AOD-9604
Also known as: Anti-Obesity Drug 9604, hGH Fragment 177-191, AOD9604
AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone (residues 177-191) with an additional tyrosine residue that significantly enhances bioavailability. Originally developed as an anti-obesity drug by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals, it stimulates lipolysis and inhibits lipogenesis without the diabetogenic effects of full GH.
Half-Life
30-45 minutes injectable; longer with nasal spray formulation
Route
SubQ, Intranasal, Oral
Category
Fat Loss & Metabolic
Studies
15 references
Key Benefits
- Selective fat loss without anabolic side effects
- No effect on blood glucose or insulin resistance
- Improved bioavailability over Fragment 176-191
- GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status in Australia
- Potential cartilage repair and anti-inflammatory properties
- Does not suppress natural GH production
Mechanism of Action
AOD-9604 binds to a specific receptor on fat cells (distinct from IGF-1 receptor) to activate beta-3 adrenergic pathways, triggering fat breakdown. It inhibits lipogenesis and promotes lipolysis selectively in adipose tissue. Unlike Fragment 176-191, the added N-terminal tyrosine improves receptor binding affinity and oral bioavailability.
Dosing Protocols
Fat Loss Protocol
- Dose
- 300-600 mcg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Timing
- Upon waking on empty stomach
- Cycle
- 12 weeks
Injectable subcutaneous or intranasal; morning dosing preferred for lipolytic effects
Calculate your draw volume
Enter your vial size and BAC water to get exact injection volumes
Side Effects
- Localized injection site reactions
- Headache (rare)
- Hypoglycemia risk in combination with insulin (very rare)
Storage
Lyophilized: store at -20°C for long term, 4°C for up to 4 weeks. Reconstituted: refrigerate at 4°C, use within 30 days.
Featured In Stacks
Advanced Fat Loss Cutting Stack
A multi-mechanism peptide cutting protocol combining selective lipolysis, metabolic rate elevation, insulin sensitization, and GH-mediated fat oxidation for aggressive body recomposition.
Body Recomposition: Fat Loss + Lean Mass
Simultaneously reduce body fat and build lean muscle using complementary GH axis peptides and targeted lipolytic compounds. The gold standard body recomposition stack.
Insulin Resistance & Metabolic Syndrome Reversal Protocol
Comprehensive metabolic peptide protocol targeting insulin resistance, visceral adiposity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and chronic inflammation underlying metabolic syndrome.
Knee Osteoarthritis & Joint Preservation Protocol
A targeted protocol for individuals with knee osteoarthritis or cartilage degeneration seeking to preserve joint function, reduce inflammation, and support cartilage matrix regeneration to delay or avoid surgical intervention.
Clinical Research
- 1.Therapeutic Peptides in Orthopaedics: Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions
Rahman OF, Lee SJ, Seeds WA · Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Global research & reviews · 2026ReviewPubMed Verified
- 2.Simplifying and expanding the screening for peptides <2 kDa by direct urine injection, liquid chromatography, and ion mobility mass spectrometry
Thomas A, Görgens C, Guddat S, Thieme D, Dellanna F, Schänzer W et al. · Journal of separation science · 2016PubMed Verified
- 3.Effect of Intra-articular Injection of AOD9604 with or without Hyaluronic Acid in Rabbit Osteoarthritis Model
Kwon DR, Park GY · Annals of clinical and laboratory science · 2015PubMed Verified
- 4.Human sports drug testing by mass spectrometry
Schänzer W, Thevis M · Mass spectrometry reviews · 2017ReviewPubMed Verified
- 5.Detecting peptidic drugs, drug candidates and analogs in sports doping: current status and future directions
Thevis M, Thomas A, Schänzer W · Expert review of proteomics · 2014PubMed Verified
- 6.Detection and in vitro metabolism of AOD9604
Cox HD, Smeal SJ, Hughes CM, Cox JE, Eichner D · Drug testing and analysis · 2015PubMed Verified
- 7.Identification and characterization of peptide drugs in unknown pharmaceutical preparations seized by the Belgian authorities: case report on AOD9604
Vanhee C, Moens G, Deconinck E, De Beer JO · Drug testing and analysis · 2014PubMed Verified
- 8.Analytical approaches for the detection of emerging therapeutics and non-approved drugs in human doping controls
Thevis M, Schänzer W · Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis · 2014ReviewPubMed Verified
- 9.AOD-9604 does not influence the WADA hGH isoform immunoassay
Orlovius AK, Thomas A, Schänzer W, Thevis M · Drug testing and analysis · 2013PubMed Verified
- 10.Obesity drugs in clinical development
Halford JC · Current opinion in investigational drugs (London, England : 2000) · 2006ReviewPubMed Verified
- 11.Gateways to clinical trials
Bayés M, Rabasseda X, Prous JR · Methods and findings in experimental and clinical pharmacology · 2005PubMed Verified
- 12.AOD-9604 Metabolic
Wilding J · Current opinion in investigational drugs (London, England : 2000) · 2004ReviewPubMed Verified
- 13.Gateways to clinical trials
Bayes M, Rabasseda X, Prous JR · Methods and findings in experimental and clinical pharmacology · 2003PubMed Verified
- 14.Gateways to clinical trials
Bayés M, Rabasseda X, Prous JR · Methods and findings in experimental and clinical pharmacology · 2003PubMed Verified
- 15.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 RJ, Thorburn A, Ogru E, Gianello R, Jiang WJ et al. · Endocrinology · 2001PubMed Verified
Medical disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Many compounds listed are research chemicals not approved for human use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any protocol.
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