AOD-9604
A modified fragment of human growth hormone designed to keep its fat-metabolism signal without affecting growth or blood sugar.
The basics
AOD-9604 is a modified piece of the tail end of human growth hormone. Researchers developed it on the theory that growth hormone's fat-burning action could be separated from its effects on growth, IGF-1, and blood sugar. In obese rodents it increased lipolysis, the breakdown of stored fat, without raising blood sugar or blunting insulin sensitivity the way growth hormone does.
We review the studies, the potential uses and benefits, and the open questions in our research post, AOD-9604, the Growth Hormone Fragment That Slimmed Obese Mice and Disappointed in People.
What the evidence looks like
Weak in humans. Early trials found it well tolerated, but its largest obesity trial did not show meaningful weight loss against placebo, and development as an obesity drug stopped. GLP-1 medications have far stronger evidence, and we'll tell you so.
Why patients ask about it
- Fat loss, often alongside or after a GLP-1 medication
- A peptide that doesn't raise IGF-1 or blood sugar
Good to know
- Compounded AOD-9604 is not FDA-approved.
- Reported side effects are mild, mainly injection-site reactions and headache.
- Prohibited in competitive sport.
AOD-9604, the Growth Hormone Fragment That Slimmed Obese Mice and Disappointed in People
AOD-9604 is a modified piece of human growth hormone designed to burn fat without growth hormone's side effects. It worked in obese rodents, and its largest human trial missed its weight-loss endpoint and was never published in a peer-reviewed journal.
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