# AOD-9604

> AOD-9604 is a synthetic fragment of the human growth hormone molecule, corresponding to amino acids 176-191, developed with the intent of isolating growth hormone's fat-metabolizing effects while avoiding its effects on blood glucose and tissue growth. It underwent phase II human clinical trials for obesity, but results did not demonstrate a statistically significant weight-loss benefit over placebo, and pharmaceutical development for the obesity indication was discontinued. It continues to be used in research settings, though evidence supporting meaningful weight-loss efficacy in humans remains weak relative to modern incretin-based agents.

- URL: https://www.lifeconverted.com/peptides/aod-9604
- Also known as: HGH Fragment 176-191
- Primary category: Weight Management
- Effectiveness rank: #9 in Weight Management
- Evidence level: Moderate evidence
- Route: Subcutaneous
- Dose range: 250-500 mcg
- Dose tiers: low 250 mcg; moderate 300 mcg; high 500 mcg
- Half-life: Approximately 20-30 minutes, consistent with other small unmodified peptide fragments
- Timing: Morning, empty stomach
- Cycle: Research protocols commonly reference 12-16 week cycles on, 4 weeks or more between cycles in informal research protocols off (No standardized cycle length has been established in peer-reviewed human trials.)
- Storage: Store lyophilized peptide frozen or refrigerated before reconstitution; after reconstitution, refrigerate at 2-8°C, protect from light, and use within the stated timeframe.

## Mechanism of action

AOD-9604 is proposed to stimulate lipolysis (the breakdown of stored fat) and inhibit lipogenesis (new fat formation) by mimicking a region of the growth hormone molecule associated with fat metabolism, without activating the growth hormone receptor regions linked to insulin resistance and tissue growth. Because it does not appear to significantly affect insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels or blood glucose in available studies, it is not expected to carry growth hormone's typical metabolic trade-offs, based on the available research.

## Reported benefits

- Proposed to target fat metabolism without growth hormone's effect on blood sugar
- Studied in human phase II obesity trials
- Does not appear to significantly raise IGF-1 in available studies
- Used as a research comparator for fat-metabolism-targeted peptides

## Reported side effects

- Injection-site reactions
- Headache reported in some studies
- Overall weight-loss efficacy was not established in phase II human trials
- Limited modern safety data relative to newer, more extensively studied agents

## Common protocols

- Once-daily subcutaneous injection, often on an empty stomach, in informal research protocols

## Stacking notes

Sometimes discussed alongside other fat-metabolism-focused peptides; no controlled trial data support or refute combination use.

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