What is AOD-9604 used for?

AOD-9604 has been researched primarily for fat loss and body composition improvement. It is also being developed for joint health applications. It is not approved as a weight loss drug.

Does AOD-9604 have side effects?

In clinical trials, AOD-9604 showed a generally favourable safety profile. Common side effects included injection site reactions and mild flu-like symptoms. Long-term effects are not fully characterised.

AOD-9604 is not a controlled substance in most jurisdictions but is not approved as a medicine for weight loss. In Australia, it is approved as a complementary medicine ingredient. Legal status varies by country.

Fact-checked by the Peptide Authority Editorial Board · Last reviewed: 1 February 2026

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Fat Loss & Metabolic•Updated 2026-02-01•5 min read

What Is AOD-9604? Benefits, Research & Safety

Q: Is AOD-9604 the same as HGH?

No, AOD-9604 is a small fragment of the HGH molecule designed to retain fat-metabolising properties without the growth-promoting effects. It does not increase IGF-1 or have the same range of effects as full growth hormone.

A modified fragment of human growth hormone specifically researched for its fat-metabolising properties without the growth-promoting effects of full HGH.

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Also known as:

Anti-Obesity Drug 9604

HGH Fragment 177-191

Tyr-hGH Fragment 177-191

CLimited human evidenceUK: Unlicensed (UK)WADA: Prohibited in sport

UK summary: Not a licensed UK medicine. A modified fragment of growth hormone marketed for fat loss. Earlier obesity development did not produce a licensed product; human evidence for normal adults is limited. Captured by WADA prohibited classes for growth-related peptides.

Quick Facts

Overview

AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide consisting of a modified fragment of human growth hormone (hGH), specifically the C-terminal region spanning amino acids 177-191 with an additional tyrosine residue at the N-terminus. This peptide was developed to isolate the fat-metabolising properties of growth hormone while eliminating its growth-promoting and diabetogenic effects. The development of AOD-9604 was based on the observation that the lipolytic (fat-burning) activity of growth hormone is mediated by a different region of the molecule than its growth-promoting effects. By isolating this specific fragment, researchers aimed to create a compound that could promote fat loss without the side effects associated with full growth hormone administration. Research has demonstrated that AOD-9604 stimulates lipolysis (the breakdown of fat) and inhibits lipogenesis (the formation of new fat). Importantly, studies suggest it does not affect blood glucose levels or stimulate the growth of tissues—distinguishing it from full growth hormone. AOD-9604 has progressed through clinical trials for obesity treatment, though it has not achieved regulatory approval for this indication. The peptide has also been investigated for cartilage regeneration and is approved in Australia as a complementary medicine for joint support.

Evidence standards summary

AOD-9604 — evidence and risk at a glance

Twenty standard modules scored against the Peptide Authority evidence grading methodology. Missing modules indicate the field has not yet been characterised editorially — treat absences as uncertainty rather than reassurance.

01Evidence snapshot

CLimited human evidenceOverall grade against our evidence grading methodology.

Not a licensed UK medicine. A modified fragment of growth hormone marketed for fat loss. Earlier obesity development did not produce a licensed product; human evidence for normal adults is limited. Captured by WADA prohibited classes for growth-related peptides.

02Human evidence grade

ETheoretical / insufficientStrength of evidence from published human trials.

03Preclinical evidence grade

CLimited human evidenceAnimal-model and in-vitro evidence quality.

04Regulatory status

UK: Not licensed as a medicine. Research compound only.
EU: Not approved for human therapeutic use.
Notes: AOD-9604 is approved in Australia as a complementary medicine ingredient for joint function (oral products). It failed Phase III trials for obesity and is not approved for weight loss anywhere. WADA has not specifically listed it but athletes should exercise caution.

05Approved medical uses

None in the UK or EU as a finished medicine. (Or: not yet documented; treat as absence rather than approval.)

06Unapproved / promotional claims

Targeted fat loss without affecting muscle, glucose, or growth.
Stack it with semaglutide for accelerated fat loss without the side effects.
Cosmetic-approved fat loss in Australia or Europe.
Safe long-term daily injection at home.

07Common internet claims

Marketed as the targeted-fat-loss peptide for stubborn body areas.
Often sold alongside semaglutide or tirzepatide in injectable bundles.
Promoted in cosmetic clinic packages as a body-sculpting add-on.

08Claim vs evidence

Claim	Evidence	Human evidence?	Regulatory concern	Safer wording
“Burns fat without affecting blood sugar”	C	Limited	High	Small human studies in obesity have shown limited fat-loss effect; AOD-9604 did not progress to a licensed obesity product.
“Safer than full HGH for body composition”	E	No	High	Comparative-safety claims need comparative trials. AOD-9604 is unlicensed; HGH is a controlled medicine.
“Enhances semaglutide / Mounjaro weight loss”	E	No	High	No robust human RCTs of the combination exist. See our /stacks/claim-reviews/semaglutide-aod-9604 page.
“Approved for cosmetic fat loss”	E	No	High	AOD-9604 has no UK marketing authorisation for fat loss.

09Safety uncertainty score

High

Limited human safety data; meaningful uncertainty about rare or long-term effects.

10Known adverse signals

Injection site reactions.
Headache, fatigue, and nausea reported anecdotally.
Theoretical risk from chronic GH-fragment exposure (insulin resistance, fluid retention).
Unknown effects when combined with licensed GLP-1 agonists.

11Drug-interaction uncertainty

High

Interaction picture sparse; meaningful uncertainty when combined with other medicines.

12Anti-doping status

WADA: Prohibited in sportWADA strict-liability framing applies.

13UK legal position

UK: Unlicensed (UK)

Not licensed as a medicine. Research compound only.

Read the full UK legal guide → Are peptides legal in the UK?

14EU legal position

Not approved for human therapeutic use.

15What this page cannot tell you

Whether a UK-purchased AOD-9604 vial actually contains the labelled peptide.
What clinically meaningful fat-loss effect (if any) it has in normal-weight adults.
Whether stacking with semaglutide or tirzepatide increases risk.
What the WADA in-competition status is for athletes — growth-related peptides are class-prohibited.

16Last reviewed

Last reviewed: 1 February 2026

Next review due: 1 February 2027

Spotted an error or something out of date? Send a correction.

17Citation quality score

CLimited human evidenceQuality of the sources we cite, graded against the evidence grading methodology.

18Research gaps

Phase 3 obesity trial was not successfully completed.
No published RCT data for AOD-9604 in normal-weight adults seeking cosmetic fat loss.
Long-term safety beyond a few weeks is unstudied.
Combination safety with GLP-1 agonists or other weight-loss drugs not assessed.

19Safer alternatives / established care pathways

Licensed Wegovy (semaglutide) via NHS or GMC-registered prescriber.
Licensed Mounjaro (tirzepatide) via NHS specialist or registered private clinic.
Structured diet, resistance training, and cardio — the only evidence-based body-recomposition stack.

20Doctor discussion prompts

Questions to ask a qualified clinician

These are starter questions you can adapt for a GP, specialist, pharmacist, or anti-doping advisor. The aim is to help you have a better-informed conversation — not to replace one.

Is AOD-9604 a licensed UK medicine for any condition?
What does the human evidence actually show for adults at a healthy weight?
If a clinic is pairing AOD-9604 with a licensed GLP-1, what's the regulatory implication?
What are the known and theoretical risks of long-term growth-hormone-fragment exposure?
If I'm an athlete, what's my anti-doping exposure?

Discovery & History

AOD-9604 was developed by Professor Frank Ng and colleagues at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, during the 1990s. The research was conducted in collaboration with Metabolic Pharmaceuticals Limited. The development was based on earlier observations that human growth hormone's metabolic effects could be separated from its growth-promoting effects. Researchers identified the C-terminal region of hGH as being responsible for its lipolytic activity and synthesised a peptide fragment corresponding to this region. Initial preclinical studies in the late 1990s and early 2000s demonstrated that AOD-9604 could reduce body fat in obese mice without affecting growth or IGF-1 levels. These promising results led to human clinical trials. Phase II clinical trials were conducted for obesity treatment, showing some evidence of fat reduction. However, Phase III trials did not meet their primary endpoints, and development for obesity was not pursued further. Subsequently, AOD-9604 was investigated for cartilage repair and joint health applications. In 2019, Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved AOD-9604 as a complementary medicine ingredient for joint function.

Mechanism of Action

AOD-9604 works through mechanisms distinct from those of full growth hormone: **Lipolysis Stimulation** AOD-9604 stimulates the breakdown of stored triglycerides in adipose tissue, releasing fatty acids into the bloodstream for use as energy. This lipolytic effect is similar to that of full growth hormone but occurs without stimulating IGF-1 production. **Lipogenesis Inhibition** The peptide appears to inhibit the conversion of non-fat food sources into body fat, reducing the formation of new adipose tissue. This dual action—promoting fat breakdown while inhibiting fat storage—underlies its potential for body composition modification. **Beta-3 Adrenergic Receptor Interaction** Research suggests AOD-9604 may interact with beta-3 adrenergic receptors, which are involved in fat metabolism and thermogenesis. This receptor pathway is distinct from growth hormone's primary signalling mechanisms. **Glucose-Neutral Effects** Unlike full growth hormone, AOD-9604 does not appear to significantly affect blood glucose levels or insulin sensitivity in research to date. This is because it does not stimulate the production of IGF-1. **Cartilage Effects** More recent research has explored AOD-9604's effects on cartilage, suggesting potential for stimulating chondrocyte activity and proteoglycan synthesis, which may benefit joint health.

Researched Benefits

Based on preclinical and clinical research findings:

1
Stimulation of fat breakdown (lipolysis) without affecting muscle tissue
2
Inhibition of new fat formation (lipogenesis)
3
No apparent effect on blood glucose or IGF-1 levels
4
Potential support for cartilage health and joint function
5
No growth-promoting effects that could be problematic
6
Possible regenerative effects on connective tissues

Claim vs Evidence

How popular claims about AOD-9604 stack up against the current research, graded using our public evidence grading methodology.

Claim	Evidence	Human evidence?	Regulatory concern	Safer wording
“Burns fat without affecting blood sugar”	C	Limited	High	Small human studies in obesity have shown limited fat-loss effect; AOD-9604 did not progress to a licensed obesity product.
“Safer than full HGH for body composition”	E	No	High	Comparative-safety claims need comparative trials. AOD-9604 is unlicensed; HGH is a controlled medicine.
“Enhances semaglutide / Mounjaro weight loss”	E	No	High	No robust human RCTs of the combination exist. See our /stacks/claim-reviews/semaglutide-aod-9604 page.
“Approved for cosmetic fat loss”	E	No	High	AOD-9604 has no UK marketing authorisation for fat loss.

Theoretical Dosing & Protocols

⚠️ Educational Only: The following information is derived from research literature and is not a prescription or recommendation. No standardised human dosing exists. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Theoretical Dosage	250-500 mcg per day (based on clinical trial protocols)
Frequency	Once daily, typically in the morning on an empty stomach
Duration	12-24 weeks in clinical research settings
Notes	These protocols are derived from clinical trial data. AOD-9604 is not approved for weight loss. Any use should be under medical supervision. The peptide is typically administered via subcutaneous injection.

Administration Routes

Routes studied in research settings (educational only):

Subcutaneous injection (most common in research)
Oral administration (being developed for joint health products)

Half-Life	Stability
Relatively short; specific pharmacokinetic data limited	Stable in lyophilised form; should be refrigerated after reconstitution

Safety Profile & Known Risks

Commonly Reported Side Effects

Injection site reactions
Mild headache
Temporary flu-like symptoms
Nausea in some cases

Rare Risks & Concerns

Unknown long-term effects
Potential for antibody development
Effects on other metabolic parameters not fully characterised

Contraindications

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Active malignancy
Children and adolescents
Severe metabolic disorders

UK & EU Regulatory Context

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Not licensed as a medicine. Research compound only.

🇪🇺 European Union

Not approved for human therapeutic use.

AOD-9604 is approved in Australia as a complementary medicine ingredient for joint function (oral products). It failed Phase III trials for obesity and is not approved for weight loss anywhere. WADA has not specifically listed it but athletes should exercise caution.

Clinical Studies Summary

Analytical approaches for the detection of emerging therapeutics and non-approved drugs in human doping controls.

) and non-peptidic (selective androgen receptor modulators, hypoxia-inducible factor stabilizers, siRNA, S-107 and ARM036/aladorian, etc. ) as well as inorganic (cobalt) nature are considered and discussed in terms of specific requirements originating from physicochemical properties, concentration levels, metabolism, and their amenability for chromatographic-mass spectrometric or alternative detection methods.

J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2014View on PubMed

Obesity drugs in clinical development.

Of these, only rimonabant has got as far as completing phase III clinical trials. This review will provide an overview of the most prominent drugs currently undergoing clinical development as potential anti-obesity therapies.

Curr Opin Investig Drugs. 2006View on PubMed

AOD-9604 Metabolic.

Uk Metabolic is developing AOD-9604 for the potential treatment of obesity. By February 2002, phase IIa trials were underway.

Curr Opin Investig Drugs. 2004View on PubMed

Simplifying and expanding the screening for peptides <2 kDa by direct urine injection, liquid chromatography, and ion mobility mass spectrometry.

The stability of the peptides in urine was tested, and -20°C was found to be the appropriate storage temperature for sports drug testing. Finally, proof-of-concept was shown by analysing elimination study urine samples collected from individuals having administered GHRP-6, GHRP-2, or LHRH.

J Sep Sci. 2016View on PubMed

Detecting peptidic drugs, drug candidates and analogs in sports doping: current status and future directions.

, stamulumab) molecular mass with desired specificity and sensitivity. A gap between the technically possible detection and the day-to-day analytical practice, however, still needs to be closed.

Expert Rev Proteomics. 2014View on PubMed

Looking for AOD-9604?

Source research-grade AOD-9604 from a trusted UK supplier — third-party tested with certificate of analysis.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Questions to ask a qualified clinician about AOD-9604