Metabolic researchAnimal, controlledNot approved (US)

AOD-9604

AOD-9604 promotes fat breakdown through signaling resembling activation of β3-adrenergic receptors and suppresses lipogenesis, the production of fat. It reproduces the fat-mobilizing action of HGH’s C-terminal segment without stimulating IGF-1 production or insulin-like growth effects. The proposed target is a β3-adrenergic receptor-like pathway.

Not medical advice. Educational reference only.

Typical dose
300 mcg daily by injection (research only)
Route
Injectable
Storage
Keep refrigerated at 2–8 °C and use within 28 days.

What is AOD-9604?

AOD-9604 is an altered fragment of the C-terminal end of human growth hormone, covering residues 176–191 and designated Tyr-hGH177-191. Its research focuses on fat breakdown and obesity. It retains the fat-mobilizing action associated with this end of HGH without the growth-promoting or diabetes-producing effects of the full hormone.

Obesity studies reached Phase IIb/III but did not meet their primary endpoint. AOD-9604 remains a research compound in the United States and has no FDA approval.

Mechanism of action

AOD-9604 promotes fat breakdown through signaling resembling activation of β3-adrenergic receptors and suppresses lipogenesis, the production of fat. It reproduces the fat-mobilizing action of HGH’s C-terminal segment without stimulating IGF-1 production or insulin-like growth effects. The proposed target is a β3-adrenergic receptor-like pathway.

Targets: Beta-3 adrenergic receptor-like pathway

Research indications

  • Weight Loss

    Most effective

    In controlled mouse studies, AOD-9604 increases fat oxidation and reduces weight, although human obesity trials missed their primary endpoint.

    Animal, controlled2 references

  • Blood Sugar Control

    Most effective

    Potential metabolic benefits include improved glucose regulation and lower A1C in type 2 diabetes.

  • Cardiovascular Health

    Effective

    Cardiovascular research examines fewer adverse cardiovascular events among people at high risk.

  • Metabolic Syndrome

    Effective

    Metabolic-syndrome research considers simultaneous improvements across several components of the condition.

Interactions

  • Other GLP-1 Agonists (e.g. Semaglutide + Tirzepatide)

    Avoid
  • Insulin

    Monitor
  • Sulfonylureas

    Monitor
  • Metformin

    Compatible
  • SGLT2 Inhibitors

    Compatible
  • Oral Contraceptives

    Caution
  • Warfarin / Blood Thinners

    Monitor
  • NAD+

    Compatible

How to reconstitute and inject

Diluent: Use bacteriostatic water only; avoid saline because it may cause precipitation.

  1. Take the AOD-9604 vial out of the refrigerator and leave it for 15–20 minutes to reach room temperature.
  2. Disinfect the vial stopper with an alcohol swab. Wait until the alcohol has completely air-dried.
  3. Measure the calculated amount of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe. Use only bacteriostatic water; avoid saline because precipitation may occur.
  4. Add the water slowly along the inner wall of the vial. Keep the stream away from the powder itself.
  5. Rotate the vial gently to mix its contents. Never shake it vigorously, because this can degrade the peptide.
  6. Wait 2–3 minutes for the powder to dissolve completely. Check that the liquid is clear and has no color.
  7. Withdraw the calculated dose into an insulin syringe for administration beneath the skin.
  8. Inject into your abdomen, thigh or upper arm. Change the injection site each time to help prevent lipodystrophy.
  9. Refrigerate the mixed solution at 2–8 °C. Use it within 28 days after reconstitution.

What to expect

Week 1–2
Appetite may begin to decline, while nausea or a sense of fullness can occur during early adjustment.
Week 2–4
Cravings and portion sizes may decrease noticeably, with the first changes in body weight.
Week 4–8
Appetite control may strengthen and weight may fall steadily; blood sugar may also improve when relevant.
Week 8–16
Larger weight changes, better energy and early improvements in metabolic markers may emerge.
Week 16–24
Further weight-loss milestones may coincide with cardiovascular benefits and a more favorable lipid profile.
Week 24+
The anticipated later phase includes the greatest effect, broader metabolic improvements and continuing benefit. These intervals are research expectations, not established individual outcomes.

Side effects and safety

  • Nausea that is usually temporary and varies with dose · Most common
  • Diarrhea or constipation while increasing the dose
  • Vomiting, particularly after initiation or dose increases
  • Lower appetite and feeling full sooner
  • Redness or bruising around the injection site
  • Tiredness, especially during the first weeks
  • Pancreatitis; stop use immediately if severe abdominal pain develops · Rare
  • Effects on thyroid C cells · Rare

Contraindications

  • Avoid use if you have MEN2 or a history of thyroid cancer.

AOD-9604: not approved in the US.

Regulatory status

  • US

    Not approved

    FDA — research use only; no approval.

    Rx required
    No
    503A
    Allowed
    Telehealth
    Available

Frequently asked questions

What is AOD-9604?

AOD-9604 is an altered fragment of the C-terminal end of human growth hormone, covering residues 176–191 and designated Tyr-hGH177-191. Its research focuses on fat breakdown and obesity. It retains the fat-mobilizing action associated with this end of HGH without the growth-promoting or diabetes-producing effects of the full hormone.

What research applications are being explored for AOD-9604?

Research interests include weight management, glucose control and broader metabolic health. The indication ratings are research categories and do not establish clinical benefit for every compound. Discuss any proposed use with a qualified healthcare professional.

Which doses appear in research discussions?

Starting dose: an unspecified low dose by subcutaneous injection once weekly. Maintenance dose: an unspecified titrated dose by subcutaneous injection once weekly. Numeric amounts are unavailable for both schedules. Consult a qualified clinician about dosing; neither schedule establishes a human treatment regimen. Injectable research protocols also use 300 mcg daily. The approximate half-life is 30 minutes; this does not establish a safe treatment schedule.

What safety concerns need consideration?

Adverse effects depend on the dose, route and individual response. Gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, diarrhea and appetite reduction are common in GLP-1-class treatment discussions and often vary with dose. Compound-specific safety cannot be inferred from a class-wide list. Consult a clinician for individual advice.

References

  1. A synthetic fragment of human growth hormone promotes lipid mobilization (2001)

  2. A synthetic human growth hormone fragment enhances proteoglycan synthesis (2010)

  3. Increase of fat oxidation and weight loss in obese mice caused by chronic treatment with human growth hormone or a modified C-terminal fragment. (2001)

  4. 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. (2001)

  5. AOD9604 studies on ClinicalTrials.gov (2024)