AOD-9604
AOD-9604 is a synthetic 16-amino-acid fragment of human growth hormone (residues 176-191) that was investigated as an anti-obesity agent for its fat-metabolizing effects without hGH's growth-promoting activity, but human clinical development was discontinued after disappointing efficacy results.
This page is a research-orientation summary, not a dosing guide. For anything beyond general background, read the primary literature or talk to a qualified clinician — specifics like amount, frequency, or administration aren't something we publish here.
What it does & how it works
AOD-9604 corresponds to the C-terminal region of human growth hormone believed to retain hGH's lipid-metabolizing activity while lacking the growth-hormone-receptor binding required to raise IGF-1 or promote tissue growth. Preclinical work suggests it stimulates lipolysis (fat breakdown) in adipocytes and suppresses lipogenesis (new fat formation), with proposed involvement of beta-adrenergic signaling pathways. Because it does not engage the classic somatotropic (GH receptor/IGF-1) axis, it is mechanistically distinct from full-length growth hormone.
Typical results seen in research
In diet-induced obese rats given the compound orally for several weeks, AOD-9604 reduced body-weight gain by more than half relative to untreated controls, with no adverse effect on insulin sensitivity. Early human proof-of-concept trials reported modest weight loss over placebo, but a larger, longer trial run by the original developer failed to demonstrate sufficient efficacy, and the obesity development program was discontinued in 2007. There is no evidence AOD-9604 produces GH-like anabolic, growth-promoting, or IGF-1-raising effects in humans.
How it’s commonly used
In the studies conducted to date, AOD-9604 has been tested via oral dosing in animals and in early human trials, and is also distributed in the peptide research market as an injectable for subcutaneous use. It has no regulatory approval as a weight-loss therapeutic in the US, EU, or elsewhere, is not part of any established clinical protocol, and is a substance prohibited in competitive sports.
- Hormone Research · 2000 Metabolic studies of a synthetic lipolytic domain (AOD9604) of human growth hormone
Curated from published literature for research orientation. Not an exhaustive review, and not a substitute for reading primary sources.