Weight loss & metabolic health
AOD-9604
A modified fragment of growth hormone (amino acids 177–191) designed to act on fat metabolism without the growth effects of GH. Human trials for obesity did not show meaningful weight loss.
How it works
It copies the end of the growth-hormone molecule that acts on fat breakdown, but it does not activate the GH receptor, so it does not raise IGF-1 or blood sugar.
What it is used for
Developed as an anti-obesity drug. Also researched for cartilage repair.
What the evidence says
Animal studies were positive, but human trials with several hundred people found no meaningful weight loss compared with placebo, and drug development stopped.
Side effects and cautions
It was well tolerated in human trials. Headache and injection-site reactions are the most reported effects.
Half-life
About 30–60 minutes (vendor estimate)
Makes sense for
- Adults looking for a fat-loss aid without the effects of full growth hormone
Does not make sense for
- Anyone expecting real weight loss: human trials did not show it
Boost the effect
- Inject fasting, in the morning: fat is released best when insulin is low
- Cardio after the injection: burns the released fat for energy