AOD 9604
A fragment of the HGH molecule (C-terminus) responsible for fat metabolism without the growth effects or blood sugar impact of HGH.
Common Dosage
250mcg - 500mcg daily
Category
Fat Loss
- Targeted fat loss
- Metabolic support
- Non-stimulatory
AOD-9604 is a modified synthetic peptide corresponding to amino acids 176–191 of human growth hormone — the C-terminal fragment responsible for HGH's fat metabolism activity. It was developed by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals in Australia, which advanced it through Phase II/III clinical trials for obesity treatment. While it didn't achieve FDA approval for obesity, it received 'Generally Recognized as Safe' (GRAS) status from the FDA in 2014 — an unusual designation for a peptide and a marker of its relatively clean safety profile.
AOD-9604 activates the beta-3 adrenergic receptor in adipose tissue to stimulate lipolysis (fat breakdown) while simultaneously inhibiting lipogenesis (fat formation). Crucially, it does not bind to the IGF-1 receptor or stimulate IGF-1 production, meaning it lacks the growth-promoting, insulin-sensitizing, and blood sugar effects of full HGH — making it considerably safer for users concerned about insulin resistance or IGF-1-related risks.
- Visceral and subcutaneous fat reduction
- Metabolic support during caloric restriction
- Fat burning without anabolic or glycemic effects
- Adjunct to GH secretagogue protocols for targeted fat loss
- Cartilage repair — shown in some studies to have cartilage regenerative properties
GRAS Status and Clinical Trials
Metabolic Pharmaceuticals' clinical program for AOD-9604 demonstrated statistically significant fat loss compared to placebo, particularly targeting abdominal fat. The FDA GRAS designation was based on extensive safety data from these trials, making AOD-9604 one of the few research peptides with a meaningful safety evaluation history.
Combined with Ipamorelin
Practitioners combining AOD-9604 with Ipamorelin or CJC-1295 report enhanced fat loss compared to GH secretagogues alone, consistent with AOD's direct lipolytic activity working alongside increased endogenous GH.
- Clinical trials did not ultimately demonstrate efficacy robust enough for FDA obesity approval — real-world effects may be more modest than hoped
- Mild injection site reactions are common
- Not studied in populations with severe metabolic conditions — caution with very low body weight or eating disorders
- Long-term effects beyond Phase III trial observation periods are unknown
- Injection site redness
- Headache (rare)