AOD-9604
Modified C-terminal GH fragment studied for selective fat metabolism activity.
Mechanism of Action
Compound targeting metabolic efficiency and cellular energy production.
Evidence Chain
AOD-9604
COMPOUND
1 Research Goal
• Weight Management
Evidence Strength
24 articles sourced
Knowledge Graph
(25 connections)Research Evidence
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Methenolone Enanthate: Evidence-Based Research Review
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Survodutide (BI 456906): Dual GLP-1/Glucagon Receptor Agonist — Clinical Evidence in Obesity and MASH
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GLP-1 Receptor Agonism in Metabolic Signaling
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YK-11: Evidence-Based Research Review
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Peptide Synergy: Metabolic System Stacking
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Overview
AOD-9604 (Advanced Obesity Drug-9604) is a modified synthetic peptide representing the C-terminal fragment (amino acids 177-191) of human growth hormone. Developed by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals, AOD-9604 was specifically designed to capture the lipolytic (fat-metabolizing) effects of growth hormone without the associated effects on growth, insulin sensitivity, or other GH-mediated activities. It represents a targeted approach to metabolic therapy through peptide fragment engineering.
Mechanism of Action
AOD-9604 mimics the lipolytic activity of the C-terminal fragment of growth hormone, stimulating the breakdown of fat (lipolysis) and inhibiting the transformation of fatty acids into adipose tissue (lipogenesis). Unlike full-length growth hormone, AOD-9604 does not bind to growth hormone receptors and does not produce the broad metabolic and growth-promoting effects of GH. The selective lipolytic activity is mediated through pathways involving beta-adrenergic signaling and hormone-sensitive lipase activation in adipose tissue.
Research Highlights
Clinical trials demonstrated AOD-9604's efficacy in promoting fat loss, with Phase II trials showing significant reductions in body weight and fat mass over 12 weeks. Research showed that AOD-9604 produced fat loss without affecting glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, or IGF-1 levels — distinguishing it from full-length GH. Studies explored its potential in obesity, metabolic syndrome, and cartilage repair. Despite promising Phase II results, development was discontinued, reportedly due to the competitive landscape and regulatory considerations rather than safety concerns.
Dosage & Administration
In clinical trials, AOD-9604 was administered orally and via subcutaneous injection at doses of 1-10 mg daily. The oral bioavailability was a notable feature. For research use only (RUO).
Safety Profile
Clinical trials reported favorable safety profiles, with no significant adverse effects at therapeutic doses. AOD-9604 did not affect glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, or IGF-1 levels, distinguishing it from full-length GH. Long-term safety data is limited. Not approved by the FDA for any indication.
References
Heffernan M, et al. AOD-9604 and lipolysis. Endocrinology. 2001. Heffernan M, et al. AOD-9604 clinical trials. Curr Drug Targets. 2004. Stier H, et al. AOD-9604 safety. J Endocrinol. 2005. All content is for educational and research purposes only.
FDA 2026 Regulatory Update
As of April–June 2026, this compound was among the 14 peptides formally removed from the FDA's Category 2 restricted compounding list following review by the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee (PCAC). This regulatory shift permits licensed compounding pharmacies to produce and dispense this compound under appropriate oversight, subject to final 503A Bulks List adjudication expected following the July 23–24, 2026 PCAC meeting. This does not constitute FDA approval for therapeutic use. All information on this page is for research purposes only.
Related Compounds
Synergy & Compatibility
(5)Computational assessment of bio-regulatory compatibility with compounds sharing research goals. Scores reflect half-life alignment, receptor target overlap, and bioavailability data.
Computational assessment based on available pharmacology data. Does not account for individual variability, dose-dependent effects, or unstudied interactions. For research use only.
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