Compound profile

AOD-9604

Also known as hGH fragment 177–191

Not approved
  • Other research peptides

Last reviewed October 2026

Educational only. A summary of published research, not medical advice or a recommendation. No doses are listed.

Quick take

A modified fragment from the end of the human growth hormone molecule, originally developed as an anti-obesity drug.

Class
Other research peptides
Status
Not approved
Evidence
Early or small human studies
Half-life
Not well documented

Mechanism fingerprint

What it acts on, and how. Each chip links to that pathway on the map.

Designed to mimic growth hormone's fat-breakdown effects without affecting growth or blood sugar.

What makes it different

A growth hormone fragment designed to keep the fat-breakdown effects without affecting growth or blood sugar; development stopped after trials.

Compare side by side

Mechanism & pathways

AOD-9604
  • Studied link Fat breakdown (lipolysis) designed to mimic growth hormone's fat-breakdown effect

    The breakdown of stored fat into fatty acids that the body can burn for fuel.

Dashed boxes are studied or proposed links from early research, not confirmed actions. See AOD-9604 on the pathway map

Evidence overview

Early or small human studies

Human trials in the 2000s found it well tolerated but did not show meaningful weight loss compared with placebo.

A breakdown into human, animal and cell studies hasn't been added for this compound yet.

Why it's used

Sold for fat loss, based on its origin as a fragment of growth hormone.

Side effects & risks

Reported side effects

  • Similar to placebo in published trials

Risks and warnings

  • Prohibited in sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
  • Products sold as “research use only” are not quality-controlled medicines; purity, sterility and labeled amount are not verified.

FAQ

Short answers taken from this profile.

What is AOD-9604?

A modified fragment from the end of the human growth hormone molecule, originally developed as an anti-obesity drug.

How does AOD-9604 work?

Designed to mimic growth hormone's fat-breakdown effects without affecting growth or blood sugar.

What receptors or pathways does AOD-9604 act on?

fat breakdown (lipolysis) (studied link; designed to mimic growth hormone's fat-breakdown effect). Links marked “studied” or “proposed” come from early research and aren't confirmed in people.

How is AOD-9604 different from similar compounds?

A growth hormone fragment designed to keep the fat-breakdown effects without affecting growth or blood sugar; development stopped after trials.

Is AOD-9604 approved?

Not approved. Development as an obesity drug stopped after clinical trials.

What has AOD-9604 been studied for?

Sold for fat loss, based on its origin as a fragment of growth hormone.

How strong is the evidence?

Early or small human studies. Human trials in the 2000s found it well tolerated but did not show meaningful weight loss compared with placebo.

What are the main risks?

Prohibited in sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Products sold as “research use only” are not quality-controlled medicines; purity, sterility and labeled amount are not verified.