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AOD-9604, also known as hGH fragment 176-191, is a synthetic peptide derived from the C-terminal region of human growth hormone. It was developed as an investigational compound aimed at isolating the fat-metabolizing activity of hGH without the broader hormonal effects of the full molecule. It is not approved for human use by any major regulatory agency and is classified as a research compound.
What is AOD-9604
AOD-9604 is a 16-amino-acid peptide that corresponds to positions 176 through 191 at the C-terminus of the human growth hormone sequence, with a tyrosine added at the N-terminus to stabilize the fragment. The compound was developed in the 1990s and early 2000s at Monash University, Australia, by researchers who identified this specific region of hGH as the portion responsible for lipolytic signaling, meaning the stimulation of fat breakdown in adipose tissue.
The name "Anti-Obesity Drug 9604" reflects its original therapeutic target: overweight and obesity. It moved through Phase I and Phase II clinical trials, making it one of the more formally studied peptides in this class. Development as a standalone obesity drug ultimately stalled at Phase IIb, but the compound continues to be studied in smaller research contexts, including potential applications in cartilage and metabolic conditions.
How it works
AOD-9604 is thought to exert its effects primarily through beta-adrenergic receptor pathways in adipose tissue, a mechanism shared with the lipolytic action of full hGH:
- Lipolysis stimulation: The fragment activates fat cell receptors in a manner similar to the relevant portion of native hGH, promoting breakdown of stored triglycerides (lipolysis) in white adipose tissue.
- Anti-lipogenic effect: Preclinical studies in rodent models demonstrated that AOD-9604 also inhibited fat accumulation (lipogenesis), particularly in high-fat dietary conditions.
- No significant IGF-1 elevation: Unlike full hGH, AOD-9604 does not appear to stimulate IGF-1 production in studies conducted to date, which is relevant because elevated IGF-1 is associated with some of hGH's unwanted side effects, including changes in insulin sensitivity and potential mitogenic activity.
- No meaningful glucose disruption: Clinical trials reported no significant change in fasting blood glucose or insulin levels, contrasting with the known diabetogenic risk of prolonged full hGH use.
The selectivity of this mechanism is the key reason AOD-9604 attracted research interest as a potential weight-loss agent with a more targeted safety profile than exogenous hGH.
What the research says
AOD-9604 has a more formal clinical record than many peptides in this category, though the evidence remains limited by the absence of large Phase III trials.
| Study phase | Key finding |
|---|---|
| Preclinical (rodents) | Reduced body fat and body weight in obese mouse models; anti-lipogenic effects in dietary fat models |
| Phase I (humans) | Well tolerated in healthy adults; no meaningful changes in metabolic markers; short half-life confirmed (~30 min) |
| Phase IIa (humans) | Some dose cohorts showed statistically significant weight reduction vs. placebo over 12 weeks |
| Phase IIb (humans, oral) | Primary weight-loss endpoint not met; well tolerated with no adverse metabolic signals |
The Phase IIb result is important context. The failure to meet primary endpoints in that trial is part of why full drug development was discontinued. The compound's fat-loss effects, while biologically plausible and observed in animal models, proved modest in the broader Phase IIb human population. Researchers have since noted that individual variability, dose optimization, and route of administration (injectable vs. oral bioavailability) may all be contributing factors, but these questions have not been resolved in peer-reviewed trials.
More recent preclinical research has explored AOD-9604 in the context of cartilage regeneration and osteoarthritis, with some animal studies reporting stimulation of chondrocyte activity. This is an early and speculative area, and no human trial data exists for these applications.
For context on how AOD-9604 fits alongside other compounds studied for body composition, see the best peptides for fat loss overview or compare it to GLP-1 receptor agonists in the semaglutide vs tirzepatide comparison, which have a very different mechanism and a much larger evidence base.
Typical dosing
There is no FDA-validated or clinically established dosing protocol for AOD-9604. The following ranges are derived from published Phase II trial protocols and from conventions reported in research and wellness settings. They are provided as reference information only, not as personal medical instruction.
| Protocol context | Route | Reported daily dose | Reported duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical trials (obesity) | Subcutaneous injection | 1,000-2,000 mcg (1-2 mg) | 12-24 weeks |
| Common research protocols | Subcutaneous injection | 250-500 mcg | 4-12 weeks |
| Oral (investigational) | Capsule | Higher doses studied (bioavailability uncertain) | As per trial design |
The discrepancy between trial doses (up to 2 mg) and commonly cited wellness-use doses (250-500 mcg) reflects uncertainty about optimal dosing in non-trial settings. Administration is typically done once daily, often in a fasted state based on the rationale that insulin levels are low, which may support lipolytic signaling. This rationale has not been definitively tested in controlled trials.
For a guide on how to prepare peptide vials correctly, see how to reconstitute peptides. For subcutaneous injection technique and rotation strategies, see the injection site rotation guide.
Caution: No standardized protocol exists. Dosing ranges from informal or research sources should not be treated as prescriptive guidance.
Side effects and safety
AOD-9604 was notable in its clinical trials for a relatively clean tolerability profile, which contributed to its advancement through Phase II. Key safety observations include:
- No significant IGF-1 elevation at doses tested in trials, suggesting lower mitogenic risk than full hGH.
- No glucose or insulin disruption in trial participants, distinguishing it from exogenous hGH.
- Mild injection site reactions (redness, localized swelling, bruising) were reported.
- Mild transient effects including headache and fatigue were noted in some trial participants.
- WADA ban: AOD-9604 is listed under S2 (Peptide Hormones) as a prohibited substance in competitive sport. Athletes subject to doping controls should be aware of this regardless of perceived health status.
The clinical trial record covers relatively short follow-up periods (up to 24 weeks in most cases). Long-term safety, drug interactions, and effects in populations with comorbidities have not been characterized in published research.
Tracking AOD-9604 with Redose
If you are following a research protocol involving AOD-9604, consistent logging is important for making sense of any observed changes over weeks or months. Redose makes this straightforward: log a dose in one tap, track your remaining vial inventory with automatic drawdown calculations, rotate injection sites across the body map, and receive reminders that match your protocol schedule. The free calculator suite at /calculators covers reconstitution (vial size to concentration), syringe unit conversion (mcg to units), and cycle inventory estimation. Download Redose at /#download.
This profile is educational information, not medical advice. Talk to a qualified healthcare provider before starting any protocol.