Quick summary
AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone (amino acids 177-191) designed to isolate fat-loss effects without affecting IGF-1, blood glucose, or tissue growth. It failed Phase III trials but is approved in Australia as a food supplement ingredient.
Overview
AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone (amino acids 177-191) that was developed to isolate the fat-loss effects of GH without the growth-promoting or diabetogenic effects. Originally developed by Monash University in Australia, it mimics the way natural GH regulates fat metabolism. It has been approved in Australia as a food supplement ingredient.
Mechanism of action
AOD-9604 stimulates lipolysis (fat breakdown) and inhibits lipogenesis (fat formation) by mimicking the lipolytic fragment of human growth hormone. It acts on beta-3 adrenergic receptors in adipose tissue. Unlike full-length GH, it does not increase IGF-1 levels, affect blood glucose, or promote tissue growth — isolating the fat-metabolizing mechanism.
Dosing protocols
| Purpose | Route | Dosage | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| fat loss | subcutaneous | 250–500 mcg | daily | Inject in the morning on an empty stomach. 12-week cycles. Often combined with dietary modification. |
Dosing information is for educational purposes only. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide.
Research summary
Phase IIb clinical trials showed modest weight loss versus placebo (~2.6kg over 12 weeks) but failed to meet endpoints for Phase III. Despite the mixed clinical data, the peptide gained popularity in wellness clinics. Australian TGA approved it as a food supplement ingredient. Animal studies show significant fat reduction without affecting growth or glucose metabolism. Safety profile is favorable with no significant adverse events in clinical trials.[1][2][3][4][5][6]
Evidence grading
Each claimed benefit is graded by the strength of available evidence. Grades reflect study quality, not effect size.
Strong = multiple RCTs · Moderate = limited trials or observational · Preliminary = animal or in vitro only · Insufficient = anecdotal or no published data
Side effects
Side effects vary by individual. This is not an exhaustive list. Report unusual symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Common stacks
Peptides commonly paired with AOD-9604 for synergistic effects.
Legal status
Under FDA reclassification review. Approved in Australia as a complementary medicine ingredient. Available from compounding pharmacies in several countries.
Sourcing & access
Reclassification in progress
AOD-9604 is one of 14 peptides under FDA reclassification review. Access may be restored through licensed compounding pharmacies if reclassification is formalized. Check our regulatory timeline for the latest status.
Frequently asked questions
AOD-9604 (Anti-Obesity Drug 9604) is a synthetic peptide fragment of human growth hormone consisting of amino acids 177 to 191. It was developed at Monash University to isolate the fat-metabolizing mechanism of GH without its growth-promoting or diabetogenic effects.
Phase IIb clinical trials showed modest weight loss of approximately 2.6 kg over 12 weeks versus placebo, but the results failed to meet endpoints for Phase III advancement. Animal studies showed more significant fat reduction without affecting growth or glucose.
Unlike full-length growth hormone, AOD-9604 does not increase IGF-1 levels, affect blood glucose, or promote tissue growth. It specifically stimulates lipolysis and inhibits lipogenesis by acting on beta-3 adrenergic receptors in fat tissue.
AOD-9604 is under FDA reclassification review and is not approved for prescription weight-loss use in the United States. Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration has approved it as a complementary medicine ingredient, and it is available from compounding pharmacies in several countries as a research-grade peptide rather than an approved pharmaceutical.
Common protocols use 250 to 500 mcg injected subcutaneously in the morning on an empty stomach, typically run in 12-week cycles combined with dietary modification. The short 1 to 2 hour half-life means daily dosing is standard. These protocols reflect clinical trial ranges rather than FDA-approved recommendations.
Research references
- Metabolic studies of a synthetic lipolytic domain (AOD9604) of human growth hormonePubMed
- Increase of fat oxidation and weight loss in obese mice caused by chronic treatment with human growth hormone or a modified C-terminal fragmentPubMed
- The effects of human GH and its lipolytic fragment (AOD9604) on lipid metabolism following chronic treatment in obese mice and beta(3)-AR knock-out micePubMed
- Detection and in vitro metabolism of AOD9604PubMed
- Effect of Intra-articular Injection of AOD9604 with or without Hyaluronic Acid in Rabbit Osteoarthritis ModelPubMed
- Molecular and cellular actions of a structural domain of human growth hormone (AOD9401) on lipid metabolism in Zucker fatty ratsPubMed