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metabolic

AOD-9604

Also known as: Anti-Obesity Drug 9604, hGH Fragment 176-191, Tyr-hGH177-191, AOD9604
FDA: Not FDA-approved WADA: Prohibited at all times

AOD-9604 (Anti-Obesity Drug 9604) is a modified peptide fragment corresponding to the C-terminal portion of human growth hormone (amino acids 176-191), with an additional N-terminal tyrosine residue. Developed by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals in Australia, it was designed to retain the fat-metabolizing properties of growth hormone while eliminating its growth-promoting, diabetogenic, and IGF-1-stimulating effects. AOD-9604 stimulates lipolysis (fat breakdown) and inhibits lipogenesis (fat formation) through a mechanism involving the beta-3 adrenergic receptor pathway. In 2013, the FDA granted it Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status for use as a food ingredient. While clinical trials for obesity were discontinued, AOD-9604 has found renewed

This content is for educational and research purposes only. VialBase does not provide medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using any peptide.

Molecular weight 1,815.08 Da
Half-life ~30-45 minutes
CAS number 221231-10-3
Route Subcutaneous · Oral (under investigation) · Intra-articular (cartilage) subcutaneous preferred
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Mechanism

Modified C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone (hGH 176-191) — stimulates lipolysis and inhibits lipogenesis without affecting IGF-1, blood glucose, or growth; beta-3 adrenergic receptor pathway modulation

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Dosing

DOSE RANGE 250–500 mcg
FREQUENCY 1x daily
CYCLE LENGTH 12-20 weeks

Inject on empty stomach (fasting), typically morning before food. Clinical trials used 1mg/day oral. SubQ protocols typically 250-500 mcg daily. Often combined with diet/exercise protocols.

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Research summary

Study Type Year Key Finding
AOD-9604 stimulates proteoglycan synthesis in chondrocytes Preclinical (in vitro/in vivo) 2015 AOD-9604 stimulated proteoglycan synthesis in chondrocytes
Safety and Efficacy of Approved and Unapproved Peptide Therapies for Musculoskeletal Injuries and Athletic Performance Narrative review 2026 AOD-9604 among unapproved peptides marketed directly to patients
AOD-9604 Phase IIb Obesity Trial and Development History Development history summary 2004-2007 Phase IIb RCT with 300+ patients for oral AOD-9604 (1mg/day)
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Stacking & interactions

Fat loss + GH support without full GH side effects

Fat loss + GH secretagogue stack

Fat metabolism + tissue repair

Metabolic optimization + cellular energy

Stacks containing AOD-9604

Fasted Burner

Tesamorelin + Amlexanox + AOD-9604

GH-Boost Metabolic

CJC-1295 (w/ DAC) + Ipamorelin + AOD-9604

Shred

AOD-9604 + MOTS-c + 5-Amino-1MQ

28-day resets featuring AOD-9604

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Sourcing

Current prices

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5mg

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Also vetted at
What bloodwork do I need?

Reference ranges are general guidelines. Consult your physician for interpretation.

PRE-CYCLE
  • Fasting Glucose
  • Fasting Insulin
  • CMP
  • CBC
  • Lipid Panel
DURING CYCLE
  • Fasting Glucose
  • Fasting Insulin
POST-CYCLE
  • Fasting Glucose
  • Lipid Panel
Safety & Regulatory Status
FDA STATUS Not FDA-approved. GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status granted by FDA for use as a food ingredient (2013). FDA 503A Category 2 bulk drug substance
WADA STATUS Prohibited at all times (S2 — Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors)

Regulatory status for AOD-9604 may change. Verify current status with your jurisdiction before use. This is not legal or medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AOD-9604?
AOD-9604 is a metabolic compound. Modified C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone (hGH 176-191) — stimulates lipolysis and inhibits lipogenesis without affecting IGF-1, blood glucose, or growth; beta-3 adrenergic receptor pathway modulation.
How does AOD-9604 work?
AOD-9604 replicates the lipolytic domain of growth hormone without its anabolic or diabetogenic effects: 1. Lipolysis Stimulation: AOD-9604 activates hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) in adipose tissue, promoting the breakdown of stored triglycerides into free fatty acids and glycerol. This occurs through a beta-3 adrenergic receptor-associated pathway.
How is AOD-9604 dosed?
Commonly cited research protocols use 250–500 mcg, 1x daily, cycles of 12-20 weeks. These figures reflect commonly cited research protocols, not medical advice — consult a clinician.
Is AOD-9604 FDA-approved?
US FDA: Not approved as a drug. GRAS status for food ingredient (2013).
What does the research on AOD-9604 show?
Phase IIb Obesity Trial: Metabolic Pharmaceuticals conducted a large (>300 patient) Phase IIb RCT of oral AOD-9604 (1mg/day) for obesity. Results showed statistically significant weight loss vs placebo but the magnitude was modest (~2. 5 kg over 12 weeks).

References

  1. Various. AOD-9604 stimulates proteoglycan synthesis in chondrocytes. Various (2015). PMID: 26578461
  2. Mendias CL, Awan TM. Safety and Efficacy of Approved and Unapproved Peptide Therapies for Musculoskeletal Injuries and Athletic Performance. Sports Med (2026). PMID: 41966639
  3. Metabolic Pharmaceuticals (now Calzada Ltd). AOD-9604 Phase IIb Obesity Trial and Development History. Company/regulatory filings (2004-2007).