Targeted Lipolysis Without IGF-1 Stimulation
AOD-9604 — Modified GH Fragment (hGH 176-191)
Last reviewed: August 2026
AOD-9604 is a fragment of human growth hormone engineered to retain only the fat-burning properties of hGH while eliminating the growth-promoting and blood-sugar-disrupting effects. It received FDA GRAS status in 2014. The Phase 2b human obesity trial did not meet its primary weight-loss endpoint, and results were never published in a peer-reviewed journal. Human fat-loss efficacy is not established.
AOD-9604 activates fat cells' beta3-adrenergic receptors, triggering lipolysis (fat breakdown) and blocking lipogenesis (new fat creation). It does this without raising IGF-1 or insulin, which distinguishes it from full-length growth hormone.
Most fat-loss peptides work indirectly through appetite suppression or growth hormone release. AOD-9604 acts directly on fat cells in preclinical models, making it a mechanistically distinct tool for metabolic research. Its FDA GRAS status covers food safety, not therapeutic efficacy. The Phase 2b obesity trial failed its primary endpoint and was not published.
AOD-9604 is a GH-derived fat metabolism peptide with FDA GRAS status (food safety only) and a clean safety profile. Human fat-loss efficacy is not established — the Phase 2b obesity trial did not meet its primary endpoint and results were never published. It remains a tool for preclinical metabolic research.
AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide fragment derived from the C-terminus of human growth hormone (hGH), specifically amino acids 176–191. Unlike full-length hGH, AOD-9604 retains the lipolytic (fat-burning) activity of the parent molecule without stimulating IGF-1 production or promoting cell proliferation. It received FDA GRAS designation in 2014 and has completed Phase II and Phase III clinical trials for obesity.
AOD-9604 consists of 16 amino acids corresponding to the C-terminal fragment of hGH (positions 176–191), with a disulfide bridge between Cys182 and Cys189. This fragment contains the region responsible for hGH's lipolytic activity while lacking the N-terminal domain required for IGF-1 stimulation and cell proliferation.
AOD-9604 reduces body fat by activating beta3-adrenergic receptors in adipose tissue to stimulate lipolysis, without the growth-promoting effects of full-length hGH.
AOD-9604 activates beta3-adrenergic receptors in adipose tissue, stimulating cAMP-mediated lipolysis and increasing fatty acid oxidation. Simultaneously, it suppresses acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity, reducing de novo lipogenesis and triglyceride synthesis. Unlike full-length hGH, it does not activate the JAK2/STAT5 pathway responsible for IGF-1 production.
Activates beta3-adrenergic receptors in adipose tissue, stimulating cAMP-mediated lipolysis and increasing fatty acid oxidation independent of IGF-1 signaling.
Suppresses acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity, reducing de novo lipogenesis and triglyceride synthesis in adipocytes.
Binds GH receptor with lower affinity than full-length hGH, activating metabolic pathways without triggering the full mitogenic or diabetogenic effects of hGH.
Each outcome rated by the highest level of evidence available. Tiers follow our 5-tier methodology.
Study counts reflect peer-reviewed publications in the evidence database below. "Theoretical" outcomes have mechanistic rationale only. Learn about our evidence tiers →
AOD-9604 — half-life, bioavailability, onset, and duration data
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Half-Life (t½) | ~30 minutes (SC) Short half-life; SC preferred for lipolytic effects | Clinical Trial Data |
| Time to Peak (Tmax) | ~15–30 minutes (SC) After subcutaneous injection | Clinical Trial Data |
| Bioavailability (F) | SC: estimated 70–80%; Oral: very low Oral bioavailability is minimal | Clinical Trial Data |
| Onset of Action | 30–60 minutes Lipolytic effects begin within 30–60 min of SC injection | — |
| Duration of Action | 2–4 hours per dose Multiple daily doses used in protocols | — |
C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone (hGH176-191). Retains lipolytic activity of hGH without the anabolic or diabetogenic effects. Phase 2 clinical trials for obesity completed.
References:
• Heffernan M et al. J Endocrinol 2001
• Ng FM et al. J Mol Endocrinol 1990
Peer-reviewed literature supporting the research profile of AOD-9604
The following peer-reviewed studies form the primary evidence base for AOD-9604's research profile. All references are sourced from PubMed, NCBI, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Published research is available through PubMed, NCBI, and peer-reviewed biomedical journals.
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.PMID: 11713213
AOD-9604 stimulated fat oxidation and reduced adiposity without affecting IGF-1 or insulin levels.
Ng FM, et al. Metabolic studies of a synthetic lipolytic domain (AOD9604) of human growth hormone. Hormone Research. 2000.PMID: 11146367
Established AOD-9604 as the active lipolytic fragment of hGH with selective fat-burning activity.
Metabolic Research
Purgo Labs list price, read 12 Sep 2026 · per-lot COA on the vendor page
5mg $49.99 → $39.99 with code HEALTH (20% off; price read 1 Nov 2026)
Fast FedEx shipping · Discreet packaging
View full legal status guide →
6 documented interactions for AOD-9604
Both affect fat metabolism. AOD-9604 via lipolysis; semaglutide via appetite suppression and metabolic effects. Theoretical additive effect — monitor for excessive fat loss.
Both affect fat metabolism. Monitor for excessive fat loss when combining.
AOD-9604 targets fat metabolism; BPC-157 targets tissue repair. No known interaction.
AOD-9604 targets fat metabolism; IGF-1 LR3 targets muscle growth. No known negative interaction.
Interaction data is based on published research, known pharmacological mechanisms, and clinical practitioner experience. Evidence tiers: Clinical = human data; Emerging = preclinical/case reports; Theoretical = mechanism-based inference. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before combining compounds.
Source AOD-9604 at Purgo Labs
5mg $49.99 list · $39.99 with code HEALTH · lab-verifiable COA per lot
Phase 2 human trials were run (2001–2007, >900 participants) but the adverse-event data were never published in a peer-reviewed journal
AOD-9604 is a fragment of human growth hormone (residues 177–191) developed by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals as an oral anti-obesity drug. The company ran six Phase 2 trials and reported in 2007 that the compound produced no meaningful weight loss and a safety profile similar to placebo; it then stopped development. Because those results were released by the company and not published, we cannot print rates from them. The only peer-reviewed data are animal and early mechanism studies.
Research-use information only. Research-grade AOD-9604 is not an approved medicine; where trial or label figures appear below they belong to the pharmaceutical product studied, not to any research vial. This section does not give dosing or medical advice.
Every rate carries its source. Where no source exists, no rate is printed.
| Effect | Rate (sourced) | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company-reported tolerability | not quantified | Metabolic Pharmaceuticals stated that adverse events in its Phase 2 programme were comparable to placebo. Unverifiable — no peer-reviewed publication. | Company releases, 2004–2007 (not peer-reviewed) |
| No IGF-1 elevation | not quantified | Unlike full-length GH, the 177–191 fragment did not raise IGF-1 or affect glucose in animal studies. | Ng et al. 2000; Heffernan et al. 2001 |
Regulatory status: Not approved as a drug anywhere. AOD-9604 has a US GRAS (food-ingredient) self-affirmation from 2014, which is not a drug approval and says nothing about injected use.
Everything above describes AOD-9604 the molecule. The risk specific to a research vial is different: it may not contain AOD-9604 at the labelled amount, and it may contain what the synthesis left behind. Identity (mass spectrometry), purity (HPLC), measured net content and an endotoxin result are the four lines on a certificate that bear on adverse effects, and only a certificate you can check at the laboratory tells you any of them. This is what we have verified for AOD-9604 so far.
29 of the 105 vendors on our scoreboard list AOD-9604 with a price we read on the product page (23 Sep 2026–1 Nov 2026). Of those, 28 name their testing laboratory, 23 publish certificates that resolve on the lab's own site, and 26 publish measured milligrams against the label. The full ranking, with every dated price, is on Best AOD-9604 Vendors.
| Vendor | Rubric | Lab named | Price read |
|---|---|---|---|
| MyPurePeptidepartner | 10/10 | Janoshik Analytical | $30.00 · 5mg · 1 Nov 2026 |
| Oneday Compoundspartner | 10/10 | ILS Laboratories (San Diego, CA) | $26.99 · 5mg · 29 Oct 2026 |
| Purgo Labspartner | 10/10 | SteriGenix · Freedom Diagnostics | $49.99 · 5mg · 1 Nov 2026 |
| Ameano Peptidespartner | 9/10 | Janoshik Analytical | $38.00 · 2mg · 1 Nov 2026 |
| ezPepspartner | 9/10 | ILS Laboratories (also Kovera Labs, Freedom Diagnostics, Horizon Analytical) | $47.99 · 5mg · 31 Oct 2026 |
Top 5 by rubric score; 24 more on the ranking page.
None yet for AOD-9604 specifically. The COA library holds the certificates we have read for each vendor on other compounds, which is the next best signal of how that vendor documents a lot.
No. The developer reported in 2007 that its Phase 2 programme showed no significant weight loss versus placebo and discontinued development. The same releases described the safety profile as placebo-like, but those data were never published, so they cannot be checked.
Animal studies say no — the fragment lacks the GH-receptor activity that drives IGF-1 release. That is an efficacy point as much as a safety one.
Side-effect section last reviewed 2026-09-13. Moved from the standalone side-effects page on 10 October 2026; text unchanged.
AOD-9604 is legal to purchase and possess in the United States as a research chemical. It is not a controlled substance under the DEA Controlled Substances Act, and it is not FDA-approved for human use. It may be purchased for legitimate laboratory research purposes.
| Jurisdiction | Status as stated |
|---|---|
| United States | Not a controlled substance. Legal to purchase as a research chemical. Not FDA-approved for human use. |
| Canada | Not a scheduled substance. Legal for research purposes. Not approved by Health Canada for human use. |
| United Kingdom | Not a controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Legal for research purposes. |
| Australia | Not listed as a scheduled substance by the TGA. Legal for research purposes. |
| European Union | Not a controlled substance in most EU member states. Legal for research purposes. |
| WADA / Sports | Not explicitly listed on the WADA Prohibited List, but may fall under S2 (Peptide Hormones) category. Athletes should consult their governing body. |
Statements above are as our legal-status page for AOD-9604 stated them in 2025; they were moved here on 10 October 2026 and were not re-verified in the move. Regulations change. This is general information, not legal advice; check the current position with your own jurisdiction's regulator before relying on it.
No. AOD-9604 is not listed as a controlled substance under the US DEA Controlled Substances Act. It is not scheduled at the federal level in the United States.
Yes. AOD-9604 can be legally purchased as a research chemical in the United States. It should not be sold or purchased for human consumption.
No. AOD-9604 is not FDA-approved for any human use. It was studied in clinical trials for obesity but did not receive approval.
AOD-9604 may fall under WADA's S2 category (Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors). Athletes subject to anti-doping rules should consult their governing body before use.
AOD-9604 is not listed as a scheduled substance by the TGA in Australia. However, regulations can change — always verify current status before purchasing.
Despite widespread fat-loss marketing, the large human obesity trial (Phase 2b, >500 subjects, Metabolic Pharmaceuticals, ~2007) failed its primary endpoint and was never published in a peer-reviewed journal. No credible published human evidence supports fat-loss efficacy. The FDA GRAS designation covers food safety, not therapeutic efficacy. The compound has a clean safety profile but an unproven efficacy profile.
Purgo Labs offers AOD-9604 with ≥99% purity, third-party certificates of analysis, and fast FedEx shipping. This is an affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
