What Is AOD-9604?
AOD-9604 (Advanced Obesity Drug-9604) is a modified 16-amino-acid fragment of human growth hormone (hGH), specifically the fat-reducing portion (amino acids 177-191) with an added tyrosine residue. It was designed to isolate the lipolytic (fat-burning) effects of growth hormone without the growth-promoting or diabetogenic effects.
AOD-9604 is one of the few peptides that went through formal pharmaceutical development — it reached Phase IIb clinical trials for obesity before development was discontinued. It has since found a second life in the research and compounding markets.
Quick Facts
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Amino Acids | 16 (modified hGH fragment 177-191) |
| Molecular Weight | ~1,815 Da |
| Origin | Synthetic fragment of human growth hormone |
| Regulatory Status | Expected Category 1 reclassification |
| Prescription Required | Yes (pharmacy); No (research vendor) |
| FDA History | GRAS status granted for food applications (2014) |
Research Areas of Interest
- Fat metabolism — the primary area of study; may stimulate lipolysis without affecting blood sugar or growth
- Cartilage repair — emerging research on osteoarthritis and joint health
- Bone health — preclinical studies suggest potential effects on bone density
- Metabolic function — studied for effects on metabolism without the side effects of full-length hGH
How It's Sold
| Source | Form | Prescription? | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Vendors | Lyophilized powder (5mg vial) | No | $25-60/vial |
| Compounding Pharmacy | Injectable (subcutaneous) | Yes | $100-250+/month |
| Compounding Pharmacy | Oral lozenge | Yes | $80-180/month |
What to Look For on the COA
- HPLC purity — minimum 95%, ideally 98%+
- Mass spectrometry — confirmed MW of ~1,815 Da
- Endotoxin testing — required for injectable forms
- Sequence verification — confirms correct hGH 177-191 fragment with N-terminal tyrosine
Storage Guide
- Lyophilized: Store at 2-8°C for short-term; -20°C for long-term
- Reconstituted: Refrigerate immediately. Use within 21-28 days
- Protect from light and avoid freeze/thaw cycles
Key Sourcing Tips
- Always request and verify the COA before purchasing
- AOD-9604 is a relatively simple peptide to synthesize — pricing should be moderate, not premium
- Be skeptical of weight loss claims — while AOD-9604 was studied for obesity, the clinical trials did not demonstrate sufficient efficacy to gain drug approval
- For research use: prioritize vendors with third-party testing from named labs
- For personal use: work with a licensed provider and compounding pharmacy