Other NotablePlausible but unproven in humans

HGH Fragment 176-191

AOD-9604, GH lipolytic fragment

A modified C terminal fragment of growth hormone (176-191) intended to isolate GH's fat burning action without raising IGF-1 or affecting blood glucose.

Fat loss Body composition Metabolic

hGH 176-191

Fragment

β3-adrenergic

Proposed pathway

Failed Ph IIb

Obesity trial

Mechanism of action

How AOD-9604 works

A growth hormone fragment meant to keep GH's fat burning effect while dropping its growth and blood sugar effects. The catch: it failed its pivotal human obesity trial.

AOD-9604

hGH 176-191

β3-adrenergic

Preclinical

Lipolysis

Fat oxidation

No IGF-1 rise

By design

Also studied

In rodent models it stimulates fat breakdown and oxidation via β3-adrenergic signaling without raising IGF-1 or blood glucose.

See related compounds

Despite six human trials (~900 subjects), it failed to beat placebo in its pivotal Phase IIb obesity trial; development was abandoned in 2007.

See related compounds

Reassuring trial safety, no IGF-1 or glucose changes and no anti drug antibodies; the practical risk is the gray market and ineffectiveness.

See related compounds

Applications

Research applications

Obesity / fat loss

Marketed use

Controlled human trial

Phase IIb failed primary

Lipolysis

Mechanism

Animal (rodent) model

Rodent models

Bars indicate how far the evidence has progressed (in vitro to animal to human), not the size of any effect.

Compound data

Molecular profile

CAS number221231-10-3

Molecular formulaC78H123N23O23S2

Molecular weight1815.1 g/mol

TypeGH C terminal fragment (hGH 176-191 + N terminal Tyr)

AppearanceWhite lyophilized powder

Full profile

Evidence, safety & status

Claimed benefits & evidence

Marketed as a fat loss peptide. A 12-week trial (300 obese adults) showed 1 mg/day produced ~2.6 kg loss vs 0.8 kg placebo, but the pivotal Phase IIb trial failed to reach statistical significance and development for obesity was abandoned in 2007; six trials (~900 subjects) showed safety indistinguishable from placebo but inconsistent efficacy.

Safety & dangers

Reassuring safety in trials, no IGF-1/glucose changes, no anti AOD antibodies, headache/mild GI comparable to placebo. The main 'danger' is the gray market and ineffectiveness for the marketed purpose.

Regulatory status

Not FDA approved; FDA lists it as a bulk substance that may present safety risks. Category 2 (2023); PCAC voted against 503A inclusion (Dec 2024). WADA prohibited (S2, AOD-9604 and hGH 176-191 named).

Administration

Subcutaneous (oral was also trialed).

Source: Fnx Performance Peptide Research Database, a synthesis of the scientific and regulatory literature, not medical advice. Anyone considering these compounds should consult a qualified physician.

For research use only

For Research Use Only. Not for human or animal consumption. Products are sold strictly for in vitro laboratory research, not for compounding or therapeutic application.