AOD-9604 vs. Argireline

Category

Growth

Cosmetic

CAS no.

221231-10-3

616204-22-9

Molecular weight

1815.09 g/mol

888.99 g/mol

Half-life

0.4 h

Sequence

AOD-9604

AOD-9604 corresponds to the C-terminal fragment 176-191 of human growth hormone with an additional N-terminal tyrosine. In animal models, lipolytic effects without GH-typical adverse events (insulin resistance, IGF-1 rise) were reported. In humans, these preclinical findings did not translate into clinically relevant weight reduction in the four phase-2 obesity trials. The exact human mechanism of action is unclear; the GH receptor is not classically activated by the fragment.

Argireline

Argireline is a synthetic hexapeptide whose sequence corresponds to the N-terminus of the SNAP-25 protein. In vitro it has been shown to competitively inhibit SNARE complex formation (necessary for vesicle fusion in neurotransmitter release). Topical application is intended — given very limited skin permeation — to attenuate cholinergic signalling at the neuromuscular endplate. The effect is orders of magnitude weaker than intramuscular botulinum toxin; the clinical translatability of the in-vitro observations to the skin microenvironment is contested.

Highest evidence

Studies

3

3

of which in humans

2

2

Effects recorded

3

3

Open conflicts

1

1

Documented adverse events

1

1