Human growth hormone has two functionally distinct regions: the N-terminal domain responsible for anabolic effects, and the C-terminal region (amino acids 176–191) responsible for fat breakdown. AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of this C-terminal region, engineered to maximize fat-targeting effects while minimizing systemic HGH effects.
Mechanism
AOD-9604 stimulates the breakdown of stored fat (lipolysis) and inhibits conversion of non-fat foods into body fat (lipogenesis), particularly in visceral adipose tissue. Unlike full-length HGH, AOD-9604 does not bind to the growth hormone receptor that mediates IGF-1 stimulation or glucose metabolism effects. Clinical trials in humans showed no effect on blood glucose, insulin, or IGF-1.
The Human Trial Data
AOD-9604 has been through human clinical trials for obesity treatment. A series of Australian trials demonstrated statistically significant reductions in body fat versus placebo. Ng et al. confirmed in the Journal of Endocrinology that AOD-9604 stimulates fat oxidation in both obese and lean subjects without the metabolic side effects of HGH. The compound received FDA GRAS designation in 2014.
Protocol
AOD-9604 is typically administered subcutaneously at 300–500 mcg per day, ideally fasted in the morning to maximize lipolytic effect when insulin is low. It is often combined with other metabolic peptides or used alongside GLP-1 protocols for patients seeking additional fat-targeting support.