The targeted fat-loss fragment
A modified fragment of human growth hormone (residues 176 to 191) studied for fat metabolism.
Educational content. This page describes AOD-9604 for informational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a licensed provider before starting, stopping, or modifying any therapy.
Emerging evidence suggests chondroprotective properties, with potential benefits for osteoarthritis cartilage repair.[7]
AOD-9604 (Advanced Obesity Drug 9604) is a synthetic peptide fragment corresponding to amino acids 176-191 of human growth hormone, with an added tyrosine residue. Developed by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals in Australia, it retains GH's fat-burning properties while eliminating growth-promoting and diabetogenic effects. It received FDA GRAS status in 2007.
While promising in preclinical studies, AOD-9604 did not achieve statistically significant weight loss over placebo in phase 2b/3 human trials, and pharmaceutical development was discontinued. It remains available through compounding pharmacies for body composition optimization.
AOD-9604 mimics the lipolytic domain of growth hormone, stimulating beta-3 adrenergic receptors on fat cells to trigger breakdown of stored triglycerides. It simultaneously inhibits lipogenesis — the conversion of excess calories into new fat.
Critically, it does not bind to the GH receptor in the same way as full-length hGH, meaning it does not activate JAK2/STAT5 signaling responsible for anabolic and diabetogenic effects, nor does it stimulate IGF-1 production.
The targeted fat-loss fragment
AOD-9604 engages the lipolytic pathway in adipose tissue by mimicking the C-terminal domain of growth hormone, stimulating beta-3 adrenergic receptor-mediated lipolysis and upregulating hormone-sensitive lipase while inhibiting fatty acid synthase, all without activating the GH receptor's JAK2/STAT5 and IGF-1 pathways.
Key studies supporting the therapeutic use of this peptide.
Significantly reduced body fat gain without affecting growth, IGF-1, or insulin sensitivity.
Heffernan M, Summers RJ, Thorburn A, et al. — Endocrinology, 142(12):5182-5189 (2001) · PubMed
Well-tolerated with good safety but weight loss did not reach statistical significance over placebo.
Wilding J — Curr Opin Investig Drugs, 5(4):436-440 (2004) · PubMed
Intra-articular AOD9604 improved cartilage repair markers, especially combined with hyaluronic acid.
Kwon DR, Park GY — Ann Clin Lab Sci, 45(4):426-432 (2015) · PubMed
Typical protocols used in clinical practice. Always consult a licensed provider for personalized dosing.
Subcutaneous Injection
Subcutaneous Injection: Inject into abdominal fat; best on empty stomach
Best taken in the morning fasted to optimize lipolytic activity.
Cycling (12 weeks on, 4 weeks off) is commonly recommended.
Can be combined with CJC-1295/Ipamorelin at provider's discretion.
Favorable safety profile; FDA granted GRAS status in 2007. Does not elevate IGF-1, impair glucose metabolism, or cause fluid retention associated with GH therapy.
However, AOD-9604 failed to demonstrate efficacy over placebo in human trials. Evidence level is substantially lower than FDA-approved therapies.
Patients should source from reputable compounding pharmacies and have realistic expectations.
See how AOD-9604 compares to peptides with overlapping benefits.
| Peptide | Primary Use | Administration | Cycle Length | Key Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AOD-9604 | Fat Reduction | Injection (daily) | 12-week cycles | GH's fat-burning effects without diabetogenic, anabolic, or IGF-1-elevating properties — though human trial efficacy was not demonstrated |
| Semaglutide | Weight Loss | Injection (weekly), Oral (daily) | Ongoing | Most clinically validated weight-loss peptide with cardiovascular outcomes data from the SELECT trial |
| Tirzepatide | Weight Loss | Injection (weekly) | Ongoing | Only dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist, producing up to 22.5% weight loss — the highest of any pharmacotherapy |
| Tesamorelin | Body Composition & GHRH | Subcutaneous Injection | Ongoing daily | The only FDA-approved GHRH analog with Phase III data in over 800 patients, proven hepatoprotective effects, and physiologic pulsatile GH release |
| Ipamorelin | Anti-Aging & Body Composition | Injection (1-3x daily) | 8–12 weeks | Most selective GH secretagogue — clean pulsatile GH release without cortisol, prolactin, or appetite effects |
Current FDA classification and compounding eligibility.
The FDA placed this substance in Category 2 of the 503A bulk drug substances evaluation, flagging significant safety risks. 503A compounding carries FDA enforcement risk, so most pharmacies decline to prepare it and many physicians hesitate to prescribe it.
hGH fragment 176-191. Nomination withdrawn September 2024, then reviewed by PCAC on December 4, 2024. PCAC voted against inclusion. FDA cited immunogenicity, impurity concerns, and serious adverse events. Remains ineligible for 503A compounding. Not among the 12 peptides HHS withdrew from Category 2 in April 2026.
PCAC reviewed and recommended against inclusion on 503A bulks list
Removed from Category 2 (nomination withdrawn by nominators)
Placed in 503A Category 2 with significant safety risks identified
Last verified April 12, 2026. PepHookup tracks public FDA actions. This is not legal or medical advice.
Wu Z, Ng FM “Antilipogenic action of synthetic C-terminal sequence 177-191 of human growth hormone.” Biochem Mol Biol Int, 30(1):187-196 (1993)
Wilding J “AOD-9604 Metabolic.” Curr Opin Investig Drugs, 5(4):436-440 (2004)
Kwon DR, Park GY “Effect of Intra-articular Injection of AOD9604 with or without Hyaluronic Acid in Rabbit Osteoarthritis Model.” Ann Clin Lab Sci, 45(4):426-432 (2015)
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