Library / Peptides / Weight Management / AOD-9604
Emerging evidence · Grade B

AOD-9604

Advanced Obesity Drug 9604
Evidence
Emerging
Route
Subcutaneous injection
Frequency
Once daily, typically morning on empty stomach
Category
Weight Management
TL;DR
AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone (hGH fragment 177-191) that was developed by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals in Australia as an anti-obesity agent. It retains the lipolytic (fat-burning) activity of growth hormone without its growth-promoting or diabetogenic effects.
Part 01 · How it works

Mechanism.

AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone (hGH fragment 177-191) that was developed by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals in Australia as an anti-obesity agent. It retains the lipolytic (fat-burning) activity of growth hormone without its growth-promoting or diabetogenic effects. Despite promising early clinical data, it failed to demonstrate significant efficacy in Phase IIb/III trials.

Think of growth hormone as a Swiss Army knife with many tools — AOD-9604 is just the scissors (fat-cutting blade) extracted and used alone, without the other tools that can cause unwanted side effects.

Mechanism · technical
AOD-9604 mimics the lipolytic domain of growth hormone by interacting with the beta-3 adrenergic receptor pathway in adipose tissue. It stimulates lipolysis (fat breakdown) and inhibits lipogenesis (fat formation) without binding to the growth hormone receptor, thus avoiding IGF-1 elevation, insulin resistance, and growth effects associated with full-length GH.
Part 02 · Dosing & administration

How it's taken.

Values below describe how AOD-9604 has been administered in published trials and labeling. Provided for educational purposes only — this is not medical advice and not instructions for self-administration. Consult your healthcare provider before making any health decision.

Standard dose
250-500 mcg/day
Subcutaneous injection · Once daily, typically morning on empty stomach
Duration
8-12 weeks typical cycle

Fragment of hGH (176-191). No FDA-approved indication. Dosing based on limited clinical trial data data.

Need help with reconstitution?

Use the free peptide calculator for dilution, unit conversion, and injection volume.

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Part 03 · Safety

Side effects, rare serious events, who shouldn't.

Reported side effects
Generally well-tolerated in clinical trials. Reported side effects include injection site reactions, headache, and mild gastrointestinal discomfort. No significant effects on blood glucose, IGF-1, or cortisol were observed in human trials.
Absolute · do not use
×
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
×
Children under 18
×
Known hypersensitivity to AOD-9604 or any component
×
Active malignancy
×
History of medullary thyroid carcinoma (theoretical; GH fragment)
Interactions
Insulin
AOD-9604 is a GH fragment that may affect glucose metabolism; monitor blood glucose closely
Moderate
Oral hypoglycemics (metformin, sulfonylureas)
Theoretical additive effect on glucose and lipid metabolism
Moderate
Growth hormone therapy
Overlapping mechanism via GH receptor pathways; may have additive or antagonistic effects
Moderate
Labs to monitor
Fasting Insulin & Glucose
Baseline and monthly
Monitor metabolic effects and glucose homeostasis
Fasting Lipid Panel
Baseline and every 3 months
Track lipid changes with fat metabolism modulation
CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel)
Baseline and every 3 months
Liver and kidney function
IGF-1
Baseline and at 6 weeks
Confirm no GH-like effects on IGF-1
CBC with Differential
Baseline and every 3 months
General safety monitoring
Part 04 · Research log

Every study we cite.

Each study with its published finding and a plain-language note on limitations or funding.

01
2001
0
Metabolic actions of a synthetic peptide corresponding to amino acids 177-191 of hGH
AOD-9604 stimulated lipolysis and inhibited lipogenesis in obese mice without affecting IGF-1 or insulin
Preclinical study; replicated findings
PMID 11713213 ↗
02
2006
0
Phase IIB clinical trial of AOD-9604 in obese subjects
Showed trends toward weight loss but failed primary endpoint in phase II trial
Industry-sponsored; underpowered study
Part 05 · Cost & access

Where you can get it.

Regulatory status
Not FDA-approved. Received GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status from the FDA for use as a food supplement ingredient in 2015. Available through compounding pharmacies. WADA-prohibited in sport.
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Part 06 · Your appointment

Questions to bring.

01
Why did AOD-9604 fail its Phase III obesity trial, and what does that mean for its use today?
02
Does AOD-9604 affect IGF-1 levels or insulin sensitivity like regular growth hormone?
03
What is the evidence for AOD-9604 in joint repair or osteoarthritis?
04
How do I know if the AOD-9604 I'm being offered is pharmaceutical quality?