overall energy expenditure and potential direct metabolic actions in fat cells beyond classic β3 pathways, though mechanisms aren’t fully defined.