How it works
Represents the lipolytic C-terminal region of hGH. In adipocytes it stimulates lipolysis and inhibits lipogenesis without binding the GH receptor, so IGF-1 and glucose remain unaffected.
Structure: Fragment 176-191 of human growth hormone
Reported benefits
- Fat mobilisation without IGF-1 elevation
- No reported impact on insulin sensitivity
- Good tolerability profile in trials
Practical considerations
- Phase IIb trials failed to beat placebo for weight loss at 12 weeks
- Popular in clinics despite weak efficacy data
- Best viewed as adjunctive, not a primary fat-loss tool
Side effects and risks
- Generally well tolerated
- Occasional injection-site reaction
- Headache
AOD-9604 dosing overview
Commonly cited at 300 mcg daily, 5 days on / 2 off
| Context | Amount | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commonly cited protocol | 300 mcg | Daily, 5 days on / 2 off | Subcutaneous, fasted |
This describes doses reported in published literature and community protocols. It is not a recommendation, and it is not a substitute for clinical supervision.
AOD-9604 FAQ
Does AOD-9604 burn fat?
It did in rodent models, but the human obesity trials that followed failed to separate from placebo on weight loss. That failure is the central fact about this compound.
How is it different from growth hormone?
It is the C-terminal fragment of hGH stripped of the growth-promoting region, so it does not raise IGF-1 or affect blood glucose the way full-length GH does.
Why is it sold if the trials failed?
It retained a favourable safety profile and gained food-additive status in some jurisdictions, which keeps it in circulation despite the lack of efficacy evidence.
Research references
- Heffernan et al., 2001 — AOD-9604 and adipose tissue metabolism