Growth hormones are essential to certain bodily functions, including the development and initiation of bone growth. However, growth hormone has also demonstrated effects in maintaining body composition. For example, growth hormone is implicated in activating bone turnover, increasing body lean mass, and reducing adiposity. Likewise, growth hormones have been investigated in several pathophysiological conditions besides just slowed growth and development. AOD-9604, a synthetic growth hormone analogue, has been studied as an investigational agent for several indications1.
Human growth hormone, naturally found within our bodies, has demonstrated efficacy in lowering body fat, leading to weight loss. AOD-9604 is an analogue of human growth hormone (hGH) 177-191, meaning that it is manmade and similar both structurally and functionally to hGH2. Several studies have evaluated how AOD-9604 affects the body in the context of weight loss.
AOD-9604 works in the body on adipose tissue, also known as body fat tissue. It activates a biological process known as lipolysis, which refers to the breakdown of fats and other lipids. Likewise, AOD-9604 can induce fat loss within the body. An animal study, for example, demonstrated that AOD-9604 could assist with weight loss in genetically obese rats and mice. In a 23-week randomized clinical trial in humans, individuals taking AOD-9604 at 1 mg daily had an average of 2.8 kg weight reduction compared to a 0.8 kg weight reduction in those taking a placebo.
Despite these results, the development of AOD-9604 stopped in 2007. This was because the drug did not significantly reduce weight in 536 subjects over the course of 24 weeks2.
HGH, our body’s natural growth hormone, has weight loss characteristics, making it a potential treatment option for obesity. However, the utility of hGH is limited by long-term safety concerns relating to its diabetes-like effects. Though AOD-9604 is like hGH in terms of its fat-reducing activity, it does not demonstrate the same side effect profile as hGH3.
HGH, our natural growth hormone, causes the liver to secrete insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). In the body, IGF-1 can activate growth a multitude of bodily tissues, including the nerves, bone, kidneys, and liver. It can also induce growth of the cartilage and skeletal muscle4. However, there is no literature supporting that AOD-9604 specifically can help with exercise recovery.
Growth hormone is a type of hormone found naturally within our bodies, contributing to the development of our bones and the conduction of other bodily processes. AOD-9604 is a synthetic analogue of growth hormone and has been investigated for indications related to weight loss. In animal models, it demonstrated efficacy in reducing weight. However, clinical trials in humans have demonstrated mixed results. At Weight Loss and Vitality AOD-9604 is regularly used in conjunction with a healthy eating and exercise plan showing significant improvement in the loss of body fat.
