PERFORMANCE · Injectable
AOD-9604.
GH fragment for targeted fat metabolism
How it works
Class & mechanism.
In short
AOD-9604 is a small fragment of human growth hormone that isolates the fat-burning region while leaving out the parts that raise IGF-1 or affect blood sugar. Researchers study it for its ability to encourage fat breakdown and block new fat storage, mainly in the abdominal area. It currently sits on the FDA's Category 2 do-not-compound list, so it is not available as a compounded or prescribed product.
Class
hGH C-Terminal Fragment (Tyr-hGH177-191)
Mechanism
AOD-9604 is a modified synthetic fragment of the C-terminal region of human growth hormone (hGH amino acids 177–191) with a stabilizing tyrosine addition at the N-terminus. It contains the lipolytic domain of hGH but lacks the receptor-binding domain responsible for IGF-1 stimulation, glucose dysregulation, and skeletal growth effects. The peptide acts on adipose tissue through a mechanism distinct from the full hGH receptor — partially via upregulation of β3-adrenergic receptor (β3-AR) expression in fat cells, enhancing lipolytic sensitivity — while simultaneously inhibiting lipogenesis (new fat cell formation). It does not raise IGF-1, does not bind the GH receptor with high affinity, and does not affect insulin sensitivity at therapeutic doses.
Personalized Peptides provides DNA-driven peptide recommendations — we are not a compounding pharmacy, peptide synthesis company, or clinical provider.
Did you know
Scientists isolated the exact 16 amino acids of growth hormone responsible for fat burning — stripped away everything that causes cancer risk, IGF-1 spikes, and diabetes — and the resulting fragment was historically cleared as a food ingredient, even though it sits on the FDA's do-not-compound list today.
Half-life
0.5 h
Bioavailability
80%
Tmax
0.4 h
Cmax
4.2 ng/mL
Route
SC
Molecular weight
1815 Da
Pharmacokinetic data shown for educational context. Individual response varies. Not a substitute for clinical dosing guidance.
Benefits
What it does.
Targeted lipolysis (fat breakdown) in adipose tissue, particularly abdominal and visceral depots
Inhibition of lipogenesis — actively suppresses new fat storage while mobilising existing stores
No IGF-1 elevation and no effect on glucose metabolism or insulin sensitivity
GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) regulatory status — historically cleared for food and supplement use based on genotoxicity and safety data; this is separate from compounding pharmacy eligibility, and AOD-9604 currently remains on the FDA's Category 2 do-not-compound list
The science
Peer-reviewed findings.
Research supporting this compound's mechanisms and safety profile.
What this does not mean
AOD-9604 remains on the FDA's Category 2 (do-not-compound) list. The information on this page is educational and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and does not indicate current availability, legality, or eligibility for compounding or clinical use. AOD-9604 is not FDA-approved for treating obesity, fat loss, or any other condition. This page does not recommend, endorse, or prescribe any compound for human use. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions. Personalized Peptides provides DNA-driven educational context and test interpretation — not clinical protocols or pharmaceutical recommendations.
Chronic ip administration of AOD-9604 in obese mice produced significant body weight reduction and increased fat oxidation over 14 days, correlating with upregulation of β3-adrenergic receptor RNA in fat cells to levels matching lean controls. In β3-AR knockout mice the weight-loss effect was abolished — confirming the β3-AR pathway as a key mechanism. Notably, hGH and AOD-9604 produced equivalent results despite AOD-9604 being a fragment.
SOURCE · Heffernan M et al., Endocrinology, 2001 Dec;142(12):5182–9 (PubMed PMID 11713213)
AOD-9604 received GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status from the FDA based on comprehensive genotoxicological, toxicological, and pharmacokinetic safety studies — including human Phase I/II trials — making it one of a small number of peptides to clear this regulatory bar for nutraceutical use. No genotoxicity, no IGF-1 stimulation, and no insulin resistance were observed.
SOURCE · Moré et al., Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism — Safety and Metabolism of AOD9604 (jofem.org/article/view/213)
Protocol
How to use it.
Dosing
Historical trial data: subcutaneous injection at 300–500 mcg once daily was the injectable protocol used in earlier research on lipolytic activity. Oral formulations were evaluated in Phase II clinical trials at 0.25–1 mg/day. These figures reflect past clinical-trial dosing, not current clinical or compounding guidance — AOD-9604 is on the FDA's Category 2 do-not-compound list and is not available as a compounded or prescribed product.
Cycle
Published research protocols ran 12–24 weeks. Phase II obesity trials evaluated effects at 12 weeks (primary endpoint) and 24 weeks (secondary), typically with a 4–6 week break between cycles in the study design, assessing visceral/subcutaneous fat by DEXA or waist measurement at baseline and end of cycle. These are historical trial parameters, not current usage guidance — AOD-9604 is not currently available for compounded or prescribed use.
Contraindications
When to skip it.
Phase I/II human trials reported a clean safety profile with no serious adverse events attributed to AOD-9604 versus placebo, and mild injection-site reactions were the main tolerability finding. Trials reported no significant effect on blood glucose or IGF-1. Avoid in pregnancy. Clinical human evidence for fat-loss efficacy is limited — most robust data is from animal models; Phase II obesity trials showed favorable safety but inconsistent weight-loss results across cohorts. AOD-9604 remains on the FDA's Category 2 do-not-compound list; it is not currently available as a compounded or prescribed product in the US.
Always cleared with your concierge before protocol start.
Regulatory Context
FDA compounding status.
| FDA Status | Risk Level | Compounding | Key Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category 2 — Do Not Compound | 🔴 At Risk | Not eligible — remains on Category 2 | No PCAC date announced |
Moved to Category 2 in late 2023. NOT among the 12 peptides removed Apr 23, 2026. Not on either PCAC agenda. Remains prohibited for compounding. GH fragment for fat metabolism.
Source: FDA Federal Register, PCAC agendas, industry analyses. Educational context only — not legal advice. Review after July 23-24, 2026 PCAC meeting.
Pricing
What it costs.
Indicative range for AOD-9604, sourced from vetted US and EU dispensing suppliers. Concierge confirms the exact figure once your match is locked.
Indicative range (USD)
Sourced through vetted dispensing partners in the United States and European Union. Concierge confirms the exact figure once your match is locked.
- 0199% purity verified, third-party tested
- 02Includes vial and reconstitution guidance
- 03Concierge supplier match included with every protocol
See AOD-9604 pricing — and your supplier match.
Pricing is unlocked once we know who you are. Take the 3-minute quiz and we'll match you to a US or EU dispensary based on your location and protocol fit.
- Live USD price range
- US & EU supplier shortlist
- Concierge sign-off on dosing
Indicative price range: $99–$149 USD