AOD-9604: what the research shows
A small piece of growth hormone that was developed as a fat-loss drug, but never made it to approval.
Also known as HGH fragment 176-191
At a glance
Tested in people in the 2000s but never approved as a medicine.
What is AOD-9604?
AOD-9604 is a modified copy of the last part of human growth hormone (the stretch around building blocks 177 to 191). HGH fragment 176-191 is a closely related version.
How does AOD-9604 work?
Researchers hoped this piece would keep growth hormone’s fat-burning effect without its effects on growth and blood sugar.
What does the research show?
- It was developed in Australia as an obesity treatment, and early trials did not show clear enough weight loss for it to be approved.
- A 2026 review of popular “gray market” peptides lists it among unapproved peptides sold directly to the public, outside of regulatory oversight.
Known risks and side effects
- Products sold online are unregulated, so content and purity vary.
- Its long-term safety hasn’t been established.
Is AOD-9604 approved?
Tested in people, but not approved as a medicine.
Tested in people in the 2000s but never approved as a medicine.
From the community
Watch: AOD-9604 and related science
Start with the compound discussion, then use the background lesson to understand its biology. Each card explains its connection. Recordings may predate later findings or regulatory changes.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
FDA compounding meeting: CJC-1295, AOD-9604 and thymosin alpha-1
The original discussion of these substances and proposed uses. Committee advice is separate from a final regulatory decision.
Official FDA recording · December 4, 2024
Official regulatory recording
Historical FDA discussion of CJC-1295, AOD-9604 and thymosin alpha-1. An advisory meeting is not approval or evidence of clinical benefit.
Ohio State Wexner Medical Center
What is a GLP-1 agonist, and how does it work?
A hospital explainer of GLP-1 signalling, appetite and blood-sugar regulation.
Allison L. Rhodes, MD · obesity medicine
Related biology
Background on GLP-1 signalling for understanding AOD-9604. It does not demonstrate benefits of this compound or formulation.
Ohio State Wexner Medical Center
Avoiding weight regain after GLP-1 medication
Clinical context for weight maintenance after GLP-1 treatment. It does not test CBL-514 or other experimental add-ons.
University hospital patient education
Related biology
Background on weight maintenance after GLP-1 treatment for understanding AOD-9604. It does not demonstrate benefits of this compound or formulation.
Sources and references
- AOD-9604 (Metabolic)Wilding · Current Opinion in Investigational Drugs · 2004
- Safety and Efficacy of Approved and Unapproved Peptide Therapies for Musculoskeletal Injuries and Athletic PerformanceMendias et al. · Sports Medicine · 2026
VETUD Learn explains published research in plain language. It is general information, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or changing any treatment.
In the research shop
Check the catalog for related laboratory research materials. These products are separate from the approved medicines and clinical trial formulations discussed here.
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