Four things to know · April 15, 2026
AOD-9604
Anti-Obesity Drug 9604
AOD-9604 is a fragment of human growth hormone, specifically the part responsible for fat metabolism, isolated from the parts that promote cell growth.
Noticed in days · Full benefit in weeks
Week 1-2
Minimal noticeable effects, compound building in system
Week 3-4
May notice subtle changes in body composition
Week 5-8
Typically more noticeable fat loss, especially with diet and exercise
Week 8-12
Continued fat reduction and improved body composition commonly reported
AOD-9604 is a fragment of human growth hormone, specifically the part responsible for fat metabolism, isolated from the parts that promote cell growth. It influences how your body stores and burns fat without raising IGF-1, disrupting blood sugar, or triggering the growth effects that make full growth hormone problematic for long-term use. It went through human clinical trials for obesity, giving it more clinical safety data than most compounds in this category.
How it works
AOD-9604 activates the same fat-burning receptors your body uses during exercise, promoting fat breakdown while reducing new fat storage. Because it doesn't bind to the growth hormone receptor, you get the metabolic effects without the blood sugar disruption, insulin resistance, or unwanted cell growth that come with full HGH. There's also early research suggesting it may support cartilage repair, a separate mechanism from its fat metabolism action.
Key benefits
What it’s been studied for:
- ✓Stimulates fat burning and blocks new fat storage without growth hormone side effects
- ✓Does not increase IGF-1 or affect glucose metabolism
- ✓Shows promise for cartilage repair and joint health
- ✓Well-studied safety profile with no impact on insulin or blood sugar
Related goals
Regulatory status
Removed from Category 2 in September 2024 after the original nominator withdrew. The FDA's advisory committee voted against adding it to the 503A bulks list in December 2024. Not currently scheduled for further review.
Protocols
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Fat loss | 250-300mcg | Once daily |
| Enhanced fat loss | 400-500mcg | Once daily |
| Joint support | 250mcg | Once daily |
| Conservative start | 200mcg | Once daily |
Protocols are from published research literature. This is not medical advice. Dosing should be determined by a licensed clinician.
What people report
Minimal noticeable effects, compound building in system
May notice subtle changes in body composition
Typically more noticeable fat loss, especially with diet and exercise
Continued fat reduction and improved body composition commonly reported
What to know
- ⚠Human clinical trials showed no significant adverse events, with more clinical safety data than most compounds in this category
- ⚠Growth hormone levels and receptor sensitivity remain unaffected
- ⚠No measured impact on IGF-1, insulin, or blood sugar in clinical testing
- ⚠Mild redness or soreness at the injection site is occasionally reported
- ⚠Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. No safety data exists for these populations
- ⚠Talk to your clinician if you take diabetes or metabolic medications, as there could be interactions
KEY RESEARCH · 5 PAPERS CITED
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