AOD-9604

AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone (amino acids 177-191 plus an N-terminal tyrosine, Tyr-hGH(177-191)) developed at Monash University, Australia. It retains the lipolytic (fat-burning) properties of HGH while discarding the growth-promoting and diabetogenic effects. It underwent six randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human clinical trials for obesity in the early 2000s, showing modest but consistent fat loss (~5% body weight) with a side effect profile indistinguishable from placebo. The FDA granted it GRAS status for food use in 2014, though clinical development for obesity was discontinued.

38 vendors tracked by PeptideAtlas list AOD-9604, priced from $28.00 to $228. The lowest price per milligram is $2.20/mg at Supopeptide (50mg). 8 independent Janoshik purity tests cover AOD-9604 across 7 vendors. Results range from 39.0% to 99.7%.

Category: Metabolic / Fat Loss. Evidence rating: C (early/mixed human evidence).

Clinical status: Clinical development discontinued after Phase 2; GRAS status for food use

AOD-9604 (C78H123N23O23S2) works through a dual-action mechanism: it accelerates breakdown of stored fat (lipolysis) via cAMP signaling and enzymatic activation (stimulating hormone-sensitive lipase), while simultaneously blocking formation of new fat (lipogenesis). It stimulates lipolysis in a…

Research base: 0 registered clinical trials and 1 indexed publication reference AOD-9604.

Safety considerations: In extensive clinical trials, side effect profile was virtually indistinguishable from placebo; Mild injection site reactions (redness, pain, small welts) are the most common complaint; Mild headaches or flushing reported in small percentage of users.

Reviewed by the PeptideAtlas Editorial Team.

AOD-9604 — measured properties

Amino-acid sequencehGH fragment 177-191 (Tyr-Leu-Arg-Ile-Val-Gln-Cys-Arg-Ser-Val-Glu-Gly-Ser-Cys-Gly-Phe)
Molecular weight~1815.1 g/mol
CAS number221231-10-3
Half-life~30 minutes
BioavailabilityFDA GRAS approval is for oral use as food ingredient; oral bioavailability as a peptide therapeutic is very low
Production methodsynthetic
Anti-doping statusProhibited in sport (WADA)
US regulatory statusNot FDA-approved as a drug. FDA granted GRAS status for food use (2014). Available as research chemical.

Where to buy AOD-9604

VendorSizePricePrice per mg
Supopeptide50mg$110$2.20/mg
PureRx Peptides10mg$28.00$2.80/mg
Archer Peptides10MG$40.00$4.00/mg
All Peptides USA10MG$49.00$4.90/mg
BioPep Store5.23mg$36.00$6.88/mg
Particle Peptides5mg$35.88$7.18/mg
Athena Peptides5MG$39.00$7.80/mg
Bio Pepz5mg$40.00$8.00/mg
Huaian Hanyou Peptide5mg$40.00$8.00/mg
Guangzhou Jeep Biotechnology JEEP5mg$40.00$8.00/mg
China Peptides Supplier5mg$41.00$8.20/mg
PureGenix Peptides10mg$85.00$8.50/mg
Onyx Research5mg$45.00$9.00/mg
Honest Peptide10mg$90.00$9.00/mg
Arcane Peptides5mg$45.00$9.00/mg
Purus Peptides5mg$49.00$9.80/mg
Pharma Grade Peptides10MG$99.99$10.00/mg
US Peptides5mg$50.00$10.00/mg
Precision Peptide Co5mg$53.50$10.70/mg
Oasis Peptides5mg$54.50$10.90/mg
Blue Line Research5mg$55.00$11.00/mg
Ameano Peptides5mg$58.00$11.60/mg
Compound Purity5mg$58.00$11.60/mg
Triantex5mg$59.99$12.00/mg
ZestyRat Research5mg$59.99$12.00/mg

AOD-9604 third-party purity tests

VendorBest tested purity
MOB Peptides99.7%
Peptide Crafters99.7%
HPR99.2%
Optima Chemical Supply, Inc.99.1%
Pink Pony Peptides99.0%
Panda Peptides LLC39.0%

Related peptides: 5-Amino-1MQ.

Independent lab tests: AOD-9604 purity test results.

Frequently asked questions

Does AOD-9604 work for fat loss?

Human clinical trials showed modest but consistent fat loss (~5% body weight) compared to placebo with an excellent safety profile. However, the effect was not large enough for the developer to pursue FDA approval. It was discontinued as a pharmaceutical obesity candidate.

Is AOD-9604 the same as HGH?

No. AOD-9604 is a small 16-amino-acid fragment from the C-terminus (positions 177-191) of the 191-amino-acid HGH molecule. It retains fat-burning properties but lacks the growth, IGF-1-stimulating, and diabetogenic effects of full HGH.

Why must AOD-9604 be taken fasting?

Insulin blocks AOD-9604's mechanism. Taking it on an empty stomach (waiting 30-60 minutes before eating) allows the peptide to spike in the bloodstream and trigger lipolysis while insulin remains at baseline fasting levels.

What is the GRAS status?

In 2014, the FDA granted AOD-9604 Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status for use as a food additive, which attests to its non-toxic nature. This is separate from drug approval.

Is AOD-9604 banned in sports?

Yes. WADA prohibits all growth hormone fragments and related peptides not approved for therapeutic use.

Vendors with independent lab tests for it: Pink Pony Peptides, HPR, Peptide Crafters.

Vendors stocking it: Direct Peptides UK, Limitless Life Nootropics, Polar Peptides, NUPEPS Peptides, Amino Lair, Bio Pepz, Oasis Peptides, Zztai Peptide, Pura Peptides, All Peptides USA, China Peptides Supplier, Biomax Research, Ameano Peptides, Prime Lab Peptides, Flycn Peptide, Pacific Peptide, Ascension Peptides, Onyx Research, Triantex, BioPep Store, BleauGenics, Compound Purity, Purus Peptides, Peplogix Peptides, Modern Peptides, HJ Peptide, Blue Line Research, Kyin Peptide, Lunivo Peptide, Supopeptide, Treasure Coast Peptides, PureGenix Peptides, Anglo Peptides, BioPure Peptides, Archer Peptides, ZestyRat Research, Athena Peptides, PureRx Peptides, Catalyst Peptides, Tong Peptide.

Coverage on this site: Why Research Peptides Vary in Price: Manufacturing Complexity Breakdown.

Independent lab results for AOD-9604: Aod-9604 — Independent Lab Test Results.