Back to all molecules
Human researchNot FDA-approved

AOD-9604

Modified growth-hormone fragment

Also indexed as: Lipolytic fragment hGH 177-191

What this evidence does not tell us

Human safety research does not establish meaningful or durable weight-loss efficacy; no FDA-approved obesity indication.

Terms on this page

Unfamiliar word? Open this panel for simple explanations, right here.

6 glossary terms used in this profile

Select a word to see its meaning. You can keep more than one definition open.

Definitions explain the words—not whether a molecule works or is safe. Research education only, not medical advice.

Overview

AOD-9604 is a modified peptide derived from the C-terminal region of human growth hormone. It was investigated in metabolic research and is distinct from full-length growth hormone.

Mechanism of action

GH fragment / lipid metabolism

Investigated for effects on lipid breakdown and synthesis associated with a growth-hormone fragment. A definitive clinically validated weight-loss mechanism has not been established.

A biological pathway describes a proposed or observed interaction—not necessarily a demonstrated health outcome.

Decode the terminology in our glossary

Scientific evidence

How strong is the evidence?

Human evidence is still developing

  1. Limited evidence
  2. Early research
  3. Human researchCurrent category
  4. Human outcomes

Studies in people exist, but the findings may be small, narrow, mixed or still need confirmation. A hormone or cell marker is not necessarily a health benefit.

For this research: Human safety research does not establish meaningful or durable weight-loss efficacy; no FDA-approved obesity indication.

An editorial guide—not a validated score, a percentage, a safety rating or an approval badge. Regulatory status is separate. More research does not mean fewer risks.

Cell studies

Mechanistic laboratory evidence is not separately assessed in this selected-source summary; see references and their study types.

Animal experiments

Animal evidence is not separately assessed here. Findings in animals must not be interpreted as demonstrated human benefit.

Human observational studies

Associations, biomarker studies and anecdotes cannot establish treatment causality; no observational result is used here to infer clinical effectiveness.

Human clinical trials

Human safety studies exist; obesity development did not establish an approved effective weight-loss treatment.

Regulatory evidence

No FDA-approved finished drug for this molecule is identified in this edition. Investigational use, published research or compounding does not establish FDA approval.

Potential research applications

Whether a GH-derived fragment can influence lipid metabolism without reproducing all GH effects.

These describe scientific questions, not prescribing recommendations. A research grouping does not establish combination safety or clinical effectiveness.

Explore research by health goal

Safety considerations

FDA identifies immunogenicity and impurity concerns and limited safety information; serious adverse events have been reported without clear causality.

This is not an exhaustive safety or contraindication list. An absence of reported harm is not proof of safety. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, cancer history, endocrine disease and concurrent medicines can materially change risk. Unregulated preparations add identity, contamination and sterility risks.

Read FDA’s compounding safety information

Regulatory status · United States

Not FDA-approved

No FDA-approved finished drug for this molecule is identified in this edition. Investigational use, published research or compounding does not establish FDA approval.

Regulatory status and evidence strength are different. A nomination for compounding, a clinical-trial registration or a “research use only” label is not approval. International rules vary; consult the current regulator and product label.

Selected literature & source transparency

Clinical trial· 2013

Safety and Tolerability of the Hexadecapeptide AOD9604 in Humans

Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism

Matched bibliographic records confirm a publication’s identity, not the validity of every claim. Selected sources are not a systematic literature review.

Continue your own source search

These open search results, not additional verified citations. Trial registration is not evidence that a treatment works.

Three questions worth bringing to your clinician

  1. Which human outcomes—not just biomarkers—support this claim?
  2. What established options address my actual health concern?
  3. What do my medical history and current medicines change about the risks?

Beyond the library

Turn better questions into a thoughtful conversation.

Explore our broader health optimization approach. A library entry does not mean a molecule is offered, prescribed, or appropriate for you.

Request an Optimization Consultation

Continue to our existing activation & intake page.

Education, not a prescription. Research summaries are not medical advice, dosing instructions, or an offer to sell. Mechanistic findings do not establish clinical effectiveness. US regulatory status is product- and indication-specific and may change. Discuss health decisions with a licensed clinician.