AOD9604, HGH fragment 176-191, Anti-Obesity Drug 9604 · Evidence-based safety and harm-reduction overview.
| Also known as | AOD9604, HGH fragment 176-191, Anti-Obesity Drug 9604 |
| Category | Peptide |
| trial_status | Development discontinued in early 2000s; no ongoing human trials |
| mechanism_class | Growth-hormone-derived peptide fragment |
| route | Subcutaneous injection |
| half_life | Unknown in humans; animal studies suggest rapid clearance |
| US legal status | AOD-9604 is not approved by the FDA as a drug for weight loss or any other indication; an earlier development program as an anti-obesity drug was discontinued. It is sometimes marketed as a 'research chemical' or in compounded or supplement-style products, but it is not a legal dietary supplement ingredient and is not legal to sell for human consumption as a drug. |
AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide corresponding to the C-terminal fragment (amino acids 176-191) of human growth hormone. It was developed in an attempt to capture proposed fat-metabolism effects of growth hormone without growth-promoting, blood-sugar effects, or acromegalic complications.
AOD-9604 is thought to interact with growth hormone secretagogue receptors or other growth-hormone-related pathways to influence lipolytic (fat-breakdown) enzyme activity and reduce glucose uptake into fat cells. However, the exact receptor target and in-vivo mechanism in humans remain unclear.
AOD-9604 was discovered and developed in Australia in the 1990s by Aod Pharmaceuticals with the goal of creating a fat-loss drug without growth-hormone side effects. Clinical development was abandoned in the 2000s after failed trials, yet it has remained marketed in gray-market and compounding circles as an underground fat-loss agent.
Early animal research suggested AOD-9604 might influence lipolysis (fat breakdown) and increase fat oxidation, but human clinical trials did not show meaningful weight loss compared with placebo, and development as an obesity drug was halted in the mid-2000s. Studies report a generally tolerable short-term safety profile in the limited trials conducted, but overall human evidence for benefit is weak and does not support marketed fat-loss claims.
In the clinical trials that were conducted, doses studied ranged broadly, but typical gray-market protocols claim micrograms to low-milligram injections; however, no validated or optimal human dose has been established.
This is general research/context information, not medical advice or a recommended protocol.
Combining AOD-9604 with semaglutide, cagrilintide, or other metabolic peptides in gray-market formulations is not studied and adds uncharacterized pharmacodynamic risks.
If you are going to research a compound, verifying identity and purity is the single most protective step. Independent analytical testing and sterile-handling supplies reduce risk.
Compare testing optionsHuman clinical trials did not show significant weight loss compared with placebo, and the obesity-drug program was discontinued years ago. Research suggests the marketed fat-loss claims are not well supported by clinical data.
No. It is not an approved drug and is not a lawful dietary supplement ingredient. It is generally sold as a research chemical, which is not legal to sell for human consumption or therapeutic purposes.
AOD-9604 is a small peptide fragment of growth hormone designed to avoid growth-promoting and metabolic side effects. However, it has not been shown to work effectively in humans, whereas growth hormone itself has established physiological effects.
Combining it with other peptides or hormones creates unstudied interactions and compounded risks. We do not recommend stacking unproven, unregulated compounds.
Medical & legal disclaimer. This site is for informational and harm-reduction purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. The compounds discussed are largely not approved by the FDA for human use and many are sold strictly as research chemicals 'not for human consumption.' Nothing here is an endorsement to purchase, possess, or use any substance. Laws vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a qualified physician and follow the law where you live.
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