MOLECULAR INFORMATION
Molecular information
- Type
- Synthetic fragment of HGH (residues 176-191) · purported lipolytic agent
AOD-9604 is a synthetic fragment of the C-terminus of human growth hormone (residues 176-191), originally developed by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals (Australia) as an oral lipolytic agent. Clinical development was discontinued after Phase 2b failed to demonstrate weight loss versus placebo.
Claims vs evidence
- Targeted fat loss — heavily promoted in fitness circles; the human Phase 2b trial did not support the claim
- “Anti-obesity without HGH side effects” — mechanistically attractive but not borne out clinically
Why we grade it D
The Phase 2b read-out was negative for the primary weight-loss endpoint, and the sponsor discontinued development. Continues to be marketed via grey channels on the strength of the original animal data alone. Not authorised by any major regulator.