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All peptides

Metabolic · Investigational

AOD-9604

Awaiting FDA decision

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Written by Peptide Association Editorial TeamLast reviewed Editorial policy

01 · Overview

A modified fragment of the C-terminus of human growth hormone, consisting of hGH residues 177-191 with an added N-terminal tyrosine (16 amino acids). AOD-9604 was designed to retain the fat-reducing (lipolytic) activity of hGH, and in obese rats it reduced weight gain and increased adipose lipolysis without the impairment of insulin sensitivity seen with intact hGH (PMID 11146367).

In obese mice it increased beta-3 adrenergic receptor expression, but its lipolytic action was not mediated directly through that receptor (PMID 11713213).

02 · Research summary & key findings

Rodent studies showed reduced body weight and body fat in obese mice and rats (PMID 11713213). Human obesity trials were under way in the early 2000s (phase IIa by 2002) (PMID 15134286), but peer-reviewed human efficacy data are scarce and the program did not lead to drug approval. A 2026 review notes that unapproved peptides such as AOD-9604 are sold directly to consumers with scarce rigorous human safety data (PMID 41966639).

03 · Regulatory status

AOD-9604 is in the investigational stage. While preclinical and early-phase data exist, it has not received regulatory approval for clinical use in the United States.

AOD-9604 is not FDA-approved, and as of October 2026 FDA has not finalized whether pharmacies may compound it. Whether a pharmacy will compound it depends on the pharmacy and your state. If you are working on the goal it is studied for, a licensed clinician can tell you what is lawfully available, which may be something else.

04 · Administration routes

  • Subcutaneous injection
  • Oral

References

  1. [1]Metabolic studies of a synthetic lipolytic domain (AOD9604) of human growth hormone Horm Res, 2000. PMID 11146367
  2. [2]The effects of human GH and its lipolytic fragment (AOD9604) on lipid metabolism following chronic treatment in obese mice and beta(3)-AR knock-out mice Endocrinology, 2001. PMID 11713213
  3. [3]AOD-9604 Metabolic Curr Opin Investig Drugs, 2004. PMID 15134286
  4. [4]Safety and Efficacy of Approved and Unapproved Peptide Therapies for Musculoskeletal Injuries and Athletic Performance Sports Med, 2026. PMID 41966639

Primary literature

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Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational and research purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide therapy. The Peptide Association does not endorse or recommend any specific treatment protocol. See our editorial policy for how this content is produced and reviewed. Clinicians: join the network.