HGH fragment (177-191) · Compounded 503A · Subcutaneous
AOD-9604: the HGH fragment that targets fat without raising IGF-1.
AOD-9604 is a modified 16-amino-acid synthetic fragment of human growth hormone, corresponding to residues 177–191 of the HGH molecule. It was designed to retain the lipolytic (fat-mobilizing) activity of HGH while removing the IGF-1 elevation and glycemic side effects of full-length growth hormone.
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What AOD-9604 is
AOD-9604 (Anti-Obesity Drug 9604) is a modified fragment of human growth hormone (amino acids 177–191) with a tyrosine added at the N-terminus. It was developed in the 1990s at Monash University by Frank Ng and colleagues.
The design rationale was to isolate the fat-metabolism activity of HGH from its growth-promoting and glycemic effects — separating the lipolytic and metabolic actions of the full HGH molecule.
AOD-9604 progressed through Phase 2 obesity trials (Metabolic Pharmaceuticals) which were not commercially successful, and is currently in TGA-listed cosmetic and dietary categories in Australia and used off-label as a compounded preparation in U.S. wellness medicine.
How it works
AOD-9604 stimulates lipolysis (the breakdown of stored fat) and inhibits lipogenesis (the conversion of energy substrates into stored fat) in adipocytes.
The mechanism is believed to involve beta-3 adrenergic receptor activation in adipose tissue, plus a fragment-specific pathway distinct from canonical GH receptor signaling.
Critically, AOD-9604 does not bind the growth hormone receptor and does not elevate IGF-1 — preserving fat-loss activity while eliminating the somatogenic effects of full-length HGH.
What patients use it for
Targeted fat metabolism
Promotes lipolysis without IGF-1 elevation. Most attractive in patients who want fat-loss support without the systemic effects of GH-axis amplification.
No glycemic disruption
Phase 2 trials and mechanistic data show no measurable impact on fasting glucose, insulin sensitivity, or HbA1c — unlike full-length HGH.
No IGF-1 elevation
Reduces theoretical long-term risks tied to IGF-1 elevation, including malignancy and proliferative diabetic retinopathy concerns.
Mild cartilage-supportive signal
Animal data suggest a chondroprotective effect — currently being explored in osteoarthritis contexts.
Evidence summary
Ng FM et al. (Horm Res, 2000): characterized the lipolytic activity of HGH fragment 177-191 and the design of AOD-9604.
Heffernan M et al. (J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2001): demonstrated lipolytic action of HGH 177-191 in human adipocytes.
Phase 2 obesity trial (Stier H et al., review 2013): 12-week weight loss results were modest and below the threshold required for further commercial development as a stand-alone obesity drug — honest framing requires acknowledging the lack of strong human weight-loss data versus modern incretin therapies.
Dosing and clinical context
General clinical context only. Kindr Health physicians determine the appropriate dose and protocol for each patient based on history and labs. This is not a prescription or dosing recommendation.
Common compounded protocols: 300–500 mcg subcutaneously once daily, typically morning before fasted cardio. Some clinicians use 5-on/2-off cycling.
Best response in adults already maintaining a caloric deficit and consistent training — AOD-9604 is an adjunct to lifestyle, not a primary weight-loss tool.
Not a substitute for GLP-1 therapy if substantial weight loss is the goal. AOD-9604 has small, supportive effects; GLP-1 has 12–20%+ mean weight-loss effects.
Safety and contraindications
Excellent safety profile across Phase 2 trials. Most common side effect is mild injection-site reaction.
No effect on glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, or IGF-1 at typical doses — central reason it is well tolerated.
Not FDA-approved as a finished drug product. Used in the U.S. through 503A compounding under physician supervision.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: avoid due to lack of human data. Discuss any history of malignancy with your prescriber.
Who it's typically considered for
- Adults already in a caloric deficit who want fat-loss adjunct support without GH-axis effects
- Patients on a recomposition phase seeking modest lipolytic support without IGF-1 elevation
- Patients with contraindications to GH-axis stimulation (history of malignancy, retinopathy)
- NOT a substitute for a GLP-1 in patients with substantial weight to lose
Frequently asked questions
Will AOD-9604 cause significant weight loss?
Modest. Phase 2 weight loss was meaningfully smaller than modern incretin therapies. AOD-9604 is best framed as a body-composition adjunct, not a primary obesity drug.
Does AOD-9604 raise IGF-1?
No. It does not bind the growth hormone receptor and does not produce measurable IGF-1 elevation. This is its central design feature.
AOD-9604 vs HGH — which is safer?
AOD-9604 has a meaningfully cleaner safety profile because it lacks IGF-1 and glycemic effects. It also has much weaker effects overall — the tradeoff is intentional.
Can I combine AOD-9604 with semaglutide or tirzepatide?
In selected cases yes, under clinical guidance. Most of the weight-loss benefit will come from the incretin therapy; AOD-9604's role is supportive.
Is AOD-9604 banned in sports?
AOD-9604 is on the WADA prohibited list under "growth hormone fragments." Tested competitive athletes should not use it.
How long until I see effects?
Mild body-composition changes typically over 8–12 weeks of consistent use combined with appropriate diet and training. Expect subtle, not dramatic, effects.
Can I take AOD-9604 long term?
Phase 2 exposure was up to ~12 months without safety issues. Long-term real-world data are limited; periodic re-evaluation with your clinician is reasonable.
Will AOD-9604 raise my blood sugar?
No. Unlike full-length HGH, AOD-9604 has no measurable impact on glucose metabolism or insulin sensitivity at typical doses.
Sources
- Ng FM et al. Metabolic studies of a synthetic lipolytic domain of human growth hormone. Horm Res (2000). — pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11196728
- Heffernan M et al. The effects of human GH and its lipolytic fragment (AOD9604) on lipid metabolism. Endocrinology (2001). — pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11606480
- Stier H et al. Safety and tolerability of the hexadecapeptide AOD9604 in humans. J Endocrinol Metab (2013). — pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24327951
- Metabolic Pharmaceuticals — historical AOD-9604 clinical program summary. — www.tga.gov.au
Considering AOD-9604?
A Kindr Health physician reviews every longevity intake — peptides are prescribed only when medically indicated based on your history and labs. There is no charge for the initial review.
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Medically reviewed by Kindr Health Clinical Team
Kindr Health Inc. — Editorial & Clinical Team (physician-supervised)
NPI 1609792902 · Last reviewed: July 3, 2026
Last reviewed July 3, 2026. Compounded medications are prepared by FDA-registered 503A pharmacies and are not FDA-approved drug products. Prescriptions require a clinical evaluation; a Kindr Health physician determines eligibility. Not for use in pregnancy. This page provides educational information and is not medical advice.