Anti-Obesity Drug Fragment · HGH Fragment 176-191
A synthetic peptide fragment of human growth hormone (amino acids 176-191) that retains HGH's lipolytic (fat-burning) properties without affecting IGF-1 levels or blood glucose. AOD-9604 stimulates fat breakdown and inhibits fat storage through direct beta-3 adrenergic receptor action — providing targeted metabolic benefits without the risks associated with full HGH administration.
AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone, specifically the C-terminal fragment spanning amino acids 176-191. It was originally developed by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals in Australia as an anti-obesity drug — hence the name AOD (Anti-Obesity Drug). The fragment was isolated because it contains the specific region of HGH responsible for fat metabolism, separated from the regions responsible for IGF-1 stimulation and blood glucose effects.
Full HGH stimulates fat breakdown (lipolysis) through beta-3 adrenergic receptor activation in adipose tissue, but also raises IGF-1 and can impair insulin sensitivity. AOD-9604 retains the lipolytic beta-3 adrenergic mechanism without the IGF-1 stimulation or glucose metabolism effects. This makes it suitable for individuals who want the fat metabolism benefits of HGH optimisation without the broader hormonal effects.
Clinical trials in obese subjects demonstrated significant fat loss over 12 weeks compared to placebo. AOD-9604 has also shown cartilage repair properties in animal and limited human studies, with TGA approval in Australia for osteoarthritis applications under special access. This dual fat-loss and cartilage repair profile makes it unique among metabolic peptides.
AOD-9604 has a specific regulatory history in Australia — Metabolic Pharmaceuticals was an Australian company and the compound received some TGA attention for osteoarthritis applications. It has been listed as a Schedule 4 compound in Australia, meaning prescription-only, which distinguishes its regulatory status from many other peptides in this library.