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.
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. Last reviewed: 2026-07-05.
Related peptides: 5-Amino-1MQ.
Compare: AOD-9604 vs 5-Amino-1MQ.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes. WADA prohibits all growth hormone fragments and related peptides not approved for therapeutic use.