PERFORMANCE · Injectable
AOD-9604.
GH fragment for targeted fat metabolism
How it works
Class & mechanism.
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 stabilising 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.
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 is so safe it has been approved as a food ingredient.
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 Recognised As Safe) regulatory status — one of few peptides cleared for use in food and supplement applications
The science
Peer-reviewed findings.
Research supporting this compound's mechanisms and safety profile.
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 Recognised 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
Subcutaneous injection: 300–500 mcg once daily, typically in the morning on an empty stomach to maximise lipolytic activity. Oral formulations were evaluated in Phase II clinical trials at 0.25–1 mg/day. Injectable protocols remain the most established route in clinical practice for fat metabolism applications.
Cycle
Typical research protocols run 12–24 weeks. Phase II obesity trials evaluated effects at 12 weeks (primary endpoint) and 24 weeks (secondary). For body composition programmes, practitioners typically run 3-month cycles with a 4–6 week break, assessing visceral/subcutaneous fat by DEXA or waist measurement at baseline and end of cycle.
Contraindications
When to skip it.
Generally well-tolerated with a clean safety profile across Phase I/II human trials — no serious adverse events attributed to AOD-9604 versus placebo. Mild injection-site reactions possible. No significant effect on blood glucose or IGF-1, making it safer for pre-diabetic individuals than GHRH analogues. Avoid in pregnancy. Clinical human evidence for fat loss efficacy is limited — most robust data is from animal models; Phase II obesity trials showed favourable safety but inconsistent weight-loss results across cohorts.
Always cleared with your concierge before protocol start.
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