AOD-9604 (Anti-Obesity Drug, Tyr-hGH 177–191)
Fragment of human growth hormone (residues 177–191)
At a glance
What it is: Fragment of human growth hormone (residues 177–191).
Primary research applications:
- Marketed claim: fat reduction
Editorial summary: AOD-9604 was developed as an anti-obesity drug in the 2000s, failed to show significant weight loss in Phase 2b human trials, and abandoned development. It is frequently marketed today for fat loss despite the clinical failure.
What is AOD-9604?
AOD-9604 is a synthetic fragment (residues 177–191) of the human growth hormone molecule, originally developed by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals (Australia) in the 1990s–2000s as an oral anti-obesity drug.[1]
Mechanism of action
The hypothesis was that the C-terminal fragment of hGH retained lipolytic (fat-mobilizing) activity while dropping the hyperglycemic and anti-insulin effects of full-length hGH. In preclinical mouse models, this signal was present.
What the research shows
The peer-reviewed literature on AOD-9604 is summarized below across two tiers: human research (the highest standard), and preclinical / emerging research (animal models and early-stage human work).
Claims and the evidence behind them
This table summarizes commonly discussed claims and how the published evidence weighs in. The aim is clarity — supported claims, claims that look promising but need more data, and claims that outrun the science.
| Claim | What the evidence shows | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Produces meaningful fat loss in humans | Phase 2b failed to show significant effect | Unsupported |
| Spot-reduces fat in specific body areas | No evidence; not a mechanism supported by physiology | Unsupported |
| Activates fat loss without GH side effects | Mechanism plausible in animals; didn't translate to humans | Mixed |
| Approved for any clinical use | Never approved; development discontinued | Unsupported |
Reported user experiences
How the research describes administration
In historical clinical trials, AOD-9604 was tested orally and by subcutaneous injection at a range of doses. No FDA-approved formulation exists.
Editorial note
Administration details above describe how the peptide is given in published studies. We summarize this for educational completeness — these descriptions are not protocols, dosing recommendations, or instructions for personal use. Decisions about treatment require an appropriately licensed clinician.
Safety considerations and open questions
The takeaway
AOD-9604 is one of the clearer examples of a peptide with strong preclinical story that failed in humans. Marketing outpaces evidence. If the goal is fat loss, GLP-1 class drugs have vastly better human data.
Frequently asked questions
Does AOD-9604 actually burn fat?
Not meaningfully, based on the 2007 Phase 2b trial in 500+ subjects, which failed to show significant weight loss vs. placebo. Animal data is more favorable but has not translated to humans.
Why is AOD-9604 still sold?
Grey-market vendors and some compounding pharmacies continue to market AOD-9604 for fat loss, typically citing preclinical data or early human studies rather than the failed Phase 2b. The site does not endorse these marketing claims.
Does AOD-9604 cause growth hormone effects?
No. It is a small fragment that lacks the insulin-antagonistic and growth-promoting effects of full-length GH. This was originally its selling point — fat loss without GH's side effects.
Is AOD-9604 banned in sport?
WADA lists growth hormone fragments; check the current WADA prohibited list for the exact language. Many sports governing bodies treat peptide fragments of GH as prohibited.
References
- Heffernan M, et al. Lipolytic action of the fat-reducing region of human growth hormone. Endocrinology. 2001;142(12):5182-9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11713213/
- Ng FM, et al. Metabolic studies of a synthetic lipolytic domain (AOD9401) of human growth hormone. Horm Res. 2000;53(6):274-8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11146370/
- Metabolic Pharmaceuticals announcement regarding Phase 2b AOD9604 trial outcome, 2007 (publicly reported failure to meet primary endpoint). See also historical ADIS Insight record. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=AOD9604+weight+loss