AOD-9604 Research Overview (also known as AOD9604, Anti-Obesity Drug 9604, hGH fragment 177-191, Tyr-hGH 177-191)
A synthetic fragment of human growth hormone (hGH) consisting of the C-terminal amino acids 176 to 191. Unlike full hGH, AOD-9604 does not activate IGF-1 pathways. Preclinical research has shown it to stimulate lipolysis and inhibit lipogenesis without the growth-promoting or glucose-regulatory effects of full GH.
What Is AOD-9604?
AOD-9604 (Anti-Obesity Drug 9604) is a synthetic peptide comprising amino acids 177–191 of the C-terminal end of human growth hormone, with a tyrosine residue added at the N-terminus. It was developed to isolate the fat-metabolizing properties of GH without the anabolic effects of the full-length hormone — particularly without stimulating IGF-1 production or affecting blood glucose levels.
Mechanism of Action
AOD-9604 activates β3-adrenergic receptors and mimics the lipolytic signaling of growth hormone through a distinct receptor pathway from IGF-1. It stimulates lipolysis (breakdown of stored fat) while simultaneously inhibiting lipogenesis (new fat formation). Crucially, it does not produce the insulin resistance, fluid retention, or IGF-1 elevation associated with exogenous GH administration.
Clinical Development History
AOD-9604 advanced to Phase 2b and Phase 3 clinical trials for obesity under the designation Metabical. Trials demonstrated statistically significant reductions in body fat compared to placebo with an excellent safety profile. It is also being investigated in clinical trials for osteoarthritis, where it shows cartilage-regenerative properties independent of its metabolic effects.
Quick Reference
| Literature-Reported Dose Range | 250-500mcg |
| Literature-Reported Frequency | Once daily, morning |
| Literature-Reported Cycle Length | 8-12 weeks |
| Literature-Reported Washout | 4 weeks |
| Storage | Reconstituted: 2-8°C for 28 days |
| Sites Reported in Studies | Subcutaneous: abdomen, thigh |
| Timing | Morning on empty stomach |
Research Indications
Fat Loss
Fat Loss / Lipolysis
Increases fat oxidation and reduces body weight without affecting glucose metabolism.
Lipogenesis Inhibition
Reduces fat synthesis and storage in adipose tissue.
Metabolic Safety
Does not cause hyperglycemia or insulin resistance unlike full hGH.
Joint Health
Cartilage Repair
Combined with HA, shows enhanced cartilage regeneration in OA models.
Joint Health
Accelerated recovery in animal studies without IGF-1 stimulation.
Osteoarthritis
Synergistic effects with hyaluronic acid for joint repair.
Research Protocols
As reported in cited literature and research-community logs (see Research Citations below) — not a personal dosing recommendation.
| Research Application | Dose | Frequency | Route |
|---|
| Fat loss | 250-300mcg | Once daily | SubQ |
| Enhanced fat loss | 400-500mcg | Once daily | SubQ |
| Joint support | 250mcg | Once daily | SubQ |
| Conservative start | 200mcg | Once daily | SubQ |
Timing
Recommended administration window: morning on empty stomach. Typical onset: fat loss effects 4-8 weeks.
Peptide Interactions
These compounds address different research mechanisms represented in this preset. This is mechanistic complementarity, not evidence of clinical synergy: controlled studies of the exact combination are limited or unavailable, so interpret each exposure and safety signal independently.
Research shows combined AOD-9604 and HA injections are more effective for cartilage repair than either alone.
Different mechanisms of action. Sometimes combined in regenerative protocols.
AOD-9604 does not affect GH axis, allowing combination with GH secretagogues.
No known interactions. Different mechanisms - can be used together.
Different fat loss mechanisms. May have complementary effects on weight management.
AOD-9604 does not affect glucose metabolism or insulin sensitivity unlike full hGH.
Reported Research Timeline
01Week 1–2 (reported in cited studies): minimal noticeable effects
02Week 3–4 (reported in cited studies): subtle body composition changes
03Week 5–8 (reported in cited studies): more noticeable fat loss
04Week 8–12 (reported in cited studies): continued fat reduction
Side effects (reported in cited studies): generally well-tolerated
Safety Notes
Included for harm-reduction awareness only, in the event this compound is encountered outside its labeled research use. Inclusion here does not imply RUO Codes endorses, recommends, or instructs human use.
Excellent safety in 6 RCTs (~900 participants) — zero serious adverse events
158,989 US compounding prescriptions with zero FAERS adverse events (2024)
Does not affect blood glucose, insulin, or IGF-1
No anti-AOD-9604 antibodies detected in trials
May cause mild injection site reactions
Not recommended during pregnancy
WADA prohibited at all times — S.0 category
Long-term safety beyond 24 weeks not studied
Seek Medical Attention If:
Severe injection site reactions
Unusual swelling or redness
Consult healthcare provider
Quality Indicators
Verified Marker
White Lyophilized Powder
Uniform white to off-white powder indicates proper freeze-drying.
Verified Marker
Clear Solution After Reconstitution
Crystal clear without particles or cloudiness.
Verified Marker
Certificate of Analysis
Quality suppliers provide CoA with >98% purity by HPLC.
Acceptable Range
No FDA Drug Approval
Not FDA-approved. FDA PCAC recommended against 503A bulks list Dec 2024. TGA approved for OA only (iTRAM). US compounding status in flux.
Acceptable Range
SubQ Not Clinically Validated
All six clinical trials used oral dosing. SubQ protocols are community-derived without published clinical evidence.
Quality Concern
Discolored Powder
Yellow discoloration or excessive clumping indicates degradation.
Quality Concern
WADA Prohibited
Banned by WADA at all times under S.0 category. Athletes must not use this compound.
Research Citations
- Metabolic studies of a synthetic lipolytic domain (AOD9604) of human growth hormone
Ng, F.M., Sun, J., Sharma, L., Libinaka, R., Jiang, W.J., Gianello, R., 2000, Hormone Research - Safety and Tolerability of the Hexadecapeptide AOD9604 in Humans
Stier, H., Vos, E., Kenley, D., 2013, Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism - Increase of fat oxidation and weight loss in obese mice caused by chronic treatment with human growth hormone or a modified C-terminal fragment
Heffernan, M.A., Thorburn, A.W., Fam, B., et al., 2001, International Journal of Obesity - 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
Heffernan, M., Summers, R.J., Thorburn, A., et al., 2001, Endocrinology - Effects of oral administration of a synthetic fragment of human growth hormone on lipid metabolism
Heffernan, M.A., Jiang, W.J., Thorburn, A.W., Ng, F.M., 2000, American Journal of Physiology - Endocrinology and Metabolism - Effect of Intra-articular Injection of AOD9604 with or without Hyaluronic Acid in Rabbit Osteoarthritis Model
Kwon, D.R., Park, G.Y., 2015, Annals of Clinical and Laboratory Science - Detection and in vitro metabolism of AOD9604
Cox, H.D., Smeal, S.J., Hughes, C.M., Cox, J.E., Eichner, D., 2015, Drug Testing and Analysis - Antilipogenic action of synthetic C-terminal sequence 177-191 of human growth hormone
Wu, Z., Ng, F.M., 1993, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology International - Human Growth Hormone Fragment 176-191 Peptide Enhances the Toxicity of Doxorubicin-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles Against MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells
Habibullah, M.M., Mohan, S., Syed, N.K., et al., 2022, Drug Design, Development and Therapy - The 14-Kilodalton Human Growth Hormone Fragment a Potent Inhibitor of Angiogenesis and Tumor Metastasis
Shaker, B.T., Ismail, A.A., Salih, R., et al., 2023, International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Research Focus
Fat loss, Lipolysis, Adipogenesis inhibition, Metabolic health, Obesity
Verified Vendors Carrying AOD-9604
Frequently Asked Questions
What should researchers watch for with AOD-9604?
Included for harm-reduction awareness only, in the event this compound is encountered outside its labeled research use. Inclusion here does not imply RUO Codes endorses, recommends, or instructs human use.
What should researchers expect over time with AOD-9604?
Week 1–2 (reported in cited studies): minimal noticeable effects
How is AOD-9604 typically administered in research?
As reported in cited literature and research-community logs (see Research Citations below) — not a personal dosing recommendation.
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