What AOD-9604 actually is

AOD-9604 is the C-terminal 16-amino-acid fragment of human growth hormone (residues 176-191), modified with a tyrosine residue at the N-terminus. The fragment retains GH’s lipolytic activity but lacks the anabolic and diabetogenic effects of intact hormone.¹

AOD-9604 was originally developed by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals as an obesity therapy and underwent clinical trials in the 2000s. Trial outcomes for weight loss were modest, but the compound’s selectivity for lipolysis without IGF-1 elevation makes it useful in protocols where GH-axis activation is not desired.²

At Luxbae, AOD-9604 is prescribed and supervised by Dr. Ernst von Schwarz, MD, PhD after a complimentary medical consultation.

Mechanism — Lipolysis without IGF-1

Stimulates lipolysis and inhibits lipogenesis in adipocytes without engaging GH receptor or raising IGF-1.¹

What the research shows

Lipolytic signal. Documented adipocyte lipolysis without GH-axis activation.¹

No IGF-1 elevation. Safe for patients in whom IGF-1 elevation is not desired.

Aesthetic protocols. Suitable for clients pursuing aesthetic fat protocols.

Side effects: Mild injection-site reactions, occasional headache, rare nausea.

FDA note: Not FDA-approved. Investigational; prescribed under medical supervision.

AOD-9604 FAQ

Will it work like GLP-1 for weight loss?
Different mechanism. GLP-1 affects appetite centrally; AOD acts on adipocytes directly. Effects are typically more modest.

Does it raise IGF-1?
No — that’s the key selectivity. Safe in patients avoiding GH-axis activation.

References

1. Heffernan M, Summers RJ, Thorburn A, et al. The effects of human GH and its lipolytic fragment (AOD9604) on lipid metabolism. Endocrinology. 2001;142(12):5182-5189.
2. Stier H, Vos E, Kenley D. Safety and tolerability of AOD9604 in obese subjects. J Endocrinol Metab. 2013.
3. Ng FM, Sun J, Sharma L, et al. Metabolic studies of a synthetic lipolytic peptide (AOD9401). Horm Res. 2000.