AOD-9604
AOD-9604 (hGH Fragment 176-191)
Modified Growth Hormone Fragment for Fat Loss
The information on this page is compiled from peer-reviewed research and is provided for educational and research purposes only. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation. Peptides discussed here may not be approved for human use in your jurisdiction. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or modifying any health protocol.
Key Facts
- Molecular Weight
- 1815.1 g/mol[source]
- Molecular Formula
- C78H123N23O23S2[source]
- Sequence Length
- 16 amino acids (hexadecapeptide; sequence YLRIVQCRSVEGSCGF = Tyr + hGH residues 177-191, with an intramolecular disulfide bond between the two cysteines)[source]
- Primary Target
- No confirmed high-affinity receptor target; AOD9604 is not a high-affinity antagonist of hGH binding to the GH receptor. Proposed mechanism involves inhibition of lipoprotein lipase and upregulation of beta-3-adrenergic receptor (ADRB3) expression, but the primary molecular target remains undefined in the literature.[source]
- Mechanism Class
- Lipolytic growth hormone C-terminal fragment (hGH 177-191 analog); stimulates lipolysis and inhibits lipogenesis without somatotropic, diabetogenic, or IGF-1-raising activity[source]
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection in current practice/research use; original Metabolic Pharmaceuticals human clinical trials used intravenous infusion (METAOD001-002) and oral capsules/tablets (METAOD003-006)[source]
- Regulatory Status
- Not FDA-approved for human therapeutic use for any indication; no NDA filed and no Phase III completed. Received conditional GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) determination for use as a food/dietary supplement ingredient. Clinical development for obesity was discontinued after Phase IIb (modest weight loss). Available only as a research/compounding substance.[source]
- CAS Number
- 221231-10-3[source]
What is AOD-9604?
AOD-9604 (Advanced Obesity Drug) is a modified fragment of human growth hormone (hGH), specifically the amino acids 176-191 of the hGH polypeptide [1]. It was developed to isolate the fat-burning properties of growth hormone without the adverse effects associated with full-length hGH, such as insulin resistance and increased IGF-1 levels.
AOD-9604 works by mimicking the way natural growth hormone regulates fat metabolism. It stimulates lipolysis (the breakdown of fat) and inhibits lipogenesis (the formation of new fat) [2]. Unlike full hGH, AOD-9604 does not affect blood sugar levels or promote cell proliferation, making it a safer option for targeted fat reduction.
Research has shown that AOD-9604 has a particularly strong effect on reducing abdominal fat. It enhances the body's ability to oxidize fat for energy without stimulating appetite or causing the muscle or bone growth effects of HGH. AOD-9604 does not have FDA approval for human use.
Dosage Guide
Route: Subcutaneous injection, once daily
Dosing Schedule
| Period | Dose |
|---|---|
| Standard dose | 300 mcg daily |
| Higher dose (advanced) | 500 mcg daily (as directed) |
Reconstitution
Injection Volumes
| Dose | Volume | Syringe Units |
|---|---|---|
| 250 mcg | 0.1 mL | 10 units |
| 300 mcg | 0.12 mL | 12 units |
| 500 mcg | 0.2 mL | 20 units |
Administration Tips
- Inject subcutaneously in the abdomen for best results
- Administer first thing in the morning on an empty stomach
- Wait at least 30 minutes before eating after injection
- Rotate injection sites to prevent irritation
- Store reconstituted solution refrigerated and use within 28 days
Risks & Side Effects
Commonly Reported
Serious Risks
Allergic reactions
Swelling, difficulty breathing, or rash; discontinue immediately if these occur.
Chest tightness
Rare; discontinue use and consult a doctor.
Hypoglycemia
Very rare, as AOD-9604 does not significantly impact blood sugar.
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to AOD-9604 or any component
- Active cancer or history of cancer (as a precaution with any growth hormone fragment)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Children and adolescents (not studied in this population)
Related Peptides
Experts Covering AOD-9604
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any peptide therapy. Individual results may vary. Peptides Institute is not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of information provided on this site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AOD-9604?
How does AOD-9604 work for fat loss?
What is the AOD-9604 dosage?
What are AOD-9604 side effects?
Does AOD-9604 increase IGF-1 or affect hormones?
AOD-9604 vs HGH Fragment 176-191: are they the same?
References
- Ng FM, Sun J, Sharma L, et al.. Metabolic studies of a synthetic lipolytic domain (AOD9604) of human growth hormone. Horm Res. 2000. PMID 11146367
- Heffernan M, Summers RJ, Thorburn A, et al.. 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. Endocrinology. 2001. PMID 11713213
- Kwon DR, Park GY, Lee SC. Effect of Intra-articular Injection of AOD9604 with or without Hyaluronic Acid in Rabbit Osteoarthritis Model. Ann Clin Lab Sci. 2015. PMID 26275694
Regulatory & Official Sources
- AOD-9604 clinical trials — ClinicalTrials.gov