Community protocol
Third-partyAOD 9604 5mg
- 01Reconstitution solution
- 1 mL
- 02Dose
- 0.5 mg
- 03Syringe units
- 5 units
- 04Frequency
- 7x/week
- 05Cycle length
- 90 days
- 06Bacteriostatic water
- 1 mL
- 07Bottle size
- 5 mg
- 08Bottles needed
- 9
Source note: AM Fasted
AOD-9604
A growth hormone fragment developed as an anti-obesity agent. Reached phase 2b in humans, where it failed to separate from placebo on weight loss.
Overview
AOD-9604 is the tail end of the human growth hormone molecule — the section researchers believed carried the fat-burning activity without the growth-promoting or blood-sugar effects of the whole hormone. That hypothesis held up in mice. It did not hold up in humans: a phase 2b trial of 536 people found no meaningful difference in weight loss versus placebo. The compound is a useful case study in why animal results do not automatically transfer.
AOD-9604 corresponds to residues 176-191 of human growth hormone with an added N-terminal tyrosine, a 16-amino-acid fragment of the lipolytic C-terminal domain. Preclinical work in obese rodents reported increased lipolysis and inhibited lipogenesis without the IGF-1 elevation, insulin antagonism or hypertrophic effects of intact hGH. The proposed mechanism involves beta-3-adrenergic receptor expression modulation in adipose tissue rather than direct GH receptor signalling — the fragment lacks GHR binding affinity. Critically, human adipose tissue expresses far less functional beta-3-adrenergic receptor than rodent adipose tissue, which is the leading explanation for the translational failure observed in the clinical programme.
Research areas
MetabolicObesityCartilage
Community-specified data
Community dosage information
Not medical guidance. These third-party figures have not been independently verified, clinically reviewed, or endorsed by DB Peptide. They may be inaccurate or unsafe and should not replace product labelling or advice from a qualified clinician.
Dosing reported in the literature
Every protocol below is reproduced from a published study or approved labelling, with its source named. These are records of what was studied — not recommendations, and not a suggestion that any of them is appropriate for any person.
| Protocol as reported | Source |
|---|---|
| 1 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg or 30 mg orally once daily for 24 weeksNone of these arms separated from placebo on the primary weight endpoint. | Phase 2b obesity trial protocol (Metabolic Pharmaceuticals) |
| Single subcutaneous doses in phase 1 pharmacokinetic characterization | Ng et al., Hormone Research 2000 |
Trial status
Phase 2b completed and failed its primary endpoint. Development as an obesity drug discontinued.
Preclinical
CompletedObese rodent models reported reduced body fat and increased lipolytic activity without IGF-1 elevation.
Phase 2a
CompletedOral dosing over 12 weeks reported a modest weight reduction signal that motivated the larger trial.
Phase 2b
Completed536 obese participants over 24 weeks. No statistically significant difference in weight loss between any AOD-9604 dose arm and placebo. The obesity programme was discontinued.
Reported safety signals
- The clinical programme reported a favourable tolerability profile — the failure was one of efficacy, not safety.
- No IGF-1 elevation or effect on glucose tolerance was observed, which was the design intent.
- Marketing claims for fat loss are not supported by the human trial data.
Common questions
Why is AOD-9604 graded D when it reached phase 2b?
The grade reflects the result, not the stage reached. A large, well-designed phase 2b trial found no significant difference from placebo on its primary endpoint. Negative high-quality evidence is still evidence — it is the strongest reason in this database to discount a compound's marketed claims.
Primary sources
Medical disclaimer
This page is for informational and research purposes only. Nothing here constitutes medical advice. The compounds discussed are research chemicals. Consult a qualified clinician before starting any protocol.
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