AOD-9604

HGH fragment 176-191Lyophilized powder

AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone (the 176-191 region) designed to study fat metabolism without growth hormone's effects on growth or blood sugar. Its clinical trial program for obesity ended without approval. Below: today's vial sizes, prices through our link and the vendor's COA details.

Size

$5.60/mg · lot AOD-062026-1 · 99.50% · In stock

Price

$28.00

List

$40.00

Buy 5 mg at Nura Peptide

Price shown uses code thepeptidecatalog at Nura Peptide's checkout (30% off list).

Sold by Nura Peptide as AOD-9604 5mg. The Peptide Catalog does not sell peptides; we earn a commission if you buy through this link, at no extra cost to you. For laboratory research use only, not for human or veterinary use. Not FDA-approved. Nothing on this page is medical or dosing advice.

AOD-9604 research vial sold by Nura Peptide as AOD-9604 5mg
Third-party tested≥99.50% reported purityResearch use only
Certificate of AnalysisLot AOD-062026-1 · 99.50%View
  • Certificate of Analysis published for every lot (Freedom Diagnostics Testing)
  • Current lots report 99.50% purity or higher
  • Ships from a U.S. fulfillment center, per Nura Peptide
  • Lyophilized powder · laboratory research use only
Research-context information only. AOD-9604 is an investigational drug not approved by the FDA. Protocols, doses, and reactions reported below come from published clinical trials and self-reported community sources. This article reports what has been documented, not what should be done. Possession or use of investigational drugs outside an authorized clinical trial may be illegal in your jurisdiction. Consult a licensed physician for personal medical decisions.

Vial sizes listed by the vendor

AOD-9604 Vial Sizes, Prices & Lots

AOD-9604 vial sizes, prices and lots at Nura Peptide
SizeListWith our codePer mgAvailabilityLot · purity
5 mg$40.00$28.00$5.60In stockAOD-062026-1 · 99.50%

Prices checked today, 6:20 AM CT on Nura Peptide's site, with code thepeptidecatalog applied. Lot data from Nura Peptide's COA page, checked today, 7:39 PM CT. Sizes not re-checked in the last 7 days are hidden. The vendor's checkout is final.

Verified test results

AOD-9604 Certificate of Analysis

Nura Peptide publishes a third-party certificate for each lot of AOD-9604 5mg. The figures below are copied from Nura Peptide's current-lot listings, checked today, 7:39 PM CT (refreshed hourly; hidden if older than 24 hours). Match the lot number on the vial to its certificate.

All lots on record: Nura Peptide COA library. How to check one: how to verify a peptide COA.

AOD-9604 Dosing in Clinical Research

Fat Loss

Educational reference only. Individual responses vary. Consult healthcare provider before use.

Vial Size
5 mg
Reconstitution
2 ml BAC water
Dose
300 mcg (11 units on 1ml syringe)
Timing
AM (fasted)
Frequency
5 days on, 2 days off
Duration
8 weeks on, 8 weeks off
Protocol Notes
Best taken fasted in morning for fat burning. Does not affect blood sugar or IGF-1.

Why This Dosing Protocol

Why fasted, in the morning? AOD-9604 stimulates lipolysis. Taking it fasted in the morning maximizes fat oxidation — insulin is already low from overnight fasting, and morning activity further drives fat utilization.

Why it doesn't affect blood sugar:Unlike full GH (which causes insulin resistance), AOD-9604 lacks the amino acid sequences responsible for glucose effects. This is by design — it's specifically the fat-loss fragment.
Full Dosing GuideReconstitution CalculatorCycle Cost Calculator

How AOD-9604 Works

Fat Loss Peptide — HGH Fragment

Target → Lipolytic Signal → Fat Metabolism → Outcomes

1
Target

Beta-3 Adrenergic Receptors on Adipose Tissue

AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone (amino acids 176-191). It retains GH's fat-mobilizing properties while lacking the growth-promoting and blood-sugar-affecting actions. It directly targets fat cells without affecting IGF-1 or insulin levels.

2
Cellular Signal

Lipolysis Activation Without IGF-1 Elevation

Stimulates lipolysis (fat breakdown) in adipose tissue through a mechanism similar to natural GH, but without triggering IGF-1 production or affecting glucose metabolism. This selective action is why AOD-9604 is considered a "fat-only" GH fragment.

3
Systemic Effect

Targeted Fat Mobilization → No Anabolic Effects

Fat mobilization and oxidation without the muscle-building, growth, or blood sugar effects of full GH. Does not cause insulin resistance or affect blood sugar — making it suitable for those who want fat loss without the broader hormonal effects of GH peptides.

4
What You Notice

Gradual Fat Loss → No Other Hormonal Effects

Gradual fat reduction over weeks to months, particularly effective when combined with fasted training. No changes in muscle mass, sleep, or other GH-related effects — this is purely a fat-loss peptide. Effects are more subtle than full GH peptides.

What Makes This Peptide Different

AOD-9604 is unique as a fat-only GH fragment. Unlike full GH peptides (CJC-1295, Ipamorelin) that affect sleep, muscle, recovery AND fat, AOD-9604 isolates just the lipolytic effect. It doesn't raise IGF-1, doesn't affect blood sugar, and doesn't build muscle. This makes it ideal for those who specifically want fat loss without broader hormonal changes.

AOD-9604 Clinical Evidence

Two parallel grades per outcome — clinical RCT depth and real-world community adoption. See the Research Overview below for citations and detail.

OutcomeClinical EvidenceCommunity Evidence
Fat oxidation in obese miceModerateWeak
Body weight reduction in humans (Phase 2)WeakWeak
Cartilage / joint repair (TGA cosmetic only)PreliminaryWeak

AOD-9604 Research Overview

Outcome-by-outcome look at what the evidence actually supports for AOD-9604, including human vs. animal study counts and our editorial take on each.

Fat oxidation in obese animal models

Clinical:ModerateCommunity:Weak

Heffernan 2001 showed that AOD-9604 (a C-terminal hGH fragment) increased fat oxidation in obese ob/ob mice without affecting linear growth or hGH-mediated insulin resistance. The molecule was rationally designed to retain hGH's lipolytic action without growth/IGF-1 effects. The animal data are clean — but the human translation never delivered.

0 human studies · 6 animal studies

Key findings & citations
  • Heffernan 2001: chronic AOD-9604 reduced body weight in ob/ob mice via fat oxidation.
  • No effect on linear growth (no IGF-1 elevation).
  • Mechanism: hGH lipolytic fragment retaining β3-AR signaling.

Our take

The mouse data is genuine. The human story is the cautionary half — multiple Phase 2 trials in humans missed primary endpoints and Metabolic Pharmaceuticals abandoned it.

Body weight reduction in humans

Clinical:WeakCommunity:Weak

Metabolic Pharmaceuticals ran multiple Phase 2 trials in obese adults during the early-to-mid 2000s. The 12-week trial showed modest 2.6 kg weight loss vs 0.8 kg placebo, but the pivotal 24-week trial in 536 subjects failed its primary endpoint, leading to development discontinuation. None of the Phase 2 trials were published as primary peer-reviewed papers in PubMed-indexed venues.

2 human studies · 6 animal studies

Key findings & citations
  • 12-week trial: 2.6 kg loss at 1 mg/d vs 0.8 kg placebo (modest).
  • 24-week pivotal Phase 2 (n=536): missed primary endpoint.
  • Development terminated 2007.
  • No primary peer-reviewed publications of human trials in PubMed.

Our take

Despite community marketing claims, the human evidence is thin and the pivotal trial failed. Don't expect GLP-1-class results.

What AOD-9604 doesn't do

Claims that current evidence does not support. Worth knowing before you set expectations.

Technical specifications

AOD-9604 chemical & analytical data

Also known as
HGH fragment 176-191
Sold by Nura Peptide as
AOD-9604 5mg
Receptor targets
C-terminal hGH fragment (fat metabolism)
Backbone length
16 amino acids
Modifications
Tyrosine added to N-terminus; hGH 177–191 fragment
Half-life (clinical PK)
~30 minutes
Form
Lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder in a sealed vial
Presentation
5 mg
Purity on current lots (COA)
99.50%
Testing laboratory
Freedom Diagnostics Testing
Regulatory status
Investigational. Not FDA-approved for any use.

AOD-9604 Reconstitution Calculator

Dilution math and unit conversions. Prefilled using a common vial size for this peptide.

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Storage & Handling

Storage at a glance

Proper storage temperatures, shelf life, reconstitution best practices, and travel tips for lyophilized and reconstituted peptides.

Powder: Freezer
1+ year at -20°C
Reconstituted: Fridge
4 weeks max at 2-8°C
View Complete Storage Guide

Handling specifics

Educational overview on storage, labeling, and traceability considerations for lab environments. Consult primary literature and vendor documentation for specifics.

Powder storage (very stable)
  • Freezer (-20°C): 1+ year
  • Refrigerator (2-8°C): 1-3 months
  • Room temperature: 2-3 weeks (emergency only)
Reconstituted storage (fragile)
  • MUST refrigerate at 2-8°C
  • 4-week maximum shelf life
  • NEVER freeze after reconstitution
  • Use bacteriostatic water for multi-dose

11 answers

AOD-9604 FAQ: Buying, COA, Storage & Research

What is AOD-9604?
AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone (specifically the C-terminus, amino acids 176-191). It was developed to isolate GH's fat-burning properties without effects on blood sugar or growth. It mimics GH's lipolytic (fat-burning) mechanism.
Is AOD-9604 FDA approved?
AOD-9604 is not FDA-approved for weight loss. It went through clinical trials for obesity but didn't achieve approval. However, it remains popular in research settings and is available in some countries for specific uses.
How does AOD-9604 burn fat?
AOD-9604 stimulates lipolysis (fat breakdown) and inhibits lipogenesis (fat formation) by mimicking the fat-burning portion of growth hormone. It activates beta-3 adrenergic receptors in fat tissue, triggering the release of stored fatty acids for energy. Unlike full GH, it doesn't affect blood sugar or promote cell growth.
Does AOD-9604 affect blood sugar like growth hormone?
No, this is AOD-9604's key advantage. Full growth hormone can cause insulin resistance and elevated blood sugar, but AOD-9604 was specifically designed to isolate the fat-burning effects without the metabolic side effects. Studies show it doesn't affect glucose tolerance or insulin sensitivity.
What is the typical AOD-9604 dosage?
A common research dosage is 300 mcg per day, administered in the morning on an empty stomach to maximize fat oxidation (5 days on, 2 days off). Cycles typically run 8 weeks on, 8 weeks off. AOD-9604 does not affect blood sugar or IGF-1 levels, which is its key advantage over full growth hormone.
Can AOD-9604 be combined with other peptides?
Yes, AOD-9604 is often stacked with other fat loss or GH-related peptides. Common combinations include CJC-1295/Ipamorelin for GH benefits plus targeted fat loss, or with Tesamorelin for enhanced visceral fat reduction. Some combine it with Frag 176-191, though they have similar mechanisms.
What are the side effects of AOD-9604?
AOD-9604 is generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects. Some users report injection site reactions (redness, slight swelling), headache, or mild flu-like symptoms initially. Unlike full GH, it doesn't cause water retention, joint pain, or blood sugar issues. Long-term safety data is limited.
How long does it take to see results with AOD-9604?
Most users report noticeable fat loss effects within 4-8 weeks of consistent use. Results vary based on diet, exercise, and individual metabolism. It works best when combined with a caloric deficit and regular exercise. Don't expect dramatic overnight changes — it enhances fat metabolism rather than causing rapid weight loss.
How long does reconstituted peptide last?
Once mixed with bacteriostatic water, peptides remain stable for up to 4 weeks when refrigerated at 2-8°C (36-46°F). Unopened powder can last 1+ year in the freezer. Get our complete Storage & Travel Guide.
Is this peptide legal to purchase?
Peptides sold "for research purposes only" are legal to purchase in the US, but are not FDA-approved for human use outside of specific medical applications. Always consult a healthcare provider before use.
New to peptides?
Take our Peptide Match tool to find the best peptide for your goals. You can also read our Complete Guide to Peptides to learn the basics.

AOD-9604 Studies & Sources

The following peer-reviewed studies and official resources provide additional scientific context for this peptide:

AOD-9604 Research Articles

guides

AOD-9604 Dosage Chart: 300mcg/Day Fat Loss Protocol

Most run 300mcg but miss the fasted timing that matters most. Covers 250-500mcg protocols, cycling, reconstitution, and stacking.

results

AOD-9604 Results: Week-by-Week Timeline

Most users see nothing until week 4 — and one factor determines if AOD-9604 works at all. Realistic 12-week timeline with what to expect.

benefits

AOD-9604: GH Fat Loss Without the Risks

AOD-9604's strongest evidence isn't weight loss — it's what it doesn't do. 5 research-backed effects with cited studies and dosing context.

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