Monash University Research Group
Melbourne, Australia
Original synthesis and characterization of AOD-9604 as a hGH fragment.
AOD-9604 is a synthetic 16-amino acid fragment of human growth hormone (residues 177–191) engineered to isolate the lipolytic, fat-clearing effects of hGH while eliminating somatogenic and diabetogenic side effects. Originally developed at Monash University in the early 1990s, it produced strong preclinical and early-human data before a Phase IIb trial failed to demonstrate statistically significant weight loss. Research continues in osteoporosis contexts.
Mechanism of action
- Mimics the C-terminal lipolytic domain of hGH without binding the GH receptor.
- Stimulates fat oxidation and inhibits lipogenesis in adipose-tissue models.
- Lacks the IGF-1 / glucose-handling effects associated with full-length hGH.
Research highlights
- Developed at Monash University in the early 1990s.
- Listed in PubChem (CID 71300630) with full structural data.
- Phase IIb obesity trial did not reach the primary efficacy endpoint, redirecting research focus.