AOD-9604
Also known as: Anti-Obesity Drug 9604 · hGH Fragment 176-191
AOD-9604 is a popular peptide topic online, but it is not FDA-approved for human use. Use this guide to understand the claims, the evidence gaps, and the safety questions to ask before considering anything further.
Phase 2/3 trials were conducted for obesity in the early 2000s but did not show sufficient efficacy to proceed to FDA approval. Some animal data is compelling. Human fat loss data is weak.
What to know before you go deeper
Fragment of human growth hormone (amino acids 176-191) that mimics the fat-regulating effects of HGH without the growth-promoting or insulin-interfering effects. Stimulates lipolysis and inhibits lipogenesis.
Approval status: Not FDA-approved. This is not an FDA-approved human treatment.
Targeted fat loss, Body recomposition, GLP-1 complement for fat metabolism.
What evidence applies to my situation, what monitoring is needed, and what safer first steps should I try?
Why People Ask About AOD-9604
- Targeted fat loss
- Body recomposition
- GLP-1 complement for fat metabolism
Questions to Bring Up
No approved drug formulation for fat loss. Ask a clinician about the weak human efficacy data and safer evidence-backed alternatives.
Dosing, sourcing, and suitability questions belong with a licensed clinician who can review your history, labs, medications, and goals.
Known Side Effects
- Generally well-tolerated
- Mild injection site reactions
- Potential headache
Important Safety Notes
⚠ Not FDA-approved as a drug
Unique GRAS food additive status creates a gray legal area
Often stacked with CJC-1295/Ipamorelin for body recomposition
Does not affect blood glucose or IGF-1 — an advantage over full HGH
What Is Approved?
FDA-approved as a food additive (GRAS status) but not approved as a drug. Widely used off-label for fat loss. No approved human drug formulation.
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