GLP-1 & Metabolic Peptides
AOD-9604
Commonly used for
Weight LossFat LossMetabolic Health
What is it?
AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone (176–191) developed to promote lipolysis without the anabolic effects of growth hormone.
Mechanism of action: Stimulates lipolysis; May inhibit lipogenesis; Does not significantly increase IGF-1; Does not stimulate systemic GH release
What do people use it for?
Proposed indications: Obesity; Weight maintenance; Body fat reduction; Metabolic syndrome
How is it used? / Dosing
Commonly reported by peptide clinics†: 250-500 mcg once daily, subcutaneous, fasted
Peptide clinics and compounding pharmacies commonly report 250-500 mcg once daily by subcutaneous injection, taken in a fasted state. A specific, well-documented primary clinical trial establishing this dose could not be confirmed -- and as noted above, the formal obesity trials that were conducted (Proietto J et al.) failed to demonstrate consistent clinically meaningful weight loss versus placebo. This figure reflects commercial/clinic convention only, not evidence of effectiveness.
†Reported by peptide clinics and compounding pharmacies -- not derived from human clinical trials. Not an individualized recommendation. Actual use should be supervised by a qualified provider.
Typical clinical dosing schedule: No approved dosing regimen exists.
Administration: Investigational subcutaneous injection — No approved dosing regimen
How does it compare?
Compare with:
How well does it work? / Evidence
? Emerging / limited evidence
An "emerging / limited evidence" rating means rigorous research hasn't caught up yet -- not that this peptide doesn't work. Many peptides in this category are newer or simply understudied rather than proven ineffective.
Evidence rating: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ — Clinical trials have shown mixed results, and regulatory approval was not obtained.
Landmark trials: Ng FM, et al. (2000) — Early studies of the HGH fragment 176–191.; Proietto J, et al. — Clinical obesity trials of AOD-9604 failed to demonstrate consistent clinically meaningful weight loss compared with placebo.
Safety & side effects
Common side effects: Clinical studies reported a safety profile similar to placebo, with mild injection-site reactions being the most common.
Serious risks: No major safety signal identified in trials, though efficacy remains uncertain.
Drug interactions: None established.
Monitoring: Weight, Waist circumference, Metabolic markers
Legal & regulatory status
Legal status: Not FDA-approved for human use. This is a research compound, not a medication — any use should only occur under the direction of a licensed healthcare provider, and its legal availability varies and changes frequently. Verify current status independently before considering use.
Regulatory status: Investigational • Not FDA approved
Who should avoid it?
Contraindications: Not established. Avoid in pregnancy and significant uncontrolled illness.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Avoid.
Research & references
Ng FM, et al. (2000). Early studies of the HGH fragment 176–191. Proietto J, et al. Clinical obesity trials of AOD-9604.