Last updated: May 18, 2026
What AOD9604 is
AOD9604 is the C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone (HGH), residues 176-191. The “AOD” stands for Anti-Obesity Drug. Developed by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals (Australia) in the 1990s-2000s.
Proposed mechanism
The hGH (176-191) region is thought to contain the lipolytic activity of full-length growth hormone while lacking the IGF-1-stimulating activity that produces growth and side effects. In rodent models, AOD9604 increased lipolysis and reduced body fat.
Clinical evidence
The pivotal Phase 2b trial (2006, 534 obese adults, 12 weeks) at the highest dose (1 mg/day oral) produced 2.6 kg weight loss vs 0.8 kg placebo — a modest difference that failed to meet predefined criteria for clinical significance. Development as an obesity drug was discontinued.
Current use
AOD9604 is sold as a research peptide. Anecdotal community use describes modest body composition changes; published controlled human data does not support significant effects.
Regulatory status
Not FDA-approved. TGA Australia has approved a topical AOD9604 cosmetic ingredient. WADA classification is ambiguous — peptides derived from GH are generally banned.
Does AOD9604 work for weight loss?<br />
Published Phase 2b human evidence showed modest effects that failed to meet clinical significance thresholds. Substantially less effective than GLP-1 drugs.
How is AOD9604 administered?<br />
Originally studied orally. Research community typically uses subcutaneous injection.
Is AOD9604 safer than HGH?<br />
The peptide does not stimulate IGF-1, which theoretically avoids GH-class side effects. Safety profile in studied populations was favorable.
Should I use AOD9604 instead of semaglutide?<br />
No — semaglutide and tirzepatide have substantially stronger evidence and effect sizes. AOD9604 is not an evidence-based alternative.