C
Tier
HGH fragment marketed for lipolysis; failed human obesity trials.
Weight Loss & Metabolic
Modified peptide fragment of growth hormone
WADA Status:
Prohibited at all times (S2.2.3)
Human Trial Scoreboard
Completed human RCTs
Phase 2, endpoint failed
Largest Human Study
Size not verified
Longest exposure
Duration not verified
Most Recent Trial
Programme abandoned
Description
AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone, corresponding to the section thought to be responsible for fat breakdown. The idea was appealing: isolate the fat-burning part of growth hormone and leave behind the growth-promoting effects and their associated risks. The Australian company Metabolic Pharmaceuticals developed it and took it into mid-stage obesity trials. Those trials failed to beat placebo on weight loss, and the obesity programme was abandoned. It was subsequently repositioned as a food and cosmetic ingredient in some markets, which is a substantial demotion from prospective obesity drug. It is still marketed as a fat loss peptide, which requires ignoring the trials that were actually run.
What Are The Claims
Claims made for this compound: Designed to promote fat breakdown without raising IGF-1; Preclinical lipolytic rationale; Human obesity trials showed no efficacy
Evidence
This is the cleanest example on the entire list of marketing surviving a negative result. AOD-9604 was not untested. It went through roughly six human trials involving around 900 participants. Those trials established a reassuring safety profile and then failed to beat placebo on the primary weight-loss endpoint in the Phase 2b study. Development stopped. It is still sold for fat loss. The compound was tested in humans for exactly the thing it is marketed for, it did not work, and the marketing did not change.
Evidence Strength
Preliminary (human data; efficacy trials failed)
Caveats
The pivotal 24-week Phase 2b did NOT meet its weight-loss endpoint; development terminated in 2007; not approved.
Safety
Alternative Measures
Legal Status
US
Not approved as a drug
UK
Not approved
EU
Not approved
AU
Not approved
WADA
Prohibited at all times (S2.2.3)
Not approved as a drug. Obesity development was terminated by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals in 2007. It holds limited food-ingredient status in some jurisdictions, which is not the same as therapeutic approval.
Citations
Phase 2b obesity trial failed to meet primary weight-loss endpoint versus placebo; Metabolic Pharmaceuticals terminated obesity development, 2007. Approximately six human trials, roughly 900 participants, establishing safety without demonstrated efficacy.