--- title: "AOD-9604 | PepTracker Pro" description: "A modified fragment of human growth hormone studied for fat metabolism without growth-promoting effects." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "PepTracker Pro", "url": "https://peptrackerpro.com", "logo": "https://peptrackerpro.com/favicon.png", "description": "Evidence-based educational resource dedicated to improving peptide research literacy.", "contactPoint": { "@type": "ContactPoint", "email": "hello@peptrackerpro.com", "contactType": "customer support" }, "sameAs": [] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "MedicalWebPage", "name": "AOD-9604", "description": "A modified fragment of human growth hormone studied for fat metabolism without growth-promoting effects.", "url": "https://peptrackerpro.com/peptides/aod-9604", "lastReviewed": "2026-05-27", "reviewedBy": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "PepTracker Pro Research Team", "url": "https://peptrackerpro.com" }, "isPartOf": { "@type": "WebSite", "name": "PepTracker Pro", "url": "https://peptrackerpro.com" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://peptrackerpro.com" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Peptides", "item": "https://peptrackerpro.com/peptides" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "AOD-9604", "item": "https://peptrackerpro.com/peptides/aod-9604" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "People researching GH-derived fat loss peptides?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "AOD-9604 is a research peptide studied in preclinical models. A modified fragment of human growth hormone studied for fat metabolism without growth-promoting effects." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Those comparing metabolic peptides?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "AOD-9604 is a research peptide studied in preclinical models. A modified fragment of human growth hormone studied for fat metabolism without growth-promoting effects." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Individuals exploring cartilage repair research?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "AOD-9604 is a research peptide studied in preclinical models. A modified fragment of human growth hormone studied for fat metabolism without growth-promoting effects." } } ] } ] --- [Skip to main content](#main) **Educational information only.** This site does not provide medical advice. [Read full disclaimer](/disclaimer) [PepTracker Pro](/) [Home](/)[Peptides](/peptides)[Compare](/compare)[Glossary](/glossary)[Blog](/blog)[Calculators](/calculators)[Start Here](/start) [Open the App](https://app.peptrackerpro.com) [Peptides](/peptides)/ AOD-9604 **Research-only content.** This page is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. [Read full disclaimer →](/research-disclaimer) # AOD-9604 Medium Evidence A modified fragment of human growth hormone studied for fat metabolism without growth-promoting effects. Aliases Anti-Obesity Drug 9604 +1 more Evidence Medium Evidence Last Updated 2026-05-27 Reading Time 3 min ## Table of Contents 1. [What It Is](#what-it-is) 2. [Regulatory Status](#regulatory-status) 3. [Why Researchers Study It](#why-researchers-study) 4. [Proposed Mechanisms](#proposed-mechanisms) 5. [Evidence Snapshot](#evidence-snapshot) 6. [Commonly Discussed Benefits](#benefits) 7. [Safety & Cautions](#safety) 8. [Comparisons](#comparisons) 9. [Calculator Tools](#calculator) 10. [Citations](#citations) ## What It Is AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide comprising a modified fragment (amino acids 176–191) of human growth hormone, designed to retain the lipolytic (fat-metabolizing) properties of GH without its growth-promoting, IGF-1-elevating, or diabetogenic effects. It acts primarily through beta-3 adrenergic receptors to stimulate lipolysis and inhibit lipogenesis. The FDA granted AOD-9604 GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status for use as a food ingredient, though this designation does not extend to therapeutic drug claims. In the Phase 2b OPAL trial — the largest clinical study of AOD-9604, enrolling 536 obese adults — 1 mg daily subcutaneous AOD-9604 did not achieve statistically significant body weight reduction versus placebo after 12 weeks. However, DEXA scan subgroup analysis showed consistent reduction in subcutaneous fat mass in approximately 30% of participants, suggesting individual variability in beta-3 receptor density or metabolic response. The extensive clinical safety database from over 900 participants across six controlled trials establishes AOD-9604 as well-tolerated with minimal adverse effects. Development as a pharmaceutical obesity drug was discontinued in 2007 after failure to meet primary endpoints, but it remains studied for cartilage repair and osteoarthritis applications. Preclinical studies in rabbit and canine models have demonstrated chondro-protective effects, with AOD-9604 promoting proteoglycan synthesis in articular cartilage without affecting IGF-1 or insulin levels. AOD-9604 was returned to Category 1 compounding eligibility in the United States under the FDA's February 2026 reclassification. No regulatory authority recognizes it as an approved treatment for obesity or weight loss. Also known as: Anti-Obesity Drug 9604, hGH Fragment 176-191 ## Regulatory Status Category 1 — Bulk Compounding Returned to Category 1 compounding eligibility under FDA's February 2026 reclassification. May be compounded by 503A/503B pharmacies under physician prescription. Effective: February 2026 [View FDA Source](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/human-drug-compounding/bulk-drug-substances-used-compounding) ## Why Researchers Study It AOD-9604 is studied because it represents a targeted approach to fat metabolism via GH-fragment pharmacology — retaining lipolytic activity while eliminating the unwanted effects of full-length growth hormone. Its established safety profile across 900+ clinical participants and GRAS status make it a low-risk research compound. Current research interest has shifted toward its chondro-protective properties for osteoarthritis and cartilage repair, which may represent a more viable clinical application than its original obesity indication. ## Proposed Mechanisms - Stimulates lipolysis via beta-3 adrenergic receptor activation in adipose tissue - Inhibits de novo lipogenesis without affecting IGF-1 or insulin levels - Promotes proteoglycan synthesis in articular cartilage (chondro-protective effect) - Retains the C-terminal fat-metabolizing domain of hGH (aa 176–191) with a tyrosine substitution - Does not cross-react with GH receptors, avoiding growth-promoting or diabetogenic effects ## Evidence Snapshot Medium Evidence Low Medium High Study Type Model Outcome Link Phase 2b RCT (human) OPAL trial — 536 obese adults, 12 weeks No statistically significant weight loss vs placebo; DEXA subgroup showed fat mass reduction in ~30% of responders [Source](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) Safety analysis (human) Pooled data across 6 controlled trials, 900+ participants Well-tolerated with minimal adverse effects; no IGF-1 elevation or glucose impairment [Source](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) Animal (rabbit) Cartilage repair — osteoarthritis model Promoted proteoglycan synthesis and demonstrated chondro-protective effects [Source](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) ## Commonly Discussed Benefits [Fat Loss](/benefits/fat-loss)[Metabolism](/benefits/metabolism)[Joint Health](/benefits/joint-health) Researching AOD-9604 ? Track it, set reminders, and keep notes in the free app. [Track in App](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=aod-9604) ## Safety & Cautions - Clinical trials for obesity did not meet primary endpoints - GRAS status is for food use, not as a therapeutic - Not FDA-approved as a drug - Ongoing research in cartilage repair applications ## Comparisons See how AOD-9604 compares to related peptides: [AOD-9604 vs CJC-1295](/compare/aod-9604-vs-cjc-1295) [AOD-9604 vs Ipamorelin](/compare/aod-9604-vs-ipamorelin) [AOD-9604 vs MOTS-c](/compare/aod-9604-vs-mots-c) ## Calculator Tools Use our research tools to explore dosing and reconstitution data: [Reconstitution Calculator](/calculators) ## Citations 1. \[1\] Heffernan M. et al. — Effects of oral administration of a synthetic fragment of human growth hormone on lipid metabolism. Obes Res. 2001 [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) 2. \[2\] AOD-9604 Peptide: Expert Analysis Reviews Benefits and Side Effects for 2026 — Yahoo Finance [PubMed](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/aod-9604-peptide-expert-analysis-140000772.html) 3. \[3\] AOD-9604 Peptide Complete Guide to Benefits, Dosage & Research (2026) — PeptideDeck [PubMed](https://www.peptidedeck.com/blog/aod-9604-peptide-complete-guide) ### Keep researching in the app - Log AOD-9604 to your private tracker - Set a dosing reminder - Compare it side-by-side with your stack [Open PepTracker Pro Free](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=aod-9604) [Browse more peptides](/peptides) ## Related Peptides ### CJC-1295 Medium Evidence A growth hormone releasing hormone analog studied for stimulating growth hormone secretion. [Muscle Growth](/benefits/muscle-growth)[Fat Loss](/benefits/fat-loss)[Recovery](/benefits/recovery)[Sleep](/benefits/sleep)+1 more [View Details](/peptides/cjc-1295) [\+ Compare](/compare?select=cjc-1295)[](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=cjc-1295) ### Ipamorelin Medium Evidence A selective growth hormone secretagogue studied for targeted GH release with fewer side effects than other GH peptides. [Muscle Growth](/benefits/muscle-growth)[Fat Loss](/benefits/fat-loss)[Recovery](/benefits/recovery)[Sleep](/benefits/sleep)+1 more [View Details](/peptides/ipamorelin) [\+ Compare](/compare?select=ipamorelin)[](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=ipamorelin) ### MOTS-c Low Evidence A mitochondrial-derived peptide studied for metabolic regulation, exercise mimetic effects, and longevity. [Metabolism](/benefits/metabolism)[Fat Loss](/benefits/fat-loss)[Longevity](/benefits/longevity)[Muscle Growth](/benefits/muscle-growth)+2 more [View Details](/peptides/mots-c) [\+ Compare](/compare?select=mots-c)[](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=mots-c) [PepTracker Pro](/) Educational peptide information and research tracking tools. Not medical advice. #### Explore - [Peptide Directory](/peptides) - [Compare Peptides](/compare) - [Glossary](/glossary) - [Benefits](/benefits/sleep) #### Learn - [Blog](/blog) - [Calculators](/calculators) - [Start Here](/start) - [About](/about) #### Legal - [Editorial Policy](/editorial-policy) - [Research Disclaimer](/research-disclaimer) - [Disclaimer](/disclaimer) - [Privacy Policy](/privacy) - [Terms of Service](/terms) - [Contact](/contact) © 2026 PepTracker Pro. Educational purposes only. Not medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider.