HGH fragment peptide (lipolytic)
AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide corresponding to the C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone (hGH) residues 177-191, developed by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals (Australia) as a lipolytic (fat-reducing) agent. Preclinical studies showed that this fragment retained the fat-reducing properties of hGH without its growth-promoting or diabetogenic effects. AOD-9604 advanced to Phase 2 clinical trials for obesity, but the trials failed to meet primary weight loss endpoints, and clinical development was discontinued. The peptide is not FDA-approved or TGA-approved for any indication and is sold as a research-use-only chemical. Despite the failed clinical program, AOD-9604 remains popular in the biohacking and fitness communities as a fat-loss agent.
Track the failed clinical development history. Emphasize that Phase 2 trials did not meet endpoints. Do not publish dosing, sourcing, or treatment instructions. Separate preclinical lipolytic data from the negative clinical trial outcome.
AOD-9604 was developed by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals (Australia) as a modified C-terminal fragment (residues 177-191) of human growth hormone, designed to retain lipolytic activity without growth-promoting effects.
Heffernan et al. (2001) published the foundational preclinical study in Endocrinology demonstrating that the hGH C-terminal fragment inhibits adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells, establishing the mechanistic rationale for AOD-9604.
Phase 2 clinical trials for obesity were conducted but failed to meet primary weight loss endpoints; clinical development was subsequently discontinued by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals.
AOD-9604 is not FDA-approved or TGA-approved for any indication. ClinicalTrials.gov registry entries exist for the Phase 2 program.
Despite the failed clinical program, AOD-9604 is widely sold as a research chemical and discussed in biohacking communities as a fat-loss agent.
Evidence level: Primary regulatory
Sources: ClinicalTrials.gov / U.S. National Library of Medicine
This is the defining clinical outcome for AOD-9604. Verify against ClinicalTrials.gov results and any company press releases at each review cycle. Do not soften the negative trial outcome.
Evidence level: Peer reviewed
Sources: Endocrinology (PubMed)
Preclinical lipolytic activity in cell culture does not translate to clinical efficacy, as demonstrated by the failed Phase 2 trials. Do not present preclinical data as evidence of human efficacy.
Evidence level: Community discussion
Sources: ClinicalTrials.gov / U.S. National Library of Medicine, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Track community interest as a public claim signal. The FDA has identified certain bulk peptide substances as potentially presenting significant safety risks in compounding contexts. Do not endorse or amplify research-chemical use.
Source records are stored in the repo and linked from each claim.
Heffernan MA et al. (2001) preclinical study (PMID 11285201) demonstrating that the C-terminal fragment of hGH (residues 177-191, the basis of AOD-9604) inhibits fat cell formation in 3T3-L1 cells, establishing the rationale for AOD-9604 as a lipolytic agent.
ClinicalTrials.gov registry search for AOD-9604 clinical trials, including the Phase 2 obesity program by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals that failed to meet primary weight loss endpoints. AOD-9604 is not FDA-approved.
FDA page summarizing bulk drug substances that may present significant safety risks in compounding contexts.
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