Educational reference only. Not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any protocol.
AOD-9604
Tyr-hGH Fragment 177-191 (Anti-Obesity Drug 9604)
What it is
A 16-amino-acid synthetic peptide corresponding to the C-terminal fragment (amino acids 176–191) of human growth hormone, with a tyrosine substitution at the N-terminus and a disulfide bridge between Cys-7 and Cys-14. AOD-9604 was developed at Monash University (Prof. Frank Ng) and commercialized by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (Australia). It was studied in animal models for its observed effects on lipolysis stimulation, lipogenesis inhibition, and β₃-adrenergic receptor upregulation. Unlike full-length hGH, AOD-9604 does not bind the growth hormone receptor and does not increase IGF-1 levels. Six human clinical trials (METAOD001–006) were conducted involving over 900 participants; the critical 24-week phase IIb confirmatory trial (OPTIONS/METAOD006) failed to achieve statistical significance for weight loss at any dose. Clinical development was terminated in March 2007. AOD-9604 is not FDA-approved for any therapeutic indication.
Community-reported ranges
Ranges sourced from community forums and published preclinical literature. Clinical trial data from terminated development program. Not dosing guidance.
Reported dose range
250–300 mcg
Estimated half-life
~4 minutes (serum); downstream metabolic effects reported to persist 12–24 hours
Source: Preclinical pharmacokinetic data and anti-doping metabolite studies
Reported cycle length
8–12 weeks on
Community-reported: 4 weeks between cycles weeks off
Route
subcutaneous
Common vial sizes
2mg, 5mg, 10mg
Reported timing
Community-reported: AM, fasted, 30–60 minutes before food
Reported frequency
Community-reported: 1x daily on empty stomach
Frequently discussed alongside
Based on community forum discussions. Not a recommendation to combine compounds.
CJC-1295
Discussed in community body-recomposition stacks combining GH secretagogues with lipolytic fragments
Ipamorelin
Frequently combined in community protocols targeting fat loss via GH-pathway modulation
BPC-157
Discussed together in community contexts combining joint repair and fat-loss peptides
Tesamorelin
FDA-approved GHRH analog for HIV lipodystrophy; compared as an evidence-based alternative for GH-related fat reduction
Published research
AOD-9604 was studied in animal models showing increased fat oxidation and reduced body weight gain in obese mice and Zucker rats via β₃-adrenergic receptor upregulation. Studies in β₃-AR knockout mice confirmed the chronic weight-loss effect depends on β₃-AR signaling. Six human clinical trials were conducted: the 12-week phase IIb trial (METAOD005) showed a modest signal at 1 mg oral dose (2.8 kg vs 0.8 kg placebo), but the 24-week confirmatory trial (METAOD006/OPTIONS, 536 patients) failed to achieve statistical significance at any dose. Development was terminated in March 2007. A rabbit osteoarthritis model later showed cartilage regeneration effects, though this has not been evaluated in humans. Dosing ranges used in community settings are extrapolated from failed clinical data and are not clinically validated.
Heffernan MA et al. — Increase of fat oxidation and weight loss in obese mice caused by chronic treatment with hGH or a modified C-terminal fragment
International Journal of Obesity
Heffernan MA et al. — Effects of human GH and its lipolytic fragment (AOD9604) on lipid metabolism in obese mice and β₃-AR knock-out mice
Endocrinology
Cox HD et al. — Detection and in vitro metabolism of AOD9604
Drug Testing and Analysis
Kwon DR & Park GY — Effect of Intra-articular Injection of AOD9604 with or without Hyaluronic Acid in Rabbit Osteoarthritis Model
Annals of Clinical and Laboratory Science
Reported side effects
From community self-reports. Not from controlled studies.
Across six human clinical trials (900+ participants), the safety profile was described as indistinguishable from placebo — no serious adverse events, no immunogenicity, and no effects on IGF-1 or glucose metabolism were observed. Community users have reported occasional injection site reactions, mild headache, and mild GI symptoms at higher doses. Systematic long-term safety data in humans is limited.
Regulatory status
FDA (United States)
Not approved for any therapeutic indication. GRAS status granted only as a food ingredient — this is frequently misrepresented as FDA approval in marketing. Regulatory compounding history: placed on Category 2 (Safety Concerns — prohibited for 503A/503B compounding) in September 2023; nominators withdrew in September 2024 and it was removed from Category 2. Reviewed at the December 2024 PCAC meeting. As of March 2026, AOD-9604 is not on the Category 2 list.
Health Canada
Not authorized as a therapeutic product. No DIN assigned. Listed as unauthorized health product. Not assessed for safety, efficacy, or quality by Health Canada.
WADA (Competitive Athletes)
Prohibited at all times. Explicitly listed under S2.2.3 (Growth Hormone Fragments): 'Growth hormone fragments, e.g. AOD-9604 and hGH 176-191.' Also falls under S0 (Non-Approved Substances). Any athlete testing positive incurs an anti-doping rule violation.
Requires free account · 7-day trial included