GLP-1Research profile

AOD-9604

HGH Fragment 177-191 · Anti-Obesity Drug 9604 · AOD

Think of it as a fat-burning assistant without the drama of full HGH.

AOD-9604 is like a supportive sidekick in your body's quest to manage fat. Originally dreamed up as an anti-obesity wonder, it didn't quite hit the mark for that purpose. But what it can do is encourage your body to burn fat more effectively, without messing with your blood sugar or growth hormone levels.

Imagine it as a specialized tool that zeros in on fat cells, coaxing them to break down and release their stored energy. Unlike full-fledged human growth hormone, AOD-9604 doesn't get involved with the insulin or growth factors that can lead to unwanted side effects. It's more like a streamlined version of HGH, focused on fat without the extra baggage.

Though it didn't earn a spot as a pharmaceutical heavyweight, AOD-9604 is considered safe in certain food applications, hinting at its gentle nature when it comes to your body's systems.

Who it's for

Fitness enthusiasts looking to target stubborn fat areas
People curious about alternatives to traditional HGH
Those interested in managing weight with minimal side effects

Probably not for you if…

Individuals expecting dramatic weight loss results
People looking for a growth hormone replacement
Anyone wary of peptides without extensive human trial success

Editorial summary for research context · Not medical advice

Mechanism of Action

AOD-9604 is a synthetic 16-amino-acid peptide corresponding to the C-terminal 177-191 fragment of human growth hormone, modified with an N-terminal tyrosine. It was originally developed by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals as a potential anti-obesity agent. Preclinical research suggested it stimulated lipolysis and inhibited lipogenesis without the glucose-handling or IGF-1 effects of full-length HGH. Clinical trials for obesity did not meet primary efficacy endpoints and it was never approved as a pharmaceutical. It holds GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status with the FDA for limited food applications.

Researched Benefits

Lipolytic signaling (preclinical)

Rodent adipocyte studies reported increased fat oxidation and reduced body fat without the insulin-antagonist effects of full-length GH.

[Ng et al. 2000]

Cartilage and joint research

Animal models have explored AOD-9604 for chondroprotection and osteoarthritis, with some evidence of cartilage matrix preservation.

[Kwon et al. 2015]

Non-GH-axis profile

Research indicates AOD-9604 does not meaningfully stimulate IGF-1 production or affect glucose tolerance, distinguishing it from HGH itself.

Research Protocols

The following dosing ranges have appeared in published research protocols. Presented for informational purposes only — not a recommendation for human use.

Research reference

Dosage: 300 mcg
Frequency: once daily
Timing: morning, fasted
Cycle: 12 weeks

Clinical obesity trials used oral doses up to 1mg daily; did not meet primary weight-loss endpoints. No FDA-approved therapeutic use exists.

Reported Side Effects

Injection-site reactions (when administered subcutaneously)
Headache reported in some trial participants
Generally well-tolerated profile in Phase 2 human trials
Long-term safety in humans not established

Contraindications

Pregnancy and lactation
Active malignancy
Pediatric use

Stacking Partners

Peptides commonly paired with AOD-9604 in published research and protocol write-ups.

glp1

Semaglutide

Weight reduction

other

5-Amino-1MQ

Adipocyte size reduction (preclinical)

Vendor Pricing

75
LA Peptides
Best $/mg
Size10mg
Total$49.99
/ mg$5.00/mg
In stock
View
74
NextGen Peptides
Size5mg
Total$35.00
/ mg$7.00/mg
In stock
View
67
True Peptide Labs
Size5mg
Total$35.00
/ mg$7.00/mg
In stock
View
78
Evolve Peptides
Size10mg
Total$80.00
/ mg$8.00/mg
In stock
View
73
Royal Peptides
Size50mg
Total$430.00
/ mg$8.60/mg
In stock
View
71
Stillwater BioLabs
Size5mg
Total$45.00
/ mg$9.00/mg
In stock
View
77
Nova Peptide Supply
Size5mg
Total$50.00
/ mg$10.00/mg
In stock
View
78
Evolve Peptides
Size5mg
Total$55.00
/ mg$11.00/mg
In stock
View

Stacked earns a commission on purchases via these links. It does not influence our Trust Scores.

Gear + Companions

Reconstitution supplies and research-backed supplement companions for AOD-9604. Editorial picks only — we earn a commission through Amazon on the click, no sponsorship.

Gear you'll need

· Reconstitution + storage essentials

Bacteriostatic Water 30mL (0.9% Benzyl Alcohol)
Empower Pharmacy / generic medical supply
Reconstitutes every lyophilized peptide. 28-day viability refrigerated.
View at Pantheon →
Insulin Syringes 31G × 5/16" × 0.5mL (100 count)
EasyTouch
31G × 0.5mL insulin syringes — the default size for sub-0.25mL peptide doses.
Buy on Amazon →
Alcohol Prep Pads (Sterile, 200 count)
Dynarex
Sterile 70% IPA prep pads — one per vial stopper + one per injection site.
Buy on Amazon →
1-Quart Sharps Disposal Container
BD / Becton Dickinson
FDA-cleared sharps container — pharmacies won't accept improvised disposal.
Buy on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases · Disclosed per FTC guidelines

Research Papers

The effects of a growth hormone lipolytic fragment (AOD9604) on body composition in obese Zucker rats
Ng FM, et al. · Hormone and Metabolic Research · 2000
PubMed 10727015 →

AOD-9604

Mechanism of Action