Comparison
AOD-9604 vs. Bremelanotide
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Growth
Research other
CAS no.
221231-10-3
189691-06-3
Molecular weight
1815.09 g/mol
1025.18 g/mol
Half-life
0.4 h
2.7 h
Sequence
Tyr-Leu-Arg-Ile-Val-Gln-Cys-Arg-Ser-Val-Glu-Gly-Ser-Cys-Gly-PheAc-Nle-c[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-OHMechanism of action
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.
Bremelanotide
Bremelanotide is a cyclic peptide that binds non-selectively to melanocortin receptors (MC1R through MC5R) — with highest affinity at MC4R in the central nervous system. The precise role of MC4R activation in sexual behaviour is not fully understood; animal data show effects on hypothalamic circuits. Peripheral effects (blood pressure, hyperpigmentation) are attributed to MC1R/MC2R.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human RCT
Human RCT
Studies
3
5
of which in humans
2
5
Effects recorded
3
3
Open conflicts
1
0
Documented adverse events
1
2