AOD-9604

AOD-9604 (Anti-Obesity Drug 9604) is a synthetic peptide fragment corresponding to the C-terminal region (amino acids 177-191) of human growth hormone, modified with a tyrosine residue at the N-terminus. This 16-amino-acid fragment was specifically isolated because it replicates the lipolytic (fat-burning) activity of full-length HGH while lacking the growth-promoting, insulin-resistant, and diabetogenic effects associated with the complete 191-amino-acid molecule. AOD-9604 was developed at Monash University and received Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status from the FDA for use as a food additive — an unusual regulatory distinction for a peptide compound.

AOD-9604 stimulates lipolysis through activation of the beta-3 adrenergic receptor pathway in adipose tissue, enhancing the release and oxidation of stored fatty acids. It simultaneously inhibits lipogenesis — the formation of new fat — by suppressing the activity of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in fatty acid synthesis. Critically, AOD-9604 achieves these effects without binding to the growth hormone receptor or activating the JAK2-STAT5 signaling cascade, which means it does not increase IGF-1 levels, does not promote cell proliferation, does not induce insulin resistance, and does not cause the fluid retention, joint pain, or acromegalic effects associated with exogenous HGH. It is, in effect, the fat-burning fragment of growth hormone with the growth removed.

Research has demonstrated that AOD-9604 promotes a net reduction in adipose tissue mass without affecting lean body mass, glucose homeostasis, or appetite. Studies in animal models showed significant fat mass reduction comparable to full-length HGH, with none of the metabolic side effects. Additional research has explored its effects on cartilage repair, with findings suggesting it may promote proteoglycan synthesis and have chondroprotective properties, opening potential applications beyond body composition.

AOD-9604 is best suited for researchers investigating targeted fat reduction without systemic growth hormone effects. It is particularly relevant for protocols where maintaining metabolic neutrality is important — researchers who want lipolytic activity without IGF-1 elevation, insulin resistance, or interference with glucose metabolism. It pairs well with CJC-1295/Ipamorelin stacks for researchers who want complementary GH-axis and direct lipolytic effects.

Reconstitute the 10mg vial with 2ml bacteriostatic water (yielding 5mg/ml). AOD-9604 is administered via subcutaneous injection into abdominal adipose tissue, ideally on an empty stomach. Typical research dosing is 250-500mcg per day, administered once daily in the morning before food. It has a short half-life of approximately 30 minutes, so timing relative to food intake is important — fasting conditions optimize activity. Store reconstituted solution at 2-8C and use within 28 days. The 10mg vial supports 20-40 days of research at standard dosing.

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## Growth Hormone Releasing