AOD-9604

Overview

AOD-9604 (Anti-Obesity Drug 9604) is a synthetic peptide fragment corresponding to the C-terminal region of human Growth Hormone (specifically amino acids 176-191), with an added tyrosine at the N-terminus. It was developed by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals in Australia specifically for fat loss.

The key innovation of AOD-9604 is that it retains the fat-burning properties of growth hormone while eliminating the negative effects on blood sugar and IGF-1 that limit HGH use for weight management.

Key Characteristics

• Origin: Modified fragment of human growth hormone
• Classification: Lipolytic peptide
• Structure: hGH amino acids 176-191 + Tyrosine
• FDA Status: Not approved; GRAS status for food (2016)
• Unique Feature: Fat loss without HGH side effects

Why a Fragment?

Full-length growth hormone has multiple effects:

• Fat loss (via C-terminal region) ✓
• Muscle growth (via IGF-1 increase) ✓
• Insulin resistance (problematic) ✗
• Cell proliferation (cancer concern) ✗

AOD-9604 isolates the fat-burning portion while avoiding the problematic effects.

Mechanism

Primary Mechanisms

1. Lipolysis Stimulation

Fat breakdown pathway:

• Stimulates beta-3 adrenergic receptors
• Activates hormone-sensitive lipase
• Increases triglyceride breakdown
• Releases free fatty acids
• Promotes fat oxidation

2. Lipogenesis Inhibition

Blocks fat creation:

• Inhibits lipogenic enzymes
• Reduces new fat cell formation
• Prevents triglyceride synthesis
• Decreases fat storage

3. No IGF-1 Increase

Critical safety feature:

• Does NOT increase IGF-1 levels
• No growth factor proliferation effects
• No muscle building (but no cancer risk)
• No glucose metabolism disruption

4. No Blood Sugar Effects

Unlike full HGH:

• No insulin resistance
• No glucose increase
• Safe for diabetics (potentially)
• No metabolic side effects

How It Differs from HGH

| Effect | Full HGH | AOD-9604 | |--------|----------|----------| | Fat Loss | Yes | Yes | | Muscle Growth | Yes | No | | IGF-1 Increase | Yes | No | | Insulin Resistance | Yes | No | | Cell Proliferation | Yes | No | | Cost | Very High | Lower |

Research

Clinical Trials (Historical)

Phase 2 Studies

Metabolic Pharmaceuticals trials showed:

• Statistically significant weight loss vs placebo
• No significant adverse events
• No change in glucose tolerance
• No IGF-1 elevation
• Good tolerability

Why Not Approved?

Despite positive results:

• Weight loss modest compared to newer drugs
• Competition from other approaches
• High cost of Phase 3 development
• Company shifted focus to GRAS pathway

Mechanism Studies

Lipolysis Research

Laboratory studies confirm:

• Direct lipolytic activity in adipocytes
• Inhibition of lipogenesis
• Activity independent of GH receptor
• Selective action on fat cells

Cartilage Repair (Emerging)

2025 Research

Recent interest in:

• Cartilage regeneration potential
• Osteoarthritis treatment studies
• Joint health applications
• Injectable and oral formulations

GRAS Status (2016)

FDA determined AOD-9604 is:

• Generally Recognized as Safe
• Approved for use in food products
• Demonstrates excellent safety profile
• Opens door for oral formulations

Dosing

Research Protocols

Administration Notes

Timing

• Best taken in the morning
• On empty stomach (fasted state)
• Wait 30-60 minutes before eating
• Fat in stomach may reduce absorption

Injection Site

• Subcutaneous (belly fat)
• Rotate injection sites
• Near target fat area (theoretical local effect)
• Can inject into stubborn fat deposits

Duration

• Results typically seen after 4-8 weeks
• Full effects may take 12+ weeks
• Can be used long-term (safety profile)
• Cycling may maintain sensitivity

Reconstitution

• Use bacteriostatic water
• Typical: 5mg vial + 2.5ml water = 2mg/ml
• Store refrigerated
• Use within 4-6 weeks
• Stable peptide

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

• Subcutaneous: Rapid absorption
• Oral: Variable bioavailability (GRAS formulations improving this)

Distribution

• Limited systemic distribution
• Concentrates at injection site
• Short activity window

Metabolism

• Rapid peptide breakdown
• No active metabolites
• Natural amino acid degradation

Elimination

• Half-life: 30-60 minutes (estimated)
• Rapid clearance
• No accumulation
• Daily dosing required

Synergy & Stacking

Common Combinations

AOD-9604 + CJC-1295/Ipamorelin

For comprehensive approach:

• AOD-9604: Fat loss
• CJC-1295/Ipamorelin: GH benefits including muscle
• Complementary mechanisms
• Popular in wellness settings

AOD-9604 + L-Carnitine

Fat burning stack:

• AOD-9604: Liberates fatty acids
• L-Carnitine: Transports fatty acids into mitochondria
• Enhanced fat oxidation

AOD-9604 + Fasting Protocol

Synergistic with intermittent fasting:

• Both promote fat mobilization
• Morning fasted administration
• Extended fat-burning window

Safety

Known Side Effects

Common (generally mild)

• Injection site reactions
• Mild headache
• Flushing (rare)

Notably ABSENT:

• No glucose/insulin changes
• No IGF-1 elevation
• No water retention
• No carpel tunnel (unlike HGH)
• No cell proliferation concerns

Contraindications

Use with caution if:

• Active cancer (any growth-affecting compound)
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• History of hypersensitivity to peptides

Generally considered safe for:

• Diabetics (no glucose effect)
• Cardiovascular disease patients
• Most adults seeking fat loss

Drug Interactions

• No significant drug interactions identified
• May theoretically complement diabetes medications
• No CYP450 interactions

Monitoring

Before Starting

• Body composition baseline (DEXA ideal)
• Weight and measurements
• Photographs
• Fasting glucose (baseline documentation)

During Use

• Weight trends
• Body composition changes
• Waist circumference
• Progress photographs

No Required Labs

• No IGF-1 monitoring needed
• No glucose monitoring required (unlike HGH)
• General wellness labs as desired

Regulatory

Current Status

| Region | Status | |--------|--------| | United States | GRAS for food (2016); not FDA-approved as drug | | WADA | Prohibited (S2 category) | | Australia | Originally developed there; research chemical | | TGA | Not approved for therapeutic use |

Legal Considerations

• GRAS status = recognized as safe
• Not approved as weight loss drug
• Available as research chemical
• Athletes: Strictly banned
• Oral formulations in some nutraceuticals

Clinical Outlook

AOD-9604 occupies a unique space:

• Proven mechanism of action
• Excellent safety profile (GRAS)
• Never completed drug approval
• Growing interest in cartilage applications
• Oral formulations expanding accessibility

References