Growth ⏱ Half-life: Short — similar to other GH fragment peptides. Phase 2

AOD-9604

AOD-9604 (Anti-Obesity Drug Fragment)

Updated March 15, 2026
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Evidence at a Glance

Regulatory statusPhase 2
hGH (176-191) fragment; failed pivotal Phase 2b obesity trial (~2007), later explored for osteoarthritis; never approved; self-affirmed GRAS as a food ingredient.
Human evidenceModerate
Animal evidenceModerate

AOD-9604, a synthetic fragment of human growth hormone, showed early promise but failed its pivotal Phase 2b obesity trial and has never been approved for weight loss or any other indication.

What the research does not support

  • Did not outperform placebo for weight loss in its largest (Phase 2b) trial.
  • Does not raise IGF-1 or produce the muscle-building effects of full growth hormone.
  • Is not an FDA-approved drug; a self-affirmed GRAS food status is not evidence of fat-loss efficacy.
  • No published human evidence supports its marketed use for injury, joint, or cartilage repair.
Half-Life
Short — similar to other GH fragment peptides.
Mol. Weight
1815.08 g/mol

What is AOD-9604?

AOD-9604 is a peptide fragment derived from the C-terminal region of human growth hormone, specifically designed to isolate the fat-metabolic activity of GH from its growth-promoting effects.

Research Applications

Fat metabolism, obesity research, cartilage repair studies, and metabolic research without IGF-1 elevation.

Dosage Information (Research Use)

Clinical trial doses: 250-500 mcg/day subcutaneously. Research use only.

Reconstitution & Handling

Standard BAC water reconstitution.

Half-Life & Pharmacokinetics

Short — similar to other GH fragment peptides.

Reported Observations in Literature

Generally well-tolerated in clinical trials. No significant adverse effects reported. Does not affect blood glucose or IGF-1 levels.

Key Research References

  • Heffernan MA, et al. “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.” Endocrinology. 2001

How AOD-9604 Works

AOD-9604 is a modified peptide fragment corresponding to amino acids 176-191 of human growth hormone, with an additional tyrosine residue. It mimics the lipolytic (fat-burning) region of GH while lacking the growth-promoting and diabetogenic effects of the full hormone. Mechanism involves stimulation of lipolysis and inhibition of lipogenesis without affecting IGF-1, insulin sensitivity, or cell proliferation.

Research Findings

Completed Phase 2b clinical trials for obesity research. GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status obtained for use in food products. Did not achieve efficacy endpoints in Phase 3 trials, but individual response variability was noted.

Dosage & Administration

Clinical trial doses: 250-500 mcg/day subcutaneously. Research use only.

Safety & Side Effects

Generally well-tolerated in clinical trials. No significant adverse effects reported. Does not affect blood glucose or IGF-1 levels.

Important: All safety information is derived from published research, primarily animal studies. No controlled human clinical trial data exists unless explicitly noted. This compound is sold for research purposes only.

Quick Facts

Sequence Tyr-Leu-Arg-Ile-Val-Gln-Cys-Arg-Ser-Val-Glu-Gly-Ser-Cys-Gly-Phe
Molecular Weight 1815.08 g/mol
Half-Life Short — similar to other GH fragment peptides.
Available Sizes 5mg
Storage Lyophilized: -20°C. Reconstituted: 2-8°C.

Key Research References

  • Heffernan MA, et al. "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." Endocrinology. 2001

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