Skip to content
Peptide Atlas
All peptides

AOD-9604

Tier 2 · Preclinical
Also known as AOD9604 · Anti-Obesity Drug 9604

AOD-9604 completed six randomized double-blind placebo-controlled human trials (2001-2006, ~890-900 participants), supporting a Tier 1 designation for the obesity/safety data. However, human efficacy for weight loss was not established—the pivotal 24-week Phase IIb trial failed its primary endpoint and 12-week signals did not reach significance (P=0.07). Much of the mechanistic and dosing detail derives from lower-tier vendor/marketing sources, while joint/cartilage claims rest on animal (rabbit) models. Sources disagree on IGF-1 effects and half-life values.

Half-life
~0.5 h
Routes
Oral (capsules/tablets — used in human trials) · Intravenous (human PK trials) · Subcutaneous (animal and community/off-label use) · Intraperitoneal (animal studies) · Intra-articular (animal osteoarthritis model) · Topical (licensed anti-cellulite formulation)
Goals
fat loss · body composition · healing
Cost / mg
Not recorded

How it works

AOD-9604 is a small synthetic peptide copied from the tail end (C-terminal fragment) of human growth hormone—the portion thought to be responsible for growth hormone's fat-burning activity, separate from its growth-promoting and blood-sugar effects. It was designed to encourage the body to break down fat (lipolysis) and reduce the formation of new fat (lipogenesis) without raising blood glucose, suppressing the pituitary axis, or elevating IGF-1. Unlike full growth hormone, it does not meaningfully bind the classical growth hormone receptor or cause cell proliferation. Its fat effects appear linked to activity involving the beta-3 adrenergic receptor pathway in fat cells, though animal knockout studies suggest the effect is not directly mediated through that receptor.

Overview

Overview

AOD-9604 (Anti-Obesity Drug 9604) is a synthetic 16-amino-acid peptide corresponding to the C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone (variously described as residues 176-191 or 177-191), with an added N-terminal tyrosine substituted for stability and oral bioavailability. Its reported sequence is Tyr-Leu-Arg-Ile-Val-Gln-Cys-Arg-Ser-Val-Glu-Gly-Ser-Cys-Gly-Phe (YLRIVQCRSVEGSCGF), and two cysteine residues (positions 7 and 14) form an intramolecular disulfide bond creating a constrained cyclic region whose 3D structure resembles the homologous region of complete hGH. Molecular weight is approximately 1,815-1,817 Da (C78H123N23O23S2, CAS 221231-10-3).

Design Rationale

The C-terminal region of hGH (residues 177-191) contains the structural elements responsible for the lipolytic (fat-mobilizing) activity of growth hormone, independent of its growth-promoting or diabetogenic effects. AOD-9604 was designed to stimulate lipolysis and inhibit lipogenesis without raising blood glucose, suppressing the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, or elevating IGF-1. Notably, one source dissents from this consensus, characterizing AOD-9604 as a growth hormone secretagogue that activates IGF-1 signaling and satellite cell repair; the large majority of sources contradict this.

Development History

AOD-9604 was originally developed in the 1990s by researchers at Monash University in Australia (attributed to Professor Frank Ng) through the spin-out Metabolic Pharmaceuticals as a potential anti-obesity treatment. Between 2001 and 2006 it advanced through six randomized double-blind placebo-controlled human clinical trials involving roughly 890-900 participants (predominantly obese adults, with one trial including healthy non-obese volunteers). The portfolio comprised three single-dose pharmacokinetic studies and three multiple-dose efficacy trials, two extending up to 24 weeks. Phase IIa trials were underway by February 2002.

Clinical Efficacy for Weight Loss

In a 12-week trial (METAOD005), participants receiving 1 mg/day oral AOD-9604 lost approximately 2.6 kg versus 0.8 kg on placebo (one source reports ~2.76 kg vs ~0.84 kg), a difference that did not reach statistical significance across the pooled program (P=0.07). An earlier 12-week trial showed a modest positive signal with 1 mg/day producing approximately 1.8 kg more weight loss than placebo. However, the pivotal 24-week Phase IIb trial (OPTIONS / METAOD006), enrolling 536 obese adults (one source says ~300), failed to demonstrate statistically significant weight loss versus placebo, leading Metabolic Pharmaceuticals to discontinue obesity development in early 2007. Human efficacy for weight loss was therefore not established.

Animal Evidence

Animal studies were more encouraging: AOD-9604 induced weight loss and increased lipolytic sensitivity following long-term treatment in mice, reduced body weight and fat in obese mice after 14 days of chronic IP administration, increased in vivo fat oxidation and plasma glycerol, and produced effects comparable to full-length hGH but without insulin-disrupting side effects. Injected AOD-9604 produced roughly 50% greater reduction in body fat mass versus saline over 7 weeks in mice, and daily oral dosing at 500 μg/kg for 19 days reduced body-weight gain over 50% in obese Zucker rats.

Post-Obesity Applications

After obesity development ended, AOD-9604 was investigated for osteoarthritis, cartilage repair, and joint recovery. In a collagenase-induced knee osteoarthritis rabbit model, intra-articular AOD-9604 enhanced cartilage regeneration, and AOD-9604 combined with hyaluronic acid was more effective than either alone. It was subsequently licensed to Phosphagenics for a topical anti-cellulite formulation and to other parties for nutraceutical, osteoarthritis, and cosmetic uses—none of which produced an approved therapeutic. These rebranded joint-health uses rest on animal models and have almost no published human evidence.

Pharmacokinetics

AOD-9604 demonstrates approximately 40% oral bioavailability in animal models; in pigs it was well absorbed with rapid degradation kinetics, and rat whole-body radiography revealed similar organ distribution after IV or oral application. Six potential serum/urine metabolites were identified, with one (CRSVEGSCG) notably more stable than the parent or other metabolites. A validated urine solid-phase extraction detection method achieved a 50 pg/mL limit of detection.

What the research shows

181 findings extracted from the 29 sources cited below, strongest evidence first within each group. Every one links to the source it came from.

What human studies found

Based on 15 human trial findings, 6 human study findings, 16 animal findings and 5 expert opinion findings.

  • human trialAOD-9604 has been subjected to extensive clinical evaluation involving over 900 participants across six randomized controlled trials1

  • human trialBetween 2001 and 2006, AOD-9604 underwent rigorous clinical evaluation through six separate trials1

  • human trialSix trials documented outcomes from approximately 900 adult participants, predominantly individuals classified as clinically obese, though one trial included healthy non-obese volunteers1

  • human trialThe trial portfolio included three single-dose pharmacokinetic studies and three multiple-dose efficacy trials1

  • human trialTwo of the efficacy studies were long-term investigations extending up to 24 weeks1

  • human trialAll trials employed randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled designs1

  • human trialSix Phase I and Phase II clinical trials were conducted by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals Ltd., enrolling approximately 900 participants in total12

  • human trialIn METAOD005, a 12-week randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study, participants receiving 1 mg per day of AOD 9604 lost approximately 2.6 kg compared to 0.8 kg in the placebo group12

Show the remaining 34

  • human trialThe follow-up pivotal trial (METAOD006 / OPTIONS) enrolled a larger cohort and failed to replicate statistically significant weight loss, which led Metabolic Pharmaceuticals to halt the formal drug development program in 200712

  • human trialIn one clinical trial, AOD-9604 did not demonstrate statistically significant weight loss compared to placebo15

  • human trialSix completed randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trials totaling more than 900 subjects were conducted18

  • human trialTwelve-week results showed approximately 2.6 kg weight loss versus 0.8 kg on placebo18

  • human trialPhase 2b OPTIONS study with 536 people failed to demonstrate statistically significant weight loss at 24 weeks18

  • human trialAOD-9604 advanced through six human clinical trials involving over 890 participants between 2001 and 200619

  • human trialThe pivotal 24-week Phase IIb trial (the OPTIONS Study, enrolling 536 obese adults) failed to demonstrate statistically significant weight loss versus placebo19

  • human studyProgressed through six human clinical trials involving roughly 893 participants13

  • human studyAn earlier 12-week trial showed a modest positive signal—subjects receiving 1 mg/day lost approximately 1.8 kg more than placebo17

  • human studyLarger Phase IIb trial enrolling roughly 300 obese patients over 24 weeks—AOD-9604 did not produce statistically significant weight loss compared to placebo17

  • human studyPhase II results were encouraging enough to continue development, but they did not cross the bar required for Phase III approval22

  • human studyThe Metabolin clinical program enrolled obese adults (BMI >27) across three separate 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials evaluating oral AOD 9604 at doses ranging from 1 mg to 30 mg per day22

  • human studyThe 1 mg oral dose arm produced approximately 2.76 kg of weight loss versus 0.84 kg in placebo over 12 weeks in one of the trials and that difference did not reach statistical significance across the pooled program with a P-value of 0.0722

  • animalAOD9604 is capable of inducing weight loss following long-term treatment in mice3

  • animalAOD9604 can reduce body weight and body fat in obese mice following 14 d of chronic ip administration3

  • animalAOD9604 is capable of inducing weight loss and increasing lipolytic sensitivity following long-term treatment in mice4

  • animalAOD9604 can reduce body weight and body fat in obese mice following 14 d of chronic ip administration4

  • animalAOD9604 intra-articular injections enhanced cartilage regeneration in collagenase-induced knee osteoarthritis rabbit model6

  • animalCombined AOD9604 and HA injections were more effective than HA or AOD9604 injections alone in collagenase-induced knee OA rabbit model6

  • animalMean gross morphological and histopathological scores were significantly higher in saline control group than in AOD9604, HA, and combined treatment groups6

  • animalCombined AOD9604 and HA group had significantly lower morphological and histopathological scores than HA or AOD9604 alone6

  • animalLameness period in combined AOD9604 and HA group was significantly shorter than in saline, HA, and AOD9604 alone groups6

  • animalLameness period in saline control group was significantly longer than in HA and AOD9604 groups6

  • animalEarly stage studies with AOD9604 have shown positive activities on fat metabolism7

  • animalSystemic hGH treatment in rodents and humans influences fat distribution, particularly abdominal fat, and reduces body fat mass7

  • animalBoth hGH and AOD9604 significantly reduced body weight gain in obese mice9

  • animalDaily oral treatment with AOD9604 at 500 microg/kg body weight for 19 days reduced body weight gain over 50% in obese Zucker rats compared to control10

  • animalMany unapproved peptides including AOD-9604 demonstrate favorable tissue repair and metabolic outcomes in animal models20

  • animalThe mouse work published in Endocrinology showed 50% greater reduction in body fat mass with injected AOD 9604 vs. saline over 7 weeks22

  • expert opinionIn early studies, AOD-9604 may help increase fat oxidation and improve metabolic flexibility, especially in overweight or obese individuals15

  • expert opinionThe pivotal Phase IIb study failed its primary endpoint in 200716

  • expert opinionDevelopment for obesity was discontinued by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals in early 200719

  • expert opinionThe unmodified hGH Fragment 176-to-191 has never been tested in humans19

  • expert opinionBy February 2002, phase IIa trials were underway28

How it works

Based on 22 animal findings, 4 in vitro findings, 41 expert opinion findings and 10 theoretical findings.

  • animalAOD9604 is a lipolytic fragment synthesized from the C-terminus of human GH3

  • animalAOD9604 increases lipolytic sensitivity following long-term treatment in mice3

  • animalAOD9604 increases the level of expression of beta(3)-AR RNA in obese mice3

  • animalAOD9604 increases repressed levels of beta(3)-AR RNA in obese mice to levels comparable with those in lean mice3

  • animalLong-term treatment with AOD9604 in beta(3)-AR knock-out mice failed to produce the change in body weight and increase in lipolysis that was observed in wild-type control mice3

  • animalIn acute experiments, AOD9604 was capable of increasing energy expenditure and fat oxidation in beta(3)-AR knock-out mice3

  • animalThe lipolytic actions of AOD9604 are not mediated directly through the beta(3)-AR although AOD9604 increases beta(3)-AR expression3

  • animalAOD9604 is a lipolytic fragment synthesized from the C-terminus of human GH4

Show the remaining 69

  • animalAOD9604 treatment correlates with increases in the level of expression of beta(3)-AR RNA, the major lipolytic receptor found in fat cells4

  • animalAOD9604 is capable of increasing the repressed levels of beta(3)-AR RNA in obese mice to levels comparable with those in lean mice4

  • animalLong-term treatment with AOD9604 in beta(3)-AR knock-out mice failed to produce the change in body weight and increase in lipolysis that was observed in wild-type control mice4

  • animalIn an acute experiment, AOD9604 was capable of increasing energy expenditure and fat oxidation in beta(3)-AR knock-out mice4

  • animalThe lipolytic actions of AOD9604 are not mediated directly through the beta(3)-AR although AOD9604 increases beta(3)-AR expression, which may subsequently contribute to enhanced lipolytic sensitivity4

  • animalAOD9604 treatment was associated with increased in vivo fat oxidation in obese mice9

  • animalAOD9604 treatment increased plasma glycerol levels (an index of lipolysis) in obese mice9

  • animalAOD9604 acts in a manner novel to traditional hGH-stimulated pathways9

  • animalAOD9604 is a synthetic analogue of the lipolytic domain of human growth hormone (hGH)10

  • animalAdipose tissues of AOD9604-treated animals showed increased lipolytic activity10

  • animalIn rodent knockout models where beta-3 adrenergic receptors were removed, the lipolytic response to AOD 9604 was eliminated, confirming the receptor-specific mechanism12

  • animalA peer-reviewed study in the Journal of Endocrinology confirmed that AOD9604 produces lipolysis and increases fat oxidation in obese mice via the beta-adrenergic pathway, with effects comparable to full-length HGH but without the insulin-disrupting side effects12

  • animalβ3-AR knockout mice show substantially attenuated AOD-9604 response, confirming the receptor-level mechanism18

  • animalAnimal data published in the American Journal of Physiology showed that the fragment activated a beta-3 adrenergic receptor-like mechanism in adipocytes, increasing fat oxidation in obese mice without altering fasting glucose or serum IGF-122

  • in vitroAOD9604 does not compete for the hGH receptor9

  • in vitroAOD9604 does not induce cell proliferation, unlike hGH9

  • in vitroAOD 9604 cannot compete with hGH for receptor binding, and even at very high levels does not induce cell proliferation13

  • in vitroAOD-9604 does not bind the hGH receptor and shows no measurable receptor engagement in in-vitro receptor-binding assays18

  • expert opinionAOD-9604 is a synthetic fragment derived from the C-terminal region of human growth hormone1

  • expert opinionAOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide derived from the 177–191 amino acid sequence of human growth hormone (hGH)11

  • expert opinionAOD-9604 is designed to stimulate lipolysis (fat breakdown) and inhibit lipogenesis (fat formation) without elevating IGF-1 or affecting glucose metabolism11

  • expert opinionResearch suggests that AOD-9604 may activate beta-3 adrenergic receptors in fat cells, leading to enhanced fat oxidation11

  • expert opinionAOD-9604 focuses solely on lipolysis (fat breakdown) and lipogenesis inhibition without significantly affecting blood sugar levels or increasing IGF-111

  • expert opinionAOD-9604 activates beta-3 adrenergic receptors in adipose (fat) tissue, triggering the release of stored fatty acids for energy use11

  • expert opinionAOD 9604 is a synthetic fragment of human growth hormone, specifically amino acids 176 through 191 of the hGH sequence, with a single modification at the N-terminus for stability12

  • expert opinionAOD 9604 is a 16-amino acid peptide that stimulates lipolysis through beta-3 adrenergic receptors on fat cells, without triggering IGF-1 elevation, insulin resistance, or the growth-promoting effects12

  • expert opinionAOD 9604 binds to beta-3 adrenergic receptors located on adipocytes and activation of these receptors triggers acceleration of lipolysis and inhibition of lipogenesis12

  • expert opinionAOD 9604 is a synthetic 16-amino-acid fragment derived from the C-terminal region of human growth hormone13

  • expert opinionSelectively stimulates lipolysis and inhibits lipogenesis in adipose tissue without activating the hGH receptor, raising IGF-1 levels, or impairing glucose metabolism13

  • expert opinionAOD 9604 consists of 16 amino acids that correspond to the C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone (mainly amino acids 177 through 191), with an extra tyrosine residue attached at the N-terminal end for peptide stabilization13

  • expert opinionAmino acid sequence reads YLRIVQCRSVEGSCGF and the molecule is cyclized through a disulfide bond between its two cysteine residues13

  • expert opinionIdentified amino acids 177–191 as the key lipolytic domain capable of boosting fat breakdown and blocking fat formation without triggering dangerous body side effects linked with full-length growth hormone therapy13

  • expert opinionAOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone (specifically amino acids 176-191) that has been engineered to target fat metabolism without affecting growth hormone levels or insulin sensitivity14

  • expert opinionAOD-9604 works through beta-3 adrenergic receptor modulation and direct interaction with adipose tissue14

  • expert opinionAOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide consisting of 16 amino acids that represents a modified fragment of the C-terminal region of human growth hormone, specifically the 176-191 amino acid sequence with a stabilizing tyrosine addition at the N-terminus14

  • expert opinionAOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide derived from a fragment of human growth hormone (HGH), specifically amino acids 177–191 of the HGH molecule15

  • expert opinionAOD-9604 does not significantly affect insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels, meaning it was designed to stimulate fat breakdown without driving excess muscle growth or other unwanted hormonal changes15

  • expert opinionAOD-9604 mimics the way natural HGH regulates fat metabolism, but it targets lipolysis (fat breakdown) specifically, while having minimal impact on glucose regulation or protein synthesis15

  • expert opinionAOD-9604 is a 16-amino-acid synthetic peptide derived from the C-terminal lipolytic fragment of human growth hormone (residues 177-191 with an N-terminal tyrosine added for stability)16

  • expert opinionAOD-9604 activates lipolysis (release of fatty acids from adipocytes) and increases fat oxidation through a beta-3 adrenergic receptor (beta3-AR) dependent pathway16

  • expert opinionThe lipolytic action claimed for AOD-9604 occurs without the receptor crosstalk that causes hGH's side effects16

  • expert opinionThe C-terminal portion of hGH retained the lipolytic activity of the full-length hormone in vitro and in obese rodent models, without the diabetogenic and anabolic effects associated with the intact molecule16

  • expert opinionAOD-9604 is a synthetic fragment of human growth hormone—specifically amino acids 176–191 of the hGH molecule, with an added tyrosine residue17

  • expert opinionAOD-9604 was designed to isolate the fat-metabolizing activity of growth hormone without triggering its growth-promoting or diabetogenic effects17

  • expert opinionAOD-9604 is a 16-amino-acid synthetic peptide derived from the C-terminal domain of human growth hormone (hGH residues 176-191) with an added N-terminal tyrosine for stabilization18

  • expert opinionAOD-9604 engages β3-adrenergic receptor signaling in adipocytes, driving cyclic AMP elevation and hormone-sensitive lipase activation18

  • expert opinionAOD-9604 is a synthetic 16-amino acid peptide corresponding to the C-terminal fragment (amino acids 177-to-191) of human growth hormone (hGH), with a tyrosine residue substituted at the N-terminus in place of the native phenylalanine19

  • expert opinionThe C-terminal region -- specifically residues 177 through 191 -- contained the structural elements responsible for the lipolytic (fat-mobilizing) activity of growth hormone, independent of its growth-promoting or diabetogenic effects19

  • expert opinionAOD-9604 incorporated the phenylalanine-to-tyrosine substitution at position 1 to improve peptide stability and oral bioavailability19

  • expert opinionThe two cysteine residues at positions 7 and 14 form an intramolecular disulfide bond, creating a constrained cyclic region spanning residues 7 through 1419

  • expert opinionThe N-terminal tyrosine substitution improves metabolic stability and enhances lipolytic potency per unit dose relative to the unmodified fragment19

  • expert opinionAOD-9604 is a growth hormone secretagogue that activates IGF-1 signaling and satellite cell repair21

  • expert opinionAOD 9604 is the C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone comprising amino acids 176-19122

  • expert opinionResearchers at Monash University isolated this fragment in the 1990s after observing that the C-terminal region of HGH appeared responsible for fat metabolism22

  • expert opinionAOD 9604 was designed to stimulate lipolysis without raising blood glucose, without suppressing the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, and without the tissue-growth effects linked to elevated IGF-122

  • expert opinionAOD 9604 does not bind the classical GH receptor with meaningful affinity22

  • expert opinionAOD9604 affects biological mechanisms that suppress appetite and absorb nutrients to regulate body weight24

  • expert opinionAOD-9604 is a human growth hormone fragment that increases adipose tissue breakdown26

  • expert opinionAOD9604 is a drug that improves adipose tissue function or fatty acid metabolism27

  • theoreticalAOD9604 is a peptide consisting of the C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone from amino acids 177-191 with an additional tyrosine residue at the N-terminus5

  • theoreticalAOD9604 mimics the lipolytic properties of growth hormone without the diabetogenic side effects5

  • theoreticalAOD9604 is the C-terminal fragment (Tyr-hGH177-191) of human growth hormone (hGH)7

  • theoreticalAOD9604 is prepared by solid phase peptide synthesis and contains an additional tyrosine at the N-terminal end for peptide stabilization and is cyclized by disulphide bonding between the two cysteine residues7

  • theoreticalThe 3D structure of AOD9604 is similar to the homologous region of complete hGH7

  • theoreticalIn adipose tissue hGH can induce inhibition of lipoprotein lipase activity, thus stimulating lipolysis and resulting in a reduction of fat cell mass7

  • theoreticalAOD-9604 activates beta-3 adrenergic receptors which stimulates fat breakdown and mobilization15

  • theoreticalAOD-9604 enhances lipolysis and promotes the use of stored fat as energy15

  • theoreticalAOD-9604 inhibits lipogenesis and reduces the formation of new fat cells15

  • theoreticalPrimary molecular function: Activates lipolysis and inhibits lipogenesis via beta-3 adrenergic receptor pathway17

Dosing

Based on 1 human trial finding and 1 anecdotal finding.

  • human trialAdministration routes tested included both intravenous injection and oral formulations delivered as capsules or tablets1

  • anecdotalCommunity use is at 250–500 mcg SubQ18

How the body handles it

Based on 1 human study finding, 4 animal findings, 2 in vitro findings and 2 expert opinion findings.

  • human studyHalf-life ~3 minutes (IV); oral bioavailability minimal17

  • animalRat whole-body radiography revealed similar organ distribution after IV or oral application7

  • animalOrally administered AOD9604 in pigs was well absorbed and results revealed rapid degradation kinetics7

  • animalAOD-9604 demonstrates approximately 40% oral bioavailability in animal models14

  • animalAOD-9604 exhibits rapid metabolism with a serum half-life of approximately 4 minutes14

  • in vitroSix potential metabolites of the peptide were identified after incubation of AOD9604 in serum and urine5

  • in vitroA single metabolite consisting of amino acids CRSVEGSCG was identified in serum that is significantly more stable than other metabolites or the parent compound5

  • expert opinionHalf-life not well characterized in humans; rapidly degraded in serum19

Show the remaining 1

  • expert opinionHalf-life is approximately 30 minutes after subcutaneous injection22

Safety and side effects

Based on 4 human trial findings, 3 human study findings, 5 animal findings and 10 expert opinion findings.

  • human trialAOD-9604 has demonstrated excellent safety and tolerability in six randomized controlled trials involving over 900 participants1

  • human trialAOD-9604's favorable safety profile was not dependent on a specific delivery method, though bioavailability differed between routes1

  • human trialAcross all six studies, safety findings were consistent: no serious adverse events, no immunogenic responses, no changes in IGF-1, no glucose or insulin disruption12

  • human trialClinical trials involving approximately 900 participants across six studies demonstrated excellent safety and tolerability14

  • human studyAOD9604 has been evaluated for safety and tolerability in humans2

  • human study24-week study periods confirm clean body safety profile13

  • human studyAcross all Phase II arms, AOD 9604 did not raise fasting insulin, HbA1c, or IGF-1 compared to placebo22

  • animalAOD9604 was found to be generally safe after chronic oral application in rats and cynomolgus monkeys7

Show the remaining 14

  • animalThere was no evidence of any genotoxic activities of AOD9604, as examined in an Ames test, a chromosomal aberration assay, or a bone micronucleus assay7

  • animalMultiple non-clinical studies revealed no evidence of genotoxicological or toxicological concerns regarding the safety of AOD96047

  • animalUnlike hGH, AOD9604 did not induce hyperglycaemia or reduce insulin secretion9

  • animalChronic treatment with AOD9604 showed no adverse effect on insulin sensitivity in animals, as demonstrated with euglycemic clamp techniques10

  • expert opinionAOD-9604 is not FDA-approved11

  • expert opinionAOD-9604 is banned in professional sports by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)11

  • expert opinionAOD 9604 received GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) designation from the FDA for use as a food ingredient12

  • expert opinionAOD-9604 is not FDA-approved for any indication and is not a legally compoundable drug substance in the United States16

  • expert opinionGRAS designation does not mean what vendors imply it means17

  • expert opinionAOD-9604 does not elevate IGF-118

  • expert opinionAOD-9604 has gained a self-affirmed GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) determination as a food ingredient19

  • expert opinionRigorous human safety data for unapproved peptides like AOD-9604 are scarce20

  • expert opinionFDA status is GRAS designation for oral formulation (food additive only); no approved injectable indication22

  • expert opinionNo long-term human safety data beyond 12 weeks in any published trial22

What people use it for

Based on 1 animal finding, 19 expert opinion findings and 1 theoretical finding.

  • animalAOD9604 has potential to be developed into an orally usable and safe therapeutic agent for obesity10

  • expert opinionAOD9604 is banned by the World Anti-doping Agency (WADA)5

  • expert opinionAOD-9604 may support localized fat loss, metabolic regulation, and joint recovery11

  • expert opinionSome studies propose that AOD-9604 may aid in cartilage repair, joint recovery, and anti-inflammatory effects11

  • expert opinionAOD-9604 is available for research purposes and in select wellness clinics11

  • expert opinionOriginally developed as an anti-obesity treatment by Professor Frank Ng and colleagues at Monash University13

  • expert opinionEmerging research reveals cartilage-regenerating properties13

  • expert opinionAOD-9604 was originally developed as a potential anti-obesity drug due to its ability to influence fat metabolism without causing the same growth-promoting effects associated with full HGH therapy15

Show the remaining 13

  • expert opinionAOD-9604 was positioned as a pharmacological breakthrough for obesity after more than 900 subjects across six controlled trials16

  • expert opinionAfter the obesity program was terminated in 2007, the asset was licensed to Phosphagenics for a topical anti-cellulite formulation, and later to other parties pursuing nutraceutical, osteoarthritis, and cosmetic applications, with none producing an approved therapeutic16

  • expert opinionIt was rebranded as a joint-health supplement, which is an entirely different claim with almost no published evidence17

  • expert opinionAOD-9604 has been investigated for osteoarthritis and cartilage repair19

  • expert opinionAOD-9604 is an anti-obesity drug20

  • expert opinionAOD-9604 is among prominent unapproved peptides marketed direct to patients20

  • expert opinionAOD-9604 is classified as a doping agent according to World Anti-Doping Agency regulations23

  • expert opinionAOD-9604 is a peptidic substance of potential performance-enhancing nature23

  • expert opinionAOD9604 is a recent patented anti-obesity drug that can reduce adiposity at the molecular level24

  • expert opinionAOD9604 is a human growth hormone fragment under clinical development as an antiobesity agent25

  • expert opinionAOD9604 is in clinical trials27

  • expert opinionMetabolic is developing AOD-9604 for the potential treatment of obesity28

  • theoreticalAOD-9604 is listed among drugs in clinical trials29

Other findings

Based on 1 human study finding, 2 in vitro findings, 3 expert opinion findings and 2 theoretical findings.

  • human studyAOD9604 is a hexadecapeptide2

  • in vitroA solid-phase extraction method was validated in urine with a limit of detection of 50 pg/mL5

  • in vitroThe detection method has good linearity, precision (<20%), specificity and recovery (62%)5

  • expert opinionAOD 9604 was developed in the 1990s by researchers at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia12

  • expert opinionAOD-9604 was originally developed by Professor Frank Ng at Monash University in Australia during the 1990s as a potential anti-obesity treatment14

  • expert opinionDeveloped in Australia by Monash University spin-out Metabolic Pharmaceuticals in the late 1990s16

  • theoreticalMolecular weight is 1,815.08 Da18

  • theoreticalSequence is Tyr-Leu-Arg-Ile-Val-Gln-Cys-Arg-Ser-Val-Glu-Gly-Ser-Cys-Gly-Phe with a disulfide bond between the two cysteine residues18

Points of contention

Where the evidence is unsettled, thin, or says less than the popular claim — worth knowing before you draw conclusions.

Contested

Reported half-life varies widely across sources.

Half-life is reported as ~30 minutes after subcutaneous injection (AOD 9604: What the Research Actually Shows About This HGH Fragment | HealthRX.com, AOD-9604 (Fragment 176-191): 2026 Dosing & Status), ~3 minutes IV (AOD-9604: HGH Fragment Research Overview | Peptidings), and ~4 minutes serum (AOD-9604 Metabolic Support Process: Complete Mechanism Guide - Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center). Multiple sources note it is poorly characterized in humans and rapidly degraded in serum (AOD-9604 (Anti-Obesity Drug 9604): Research Evidence & Safety Profile | PeptideInsight).

Limited evidence

Human efficacy for weight loss was not established; the key trial failed its endpoint.

While 12-week trials showed a modest weight-loss signal (~2.6 kg vs 0.8 kg placebo), this did not reach statistical significance (P=0.07), and the pivotal 24-week Phase IIb trial failed to show significant weight loss versus placebo, ending obesity development in 2007.

Limited evidence

Joint/cartilage and other rebranded uses have little to no human evidence.

Cartilage-repair and osteoarthritis claims rest on animal (rabbit) models and expert opinion; AOD-9604: HGH Fragment Research Overview | Peptidings explicitly notes rebranding as a joint-health supplement is a different claim with almost no published evidence, and AOD-9604 (Fragment 176-191): 2026 Dosing & Status notes none of the post-obesity applications produced an approved therapeutic.

Limited evidence

Much of the mechanistic and dosing detail comes from low-tier vendor/marketing web sources.

Many detailed claims (mechanism, half-life, dosing, GRAS interpretation) are drawn from tier-3 commercial peptide-vendor pages (AOD-9604 (Anti-Obesity Drug 9604): Research Evidence & Safety Profile | PeptideInsight through AOD 9604 Peptide for Fat Loss: Does It Work? | Perfect B) rather than peer-reviewed studies; higher-tier sources (Safety and Metabolism of AOD9604, a Novel Nutraceutical ..., Safety and Tolerability of the Hexadecapeptide AOD9604 ..., AOD-9604 Safety Profile: What Clinical Trials Show - Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center, 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 mice - PubMed, Detection and in vitro metabolism of AOD9604., Effect of Intra-articular Injection of AOD9604 with or without Hyaluronic Acid in Rabbit Osteoarthritis Model., Increase of fat oxidation and weight loss in obese mice caused by chronic treatment with human growth hormone or a modified C-terminal fragment., Metabolic studies of a synthetic lipolytic domain (AOD9604) of human growth hormone.) are largely animal, in vitro, or safety/tolerability studies.

Inconsistency

The broad "excellent safety" reassurance comes from a clinic's promotional blog, not from the trial reports themselves.

The sweeping conclusion that AOD-9604 has "demonstrated excellent safety and tolerability" is drawn from a commercial marketing page published by the Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center, which advertises its own "Regenerative Aesthetic Services" and peptide-related treatments. The page summarizes trials run between 2001 and 2006 involving roughly 900 participants across six randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, but as a promotional secondary source it restates these figures rather than presenting the underlying safety data, and it has a commercial interest in a favorable conclusion.

What you may have heard

AOD-9604's strongest human evidence concerns safety and tolerability, not weight loss — the pivotal weight-loss trial failed and efficacy was never established.

Readers will often see AOD-9604 described as unusually well-supported for a research peptide, backed by six controlled human trials in roughly 900 participants. That impression rests on safety and tolerability work — such as the published human safety/tolerability study and a clinic marketing page emphasizing an 'excellent safety profile' — not on demonstrated weight loss. The pivotal 24-week Phase IIb trial (OPTIONS/METAOD006, 536 obese adults) failed its primary endpoint, and the shorter 12-week weight-loss signals did not reach statistical significance across the program (P=0.07). In other words, the trials established that the peptide was well tolerated, not that it produces meaningful weight loss.

What you may have heard

The beta3-AR–dependent lipolysis via cAMP elevation and hormone-sensitive lipase activation is presented as the operativ…

Claim 8 (beta3-AR-dependent cAMP/HSL pathway) is grounded almost entirely in tier-3 vendor pages, while the actual tier-2 knockout study (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 mice - PubMed/The effects of human GH and its lipolytic fragment ...) shows the body-weight and lipolytic effects are lost in beta3-AR knockouts yet acute energy expenditure persists — i.e., not directly beta3-AR mediated. The technical section acknowledges this, but stating the cAMP/HSL beta3-AR pathway as the mechanism risks overstating a vendor-derived model the primary literature does not support.

What you may have heard

The clean safety record — no serious adverse events, no immune reactions, no blood-sugar disruption across six trials — is stated only in clinic and vendor write-ups, not in any primary trial report.

The blanket negative safety findings for AOD-9604 (no serious adverse events, no immunogenic responses, no changes in IGF-1, and no glucose or insulin disruption across roughly 900 participants in six trials) are asserted in secondary commercial summaries rather than in the underlying trial publications. The most sweeping version appears in the Perfect B review ('AOD 9604 Peptide for Fat Loss: Does It Work?'), which states all four negatives, and in the Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center article ('AOD-9604 Safety Profile: What Clinical Trials Show'), which describes 'excellent safety and tolerability' and references immunogenicity data. The HealthRX.com and Kalios summaries restate only the metabolic subset — no rise in fasting insulin, HbA1c, or IGF-1 — and HealthRX adds that there is no long-term human safety data beyond 12 weeks in any published trial. None of these reproduces or points to the primary trial data itself, so the high certainty of a blanket 'no adverse events' claim rests on secondary write-ups rather than published trial reporting.

What you may have heard

A 40% oral bioavailability figure for this 16-amino-acid peptide comes only from a commercial source and sits uneasily with descriptions of rapid serum degradation.

The claim that AOD-9604 shows roughly 40% oral bioavailability in animal models, alongside a serum half-life of about 4 minutes, appears only in a clinic marketing overview (AOD-9604 Metabolic Support Process: Complete Mechanism Guide) and is not accompanied by any primary data. The peer-reviewed pharmacokinetic work in Safety and Metabolism of AOD9604, a Novel Nutraceutical Ingredient reports only that orally administered AOD9604 in pigs was 'well absorbed' with 'rapid degradation kinetics,' and gives no bioavailability percentage. A 40% figure is unusually high for a peptide that degrades rapidly, and the available material does not establish whether it refers to true systemic bioavailability or merely absorption in a specific animal model, nor whether it reflects intact peptide or metabolites.

Other

The once-daily subcutaneous dosing seen in community use sits awkwardly against a subcutaneous half-life of only about 30 minutes.

The subcutaneous half-life is reported at approximately 30 minutes, so a once-daily injection would leave the peptide largely cleared for most of each day. The gap matters because the injectable route was never the basis of the clinical program: the six completed trials used oral dosing, and the subcutaneous, once-daily protocols circulating in community use are extrapolations from those oral studies and from rodent work rather than regimens that were themselves tested and shown to be effective.

Contested

In a 12-week trial (METAOD005), participants receiving 1 mg/day oral AOD-9604 lost approximately 2.6 kg versus 0.8 kg on…

The statement claims the weight loss difference 'did not reach statistical significance across the pooled program (P=0.07),' which is supported by the sources. However, the Perfect B source explicitly states: 'The finding was statistically significant' when describing the METAOD005 trial results of 2.6 kg vs 0.8 kg. This directly contradicts the statement's characterization of the result as not reaching statistical significance. The HealthRX and Kalios sources both confirm P=0.07 and non-significance across the pooled program, but the Perfect B source contradicts this by calling the METAOD005 finding 'statistically significant.' Since one source material contradicts the statement's core claim about statistical significance, the verdict is contradicted.

Contested

The sources disagree on whether the 12-week weight-loss result was actually statistically significant.

Perfect B (AOD 9604 Peptide for Fat Loss: Does It Work? | Perfect B) states outright that the METAOD005 12-week finding (~2.6 kg vs ~0.8 kg) 'was statistically significant.' HealthRX (AOD 9604: What the Research Actually Shows About This HGH Fragment | HealthRX.com), by contrast, reports the 1 mg arm lost ~2.76 kg vs ~0.84 kg placebo but that the difference did NOT reach statistical significance across the pooled program, citing a P-value of 0.07 (short of P<0.05). Kalios (AOD-9604: Six RCTs, One Failed Phase 2b | Kalios) likewise reports the ~2.6 kg vs 0.8 kg 12-week result but emphasizes the Phase 2b OPTIONS trial (n=536) failed to demonstrate significant weight loss at 24 weeks, after which the developer shelved the program. The weight of the sources treats the efficacy signal as non-significant.

Limited evidence

The confident "excellent safety" summary for AOD-9604 is carried most prominently by a commercial clinic's marketing page.

The sweeping safety narrative for AOD-9604 — excellent safety and tolerability across six randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials involving over 900 participants between 2001 and 2006 — is presented most prominently on a commercial rejuvenation clinic's blog, "AOD-9604 Safety Profile: What Clinical Trials Show." A peer-reviewed human safety publication does exist, "Safety and Tolerability of the Hexadecapeptide AOD9604 in Humans," but its detailed findings are not accessible in the material at hand to independently confirm the specific reassurances circulating online.

Using it with other compounds

Check a stack
  • BPC-157Complementary

    No documented conflict

    Beyond fat loss, AOD-9604 has shown cartilage regeneration in an animal osteoarthritis model, an effect that overlaps with BPC-157's tissue-repair and collagen/fibroblast activity — complementary for joint recovery contexts (both preclinical).

    Tier 4Theoretical — not established
  • IpamorelinComplementary

    May be complementary

    AOD-9604 drives fat mobilization through a GH-independent route (beta-3 adrenergic/HSL activation, not the GH receptor), while ipamorelin promotes lipolysis indirectly via GH release. Because they hit fat metabolism from different directions and both ultimately raise cAMP-driven hormone-sensitive lipase activity, they can be used together for fat-loss goals without receptor competition.

    Tier 4Theoretical — not established

    What the research doesn't fully establish

    Both peptides' mechanisms clearly establish the claimed shared dimensions and complementary relationship. (1) Lipolysis: Ipamorelin effects include 'Lipolysis (reported)' via 'Hormone-sensitive lipase / lipolysis' pathway; AOD-9604 effects include 'Stimulation of lipolysis (fat mobilization)' via 'Hormone-sensitive lipase activation, Lipolysis stimulation' pathway. (2) cAMP_PKA: Ipamorelin pathways include 'cAMP / protein kinase A (PKA)'; AOD-9604 pathways include 'Cyclic AMP (cAMP) elevation' and approved tag 'cAMP_PKA'. (3) Complementarity via different routes: The mechanisms confirm distinct pathways—ipamorelin acts through GHSR-1a → GH release → IGF-1 signaling → lipolysis, while AOD-9604 acts through beta-3 adrenergic receptor upregulation → cAMP elevation → HSL activation, explicitly stated as 'effect not directly receptor-mediated' and 'Does NOT meaningfully bind the classical hGH receptor.' The explanation's claim of 'GH-independent route' for AOD-9604 and indirect GH-mediated lipolysis for ipamorelin is directly supported by the provided mechanisms. No receptor competition is evident from the descriptions.

    Timing Both are often used fasted; no strict separation required.

    Shares lipolysis · cAMP PKA

  • TesamorelinComplementary

    May be complementary

    Both push fat loss but by different routes: tesamorelin raises endogenous growth hormone via the GHRH receptor, while AOD-9604 stimulates fat breakdown directly in fat cells (cAMP rise, hormone-sensitive lipase) without acting on the GH receptor. Because their entry points differ, they can reinforce each other on the same goal of reducing (especially visceral) fat.

    Tier 3Largely anecdotal — commonly discussed

    What the research doesn't fully establish

    The mechanisms clearly establish complementary action on the two shared dimensions. Both peptides elevate cAMP and promote lipolysis, but through distinct pathways: Tesamorelin acts via GHRHR → GH release → IGF-1 signaling → lipolysis, while AOD-9604 acts via beta3-AR → direct cAMP elevation → hormone-sensitive lipase activation → lipolysis. The mechanism descriptions explicitly confirm AOD-9604 does NOT meaningfully bind the classical hGH receptor, and Tesamorelin's effects are GH-axis dependent, confirming their entry points are genuinely different. Both converge on cAMP_PKA and lipolysis as endpoints, making them mechanistically complementary rather than redundant. The explanation accurately reflects the provided mechanisms.

    Timing No strict separation needed; both are commonly dosed on an empty stomach/subcutaneously.

    Shares lipolysis · cAMP PKA

  • CJC-1295Complementary

    May be complementary

    CJC-1295 boosts GH (and downstream IGF-1) through the GHRH receptor, a hormone-mediated path to fat mobilization, while AOD-9604 stimulates lipolysis directly at the adipocyte. The two hit fat loss from different directions and are not redundant with each other.

    Tier 3Largely anecdotal — commonly discussed

    What the research doesn't fully establish

    Both peptides' mechanisms explicitly activate cAMP-PKA signaling: AOD-9604 via beta3-AR stimulation leading to cAMP elevation and hormone-sensitive lipase activation; CJC-1295 via GHRH-R engagement triggering the cAMP-dependent GH secretory cascade. The proposed relationship correctly identifies that they operate through distinct primary targets (beta3-AR vs GHRH-R) and distinct tissue sites of action (direct adipocyte lipolysis vs pituitary GH axis), making them mechanistically complementary rather than redundant. Both converge on cAMP-PKA as a shared downstream pathway dimension, and the explanation accurately reflects this non-overlapping yet synergistic mechanism architecture described in the provided material.

    Shares cAMP PKA

  • SermorelinComplementary

    May be complementary

    Sermorelin drives fat loss indirectly by prompting the pituitary to release more of the body's own growth hormone, whereas AOD-9604 acts directly on fat cells to trigger lipolysis. Different upstream triggers converging on the same fat-burning outcome make them potentially additive rather than redundant.

    Tier 3Largely anecdotal — commonly discussed

    What the research doesn't fully establish

    Both peptides' mechanisms establish the claimed shared dimensions and support a complementary relationship. (1) Lipolysis: AOD-9604 directly stimulates lipolysis via beta3-AR and cAMP/PKA pathways; Sermorelin indirectly promotes lipolysis through GH/IGF-1 signaling, which is known to enhance fat mobilization. Both mechanisms converge on fat-burning outcomes. (2) cAMP_PKA: AOD-9604 explicitly activates cAMP/PKA; Sermorelin activates Gs/adenylyl cyclase/cAMP, also engaging cAMP_PKA signaling. The explanation correctly identifies that they use different upstream triggers (direct beta3-AR stimulation vs. GHRH receptor-mediated GH axis activation) converging on shared downstream pathways and lipolysis. This represents genuine complementarity—different mechanisms, same endpoint, potentially additive effects—rather than redundancy or antagonism. The mechanism descriptions support this characterization.

    Shares lipolysis · cAMP PKA

  • MOTS-cComplementary

    May be complementary

    MOTS-c improves fat metabolism and drives fat oxidation/adipose browning via AMPK and mitochondrial signaling, while AOD-9604 mobilizes fat by raising cAMP and activating hormone-sensitive lipase. Mobilization (AOD) plus enhanced oxidation (MOTS-c) are logically complementary steps of the same fat-loss process.

    Tier 4Theoretical — not established

    What the research doesn't fully establish

    Both peptides' mechanisms clearly support lipolysis-related effects through distinct but complementary pathways. AOD-9604 is explicitly tagged with 'lipolysis' and activates hormone-sensitive lipase via cAMP-PKA signaling to mobilize fat. MOTS-c is also tagged with 'lipolysis' and promotes fat oxidation/browning via AMPK activation and mitochondrial signaling. The proposed explanation accurately reflects the mechanism material: AOD-9604 mobilizes stored fat (lipolysis step), while MOTS-c enhances oxidation of mobilized fat (utilization step). These represent sequential, non-redundant contributions to fat loss that logically complement each other. The shared dimension (lipolysis) is explicitly supported by both peptides' approved tags and their distinct mechanistic contributions to fat metabolism are well-documented in the provided material.

    Shares lipolysis

  • SemaglutideComplementary

    May be complementary

    Semaglutide reduces body fat mainly by curbing appetite and improving glucose/insulin handling through the GLP-1 receptor, while AOD-9604 works peripherally to mobilize and oxidize stored fat. Different mechanisms aimed at the same weight/fat-loss goal, so they can complement each other.

    Tier 3Largely anecdotal — commonly discussed

    What the research doesn't fully establish

    Both peptides' mechanisms include lipolysis/fat loss as a documented effect. AOD-9604 directly stimulates lipolysis via beta3-AR and cAMP/PKA pathways (explicitly tagged 'lipolysis'). Semaglutide is also tagged 'lipolysis' and achieves weight loss/fat reduction, though primarily through appetite suppression and glucose control rather than direct lipolysis stimulation. The proposed relationship correctly identifies that they operate via distinct mechanisms (peripheral fat mobilization vs. central appetite/metabolic control) converging on the same outcome (fat loss). This represents a genuine complementary relationship on the shared dimension of lipolysis/fat reduction, supported by both peptides' documented effects and the mechanistic distinction described in the explanation.

    Shares lipolysis

  • TirzepatideComplementary

    May be complementary

    Tirzepatide lowers body weight and fat mass through dual incretin (GIP/GLP-1) appetite and metabolic effects, whereas AOD-9604 directly stimulates fat-cell lipolysis. The two operate by distinct mechanisms converging on fat reduction.

    Tier 3Largely anecdotal — commonly discussed

    What the research doesn't fully establish

    Both peptides are explicitly tagged with cAMP_PKA pathway activation in their mechanism descriptions. AOD-9604 operates through cAMP elevation and hormone-sensitive lipase activation to stimulate lipolysis. Tirzepatide generates cAMP through biased agonism at GLP-1R (and implicitly GIP receptor signaling). The proposed relationship correctly identifies that they share the cAMP_PKA dimension while operating through distinct upstream mechanisms (beta3-AR vs. GIP/GLP-1 receptors) that converge on fat reduction outcomes. The explanation accurately characterizes the complementary nature: direct lipolysis stimulation versus appetite/metabolic suppression, both reducing body fat through different pathways but a common second messenger system.

    Shares cAMP PKA

  • MK-677Stack with caution

    Worth caution

    MK-677 raises GH/IGF-1 (which can support lipolysis) but also markedly stimulates appetite and can promote fluid retention, potentially working against AOD-9604's fat-loss goal. Worth understanding the appetite trade-off before combining.

    Tier 4Theoretical — not established

Safety and side effects

Safety Profile

Across all Phase II arms, AOD-9604 did not raise fasting insulin, HbA1c, or IGF-1 compared to placebo. Across the six trials there were no serious adverse events, no immunogenic responses, and no glucose or insulin disruption, and it was reported as well tolerated regardless of delivery route.

Preclinical Safety

AOD-9604 was generally safe after chronic oral application in rats and cynomolgus monkeys, with no evidence of genotoxic activity (Ames test, chromosomal aberration assay, bone micronucleus assay) and no toxicological concerns across multiple non-clinical studies. Unlike hGH, it did not induce hyperglycaemia or reduce insulin secretion in obese mice, and chronic treatment showed no adverse effect on insulin sensitivity as measured by euglycemic clamp.

Regulatory and Legal Status

  • AOD-9604 received a self-affirmed GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) determination as a food ingredient (self-affirmed 2014), but it is not FDA-approved for any indication and has no approved injectable indication. One source notes a PCAC rejection in December 2024.
  • It is not a legally compoundable drug substance in the United States and is among prominent unapproved peptides marketed direct to patients.
  • It is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and classified as a doping agent of potential performance-enhancing nature.

Key Limitations

  • No long-term human safety data exist beyond 12 weeks in published trials (though 24-week study periods were conducted), and rigorous human safety data for unapproved peptides like AOD-9604 are described as scarce.
  • Much of the mechanistic, dosing, and safety-interpretation detail comes from lower-tier vendor/marketing web sources rather than peer-reviewed studies.

Reconstitution and handling

Administration Routes

No dose has been established for this compound. No regulatory label exists for it, so the figures below are what sources report — not guidance.

Human clinical trials tested intravenous injection and oral formulations (capsules or tablets), with bioavailability differing between routes. Additional routes appearing in the broader literature include subcutaneous (animal and community/off-label use), intraperitoneal (animal studies), intra-articular (animal osteoarthritis model), and topical (the licensed anti-cellulite formulation).

Dosing (as reported)

  • Oral doses in human trials ranged from 1 mg to 30 mg per day, with the 1 mg/day arm being the focus of the weight-loss signal.
  • Community/off-label research doses are reported around 250-500 mcg subcutaneous (typically once daily), with 300 mcg cited as a typical research dose. These figures derive from low-tier community/vendor sources, not clinical trials.

Storage

AOD-9604 is described as available for research purposes and in select wellness clinics, and is recommended to be stored at 2-8°C.

Note: AOD-9604 is not FDA-approved and is not a legally compoundable substance in the U.S. This section restates reported preparation and dosing information and is not guidance to use the compound.

Sources

Ordered by evidence quality — the strongest first.

  1. AOD-9604 Safety Profile: What Clinical Trials Show - Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 1Web · bhrcenter.com
  2. Safety and Tolerability of the Hexadecapeptide AOD9604 ...(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 1Web · jofem.org · 2013
  3. The effects of human GH and its lipolytic fragment ...(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 2Web · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 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 mice - PubMed(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 2Web · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. Detection and in vitro metabolism of AOD9604.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 2PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2015
  6. Effect of Intra-articular Injection of AOD9604 with or without Hyaluronic Acid in Rabbit Osteoarthritis Model.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 2PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2015
  7. Safety and Metabolism of AOD9604, a Novel Nutraceutical ...(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 2Web · jofem.org · 2014
  8. AOD-9604 does not influence the WADA hGH isoform immunoassay.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 2PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2013
  9. Increase of fat oxidation and weight loss in obese mice caused by chronic treatment with human growth hormone or a modified C-terminal fragment.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 2PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2001
  10. Metabolic studies of a synthetic lipolytic domain (AOD9604) of human growth hormone.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 2PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2000
  11. AOD 9604 – The Fat-Burning Peptide: Benefits, Mechanism & Safety(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 3Web · musechem.com
  12. AOD 9604 Peptide for Fat Loss: Does It Work? | Perfect B(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 3Web · perfectb.com
  13. AOD 9604 Peptide: Benefits, Dosage, Fat Loss Science & Safety(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 3Web · prymalab.net
  14. AOD-9604 Metabolic Support Process: Complete Mechanism Guide - Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 3Web · bhrcenter.com
  15. AOD‑9604 Peptide for Fat Loss: Mechanism, Benefits & Risks Explained – Swolverine(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 3Web · swolverine.com
  16. AOD-9604 (Fragment 176-191): 2026 Dosing & Status(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 3Web · thepeptidetoolkit.com · 2026
  17. AOD-9604: HGH Fragment Research Overview | Peptidings(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 3Web · peptidings.com · 2026
  18. AOD-9604: Six RCTs, One Failed Phase 2b | Kalios(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 3Web · kalios.health · 2026
  19. AOD-9604 (Anti-Obesity Drug 9604): Research Evidence & Safety Profile | PeptideInsight(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 3Web · peptideinsight.com · 2026
  20. Safety and Efficacy of Approved and Unapproved Peptide Therapies for Musculoskeletal Injuries and Athletic Performance.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 3PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2026
  21. Therapeutic Peptides in Orthopaedics: Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 3PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2026
  22. AOD 9604: What the Research Actually Shows About This HGH Fragment | HealthRX.com(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 3Web · healthrx.com · 2025
  23. Analytical approaches for the detection of emerging therapeutics and non-approved drugs in human doping controls.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 3PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2014
  24. Current updates in the medical management of obesity.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 3PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2012
  25. [Obesity: a review of currently used antiobesity drugs and new compounds in clinical development].(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 3PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2007
  26. Obesity drugs in clinical development.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 3PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2006
  27. Potential role of new therapies in modifying cardiovascular risk in overweight patients with metabolic risk factors.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 3PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2006
  28. AOD-9604 Metabolic.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 3PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2004
  29. Gateways to clinical trials.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 4PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2003