AOD-9604
Research OnlyA modified fragment of human growth hormone (amino acids 176-191 with N-terminal tyrosine) studied for fat loss. Clinical development discontinued after Phase 2b/3 trials failed to show efficacy in 536 subjects. Now prohibited by WADA and excluded from FDA compounding.
Anti-Obesity Drug 9604 · Tyr-hGH Fragment 177-191 · hGH Fragment 176-191
6 human studies
- Preclinical
- 40%
- Clinical
- 30%
Based on 20 cited sources
clinically demonstrated · low confidence
Demonstrated effect magnitude — not a recommendation or safety claim.
Research depth: two multicenter RCTs (Phase 2a positive, pivotal Phase 2b/3 OPTIONS n=536 null), >800 human subjects, direct obesity outcome. Mechanism: well-characterized in rodents — beta-3-AR KO mice abolish the effect, cAMP/PKA to HSL lipolysis chain mapped. Plausibility: chain breaks at human translation; beta-3-AR human relevance contested and pivotal trial failed. Global coverage: ~20 studies, largely one research cluster, WADA-listed, no approval. Community: >7 years of clinic use with mixed, modest reports. Effectiveness basis clinical — early-phase human signals did not replicate; OPTIONS showed no significant difference, below obesity MCID.
AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone representing amino acids 176-191 with an N-terminal tyrosine substitution. Unlike full-length GH, it does not bind the GH receptor and does not increase IGF-1. All proposed mechanisms are based primarily on animal and in vitro studies; the peptide failed human efficacy trials.
How It Works (Simplified)
AOD-9604 was designed to capture GH’s fat-burning effects without its side effects:
Binds to beta-3 adrenergic receptors on fat cells, signaling them to release stored fat for energy use.
Activates hormone-sensitive lipase through cAMP/PKA cascade, breaking down triglycerides into free fatty acids.
Preferentially accumulates in fat tissue, theoretically concentrating effects where fat is stored.
Does not bind GH receptor, avoiding IGF-1 elevation and diabetogenic effects seen with full growth hormone.
Key Research: Heffernan et al. (2001) showed that beta-3-AR knockout mice fail to lose weight on chronic AOD-9604 treatment and that the peptide upregulates beta-3-AR expression, implicating this receptor in its lipolytic mechanism. PMID:11713213
Important Limitations
- Failed human trials - Phase 2b/3 with 536 subjects showed no significant weight loss vs placebo
- Species translation failure - Beta-3 receptor biology differs significantly between rodents and humans
- No FDA approval - Excluded from 503A compounding list in 2024
- WADA prohibited - Banned in sport (Section S2.5)
- All efficacy data is preclinical - Human pharmacokinetics may not support therapeutic effect
Reported positives
- Fat loss without affecting blood glucose levels reported
- No impact on IGF-1 or growth hormone levels cited as safety advantage
- Targeted abdominal fat reduction claimed
- Well-tolerated with few reported side effects
Reported negatives
- Fat loss effects modest and inconsistent in reports
- Limited clinical evidence despite widespread marketing
- Results inferior to GLP-1 agents for weight management
- Product quality concerns from research suppliers
“Popular in weight loss clinics. Community views mixed — some report benefits, many find effects modest.”
Self-reported, unverified accounts — not clinical evidence and no substitute for the cited research. Anecdotes are prone to selection bias and placebo effects.
Based on Phase 2a trial data: Some subjects showed initial fat mobilization. Animal studies indicate beta-3 receptor upregulation begins within first weeks. Clinical significance in humans unproven.
PMID:11673763Preclinical studies showed reduced body weight gain and increased fat oxidation in obese mice over chronic dosing. Any early human signal did not replicate in the larger Phase 2b/3 trial.
PMID:11673763Pivotal OPTIONS study (24 weeks, n=536) showed no significant difference from placebo at any dose tested. Effects observed in mice did not translate to humans.
Research-based observations
This timeline reflects observations from published clinical and preclinical studies. Individual responses may vary significantly. This is not a guarantee of effects or a dosing schedule. Consult qualified healthcare providers for personalized guidance.
Good Signs (6 indicators)
Warning Signs (4 indicators)
Bad Signs (6 indicators)
For Research Evaluation Only
These quality indicators are general guidelines based on typical peptide characteristics. Professional laboratory testing (HPLC, mass spectrometry) provides definitive quality verification. This checklist is for initial visual evaluation only.
Semaglutide
CautionBoth target weight/fat loss through different mechanisms. Overlapping metabolic effects warrant monitoring. AOD-9604 failed clinical trials while semaglutide is FDA-approved.
Tirzepatide
CautionSimilar metabolic targets - combining with approved GLP-1/GIP agonists may have unpredictable effects. AOD-9604 lacks efficacy evidence.
Tesamorelin
CautionBoth derived from GH-related pathways - tesamorelin is GHRH analog, AOD-9604 is GH fragment. May have overlapping or competing effects on lipid metabolism.
CJC-1295
CautionCJC-1295 elevates full GH pathway while AOD-9604 is a non-functional GH fragment. Combining GH secretagogues with GH fragments may be redundant.
Ipamorelin
CautionIpamorelin stimulates endogenous GH release - adding AOD-9604 (failed GH fragment) alongside active GH secretagogues lacks rationale.
Research Note: Interaction data is based on published literature, mechanistic understanding, and theoretical considerations. Most peptide combinations lack direct clinical study. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare providers.
Key Studies Cited
Full reference list available on request. All citations link to PubMed for verification.
This dossier synthesizes available evidence from peer-reviewed literature, regulatory documents, and clinical trial registries. Evidence strength ratings follow a modified GRADE approach.
For complete methodology details, see our Methodology page.
Important Disclaimer
This dossier is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.
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