AOD-9604
Anti-Obesity Drug 9604
Modified hGH 176–191 fragment (N-terminal tyrosine). Monash obesity program did not become a labeled fat-loss drug. Not somatropin, not a GLP-1, not “lipolysis without IGF-1” as a clinical guarantee.
Use-case scores
0–10 against the evidence we have, not a gym ranking. Hidden domains do not apply here.
- Metabolic / weight3/10
Monash / Metabolic obesity program did not deliver a labeled fat-loss drug. GRAS talk is food-additive folklore, not an obesity NDA. Small-human/failed Phase 3 after haircut: 3.
Compound card
- Class
- hGH 176–191 analog with N-terminal tyrosine (not somatropin)
- Formula
- C78H123N23O23S2
- Status
- Not FDA-approved · research use
How it works
AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone (hGH amino acids 177-191, with an added tyrosine) specifically engineered to retain hGH's fat-metabolizing properties while eliminating its anabolic and proliferative effects.
AOD-9604 stimulates lipolysis (fat breakdown) and inhibits lipogenesis (fat storage) via β-3 adrenergic receptors and direct lipase activation, without binding the GH receptor or elevating IGF-1. This selective fat-burning mechanism makes it unique among peptides - it lacks the cancer risk and metabolic side effects associated with GH receptor agonism. It was developed by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals (Melbourne) and reached Phase IIb/III clinical trials for obesity.
Source: PMID: 11713833
Background & History
AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone consisting of amino acids 176–191, with the addition of a tyrosine residue at the N-terminus (making it AOD rather than just fragment 176-191). Developed by Monash University researchers led by John Ng in Australia, it was designed to capture the lipolytic properties of GH without its diabetogenic effects. Phase III trials for obesity (Metabolic) were conducted in 2003–2007 but did not meet primary endpoints in the broadest population despite showing fat-specific effects. It received GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status in the US.
Research Use Cases
- ✓Identity: modified 176–191 vs somatropin vs AOD vs fragment SKU
- ✓Failed late-stage obesity work is part of the file
- ✓Not a GLP-1 and not Egrifta VAT math
Dosing
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fat Loss Protocol | 200 - 400 mcg | Daily SC injection (fasted AM) | Fasted injection maximizes lipolytic effect. Often cycled 5 days on / 2 days off or continuous for 12 weeks. |
Administration
Timeline
Who it is for
Fat Loss / Lipolysis
LowSelectively targets fat metabolism. No IGF-1 elevation or GH receptor agonism. Phase IIb trials showed modest fat loss.
Reconstitution
| Vial | Water | Concentration | Example dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mg lyophilized | 2 mL BAC | 2.5 mg/mL | 300 mcg on 5 mg / 2 mL (2.5 mg/mL) = 0.12 mL = 12 units on a U-100. |
Change vial size or water volume? Open the reconstitution calculator.
Safety & Considerations
GRAS status (Generally Recognized As Safe) for oral use in some jurisdictions. Well-tolerated in clinical trials. Does not elevate IGF-1 or blood glucose. No known anabolic or proliferative effects.
Regulatory & Legal Status
Reached Phase 3 trials for obesity; not FDA-approved as a drug
Not currently on the WADA 2026 Prohibited List. Policies may change - verify before competition.
Research Chemical
US Compounding: Not eligible / not available
⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only and may not reflect the most current regulatory updates. Always verify with official FDA, WADA, and jurisdiction-specific sources before use.
Limits of current evidence
- Do not print “catastrophic fat-loss without IGF-1” as a clinical fact.
- Related to fragment 176–191; they are not interchangeable SKUs.
- This site will not treat obesity from an AOD page.
Verdict
AOD-9604 is a modified C-terminal GH fragment sold for fat loss. It is not hGH, not a GLP-1, and not an approved obesity medicine. Failed late-stage obesity work is part of the story.
Interactions & Contraindications
Does not affect IGF-1 or blood glucose - safer metabolically than full GH. No significant drug interactions identified. Not for use with active cancer.
Synergies & Common Stacks
GLP-1 reduces appetite and caloric intake; AOD-9604 independently stimulates lipolysis. Complementary fat loss mechanisms operating through different pathways.
Tesamorelin reduces visceral fat via GH; AOD-9604 targets subcutaneous and visceral fat directly. Additive lipolytic effects.
Appears in goal guides
Goal guides are maps, not clinic protocols. A mention here is not a treatment plan.
Weight Loss Plateau Breakthrough
Tesamorelin VAT label versus off-label secretagogue folklore. Visceral fat that “refuses to burn” is not a research-chem indication.
The Furnace: Advanced Lipolysis
Thyroid and pancreas cytomax plus Tesamorelin, AOD-9604, Retatrutide, and 5-amino-1MQ. Visceral fat stack, not a stimulant fat burner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AOD-9604 raise IGF-1?▼
Should AOD-9604 be injected fasted?▼
References
- Heffernan M et al. “"A fragment of GH retains lipolytic activity without mitogenic effects".” Journal of Endocrinology (2001). PMID: 11520032
- Heffernan M, et al. “A randomized placebo-controlled dose-response trial of AOD-9604 in obese humans.” J Clin Endocrinol Metab (2001). DOI: 10.1210/jc.86.5.2198
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