Also known as: Advanced Obesity Drug 9604, HGH Fragment 177-191, Tyr-hGH177-191, AOD9604
Half-life: ~30-60 minutes
AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide consisting of amino acids 177-191 of human growth hormone (hGH) with an added N-terminal tyrosine residue. It was specifically designed to isolate the lipolytic (fat-metabolizing) region of growth hormone from its growth-promoting and diabetogenic properties. This means AOD-9604 can stimulate fat breakdown and inhibit lipogenesis (new fat formation) without the adverse effects on blood sugar, insulin resistance, or IGF-1 levels that are associated with full-length growth hormone.
Preclinical studies demonstrated that AOD-9604 stimulates lipolysis in adipose tissue through a mechanism that does not involve the GH receptor. Instead, it appears to act through a distinct, calcium-dependent pathway. Animal studies showed dose-dependent weight loss in obese mice and rats, with reductions in body fat without changes in lean mass, food consumption, or IGF-1 levels. These promising results led to clinical trials in obese humans.
A Phase 2b clinical trial involving 536 obese subjects was completed in 2007 but did not achieve its primary endpoint of statistically significant weight loss versus placebo over 24 weeks. Despite this clinical setback, AOD-9604 was granted GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status by the FDA in 2014 as a food additive for anti-aging formulations. The peptide remains popular in the wellness community, often combined with other peptides for body composition optimization.
AOD-9604 was developed at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia in the late 1990s by Professor Frank Ng. It consists of amino acids 177-191 of human growth hormone with an added N-terminal tyrosine. The peptide was designed to isolate the fat-metabolizing region of GH from its growth-promoting properties. Metabolic Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (an Australian biotech company) licensed the compound and conducted clinical trials. A Phase 2b trial involving 536 obese subjects was completed in 2007 but failed to meet its primary endpoint of statistically significant weight loss versus placebo over 24 weeks. Despite this, the peptide was granted GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status by the FDA in 2014 as a food additive, specifically for anti-aging formulations.
AOD-9604 has an excellent tolerability profile, which is one of its key advantages. Clinical trials involving over 500 subjects showed minimal side effects. Because it does not bind the GH receptor, it avoids the side effects associated with growth hormone such as insulin resistance, water retention, and carpal tunnel syndrome. The most commonly reported side effects are mild injection site reactions and occasional headache. No significant changes in blood glucose, insulin levels, or IGF-1 were observed in clinical studies. The GRAS determination by the FDA further supports its safety profile.
Dose Range
250-500 mcg
Frequency
Once daily (SubQ)
Duration
8-12 weeks
Dosing information is for educational purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before using any peptide.
Typical Vial Size
5 mg
Water Type
Bacteriostatic water (BAC water)
Mixing Volume
2 mL
Half-Life
~30-60 minutes
Molecular Weight
1815.1 Da
Store reconstituted vial refrigerated at 2-8°C. Use within 28 days. Best administered in the morning on an empty stomach for optimal fat metabolism effects.
FDA Status
Not FDA approved as a drug. Granted GRAS status as a food additive in 2014.
Legal Status
Unregulated research chemical. GRAS status as food ingredient only. Prohibited by WADA.
USA
Not approved as drugGRAS status as food additive only (2014)
EU
Not approvedNot authorized as medicinal product
UK
Not approvedClassified as research chemical
Australia
Not approvedNot approved — despite being developed at Monash University, Melbourne
Russia
Not approvedAvailable as research compound
Canada
Not approvedNot authorized for human use
Ng FM, Sun J, Sharma L, Libinaka R, Jiang WJ, Gianello R
Endocrinology (2000)
Original characterization of AOD-9604 demonstrating that the hGH C-terminal fragment (177-191) retains lipolytic activity without the diabetogenic or growth-promoting effects of full-length GH.
View Study →Heffernan M, Summers RJ, Thorburn A, Ogru E, Gianello R, Jiang WJ, Ng FM
Obesity Research (2001)
Demonstrated that AOD-9604 stimulates fat metabolism through a mechanism distinct from the GH receptor, without adverse effects on glucose or insulin levels.
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