Metabolic & body composition
AOD-9604.
Written by the Elevate Clinical Team
Medically reviewed by Dr. Eric W. Anderson, MD · Last reviewed
Citations independently verified against PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, and FDA sources on .
A fragment of human growth hormone studied for fat metabolism without the growth-signaling effects of full HGH.
What it is
AOD-9604 corresponds to the C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone thought to carry its lipolytic activity. It was developed as an anti-obesity candidate specifically because it does not appear to raise IGF-1 or affect glucose the way full HGH does. Human trials did not show meaningful weight loss versus placebo.
What it's studied for
- Lipolysis and fat oxidation in animal and cell models
- Human obesity trials that failed their primary endpoints
- Cartilage and joint models
How it's used in practice
- Frequently marketed on mechanism rather than on results
- The human evidence for weight loss is genuinely negative, not merely thin
What you should know before asking about it
- Research use only; not FDA-approved
- Safety profile appeared benign in trials, but so did efficacy
Frequently asked questions.
- What is AOD-9604?
- AOD-9604 corresponds to the C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone thought to carry its lipolytic activity. It was developed as an anti-obesity candidate specifically because it does not appear to raise IGF-1 or affect glucose the way full HGH does. Human trials did not show meaningful weight loss versus placebo.
- What is AOD-9604 studied for?
- Published and ongoing research looks at lipolysis and fat oxidation in animal and cell models; human obesity trials that failed their primary endpoints; cartilage and joint models. These are areas of study, not promised outcomes.
- Is AOD-9604 FDA-approved?
- AOD-9604 has not been evaluated by the FDA. Elevate Chicago lists it for education and research reference only — it is not prescribed as medical care and is not intended for human consumption.
- How is AOD-9604 typically used?
- Frequently marketed on mechanism rather than on results. The human evidence for weight loss is genuinely negative, not merely thin. Any specific dose, frequency or duration comes from a prescription written for you after labs — never from this page.
- What are the risks and unknowns with AOD-9604?
- Research use only; not FDA-approved. Safety profile appeared benign in trials, but so did efficacy.
Sources
- 1.Published literature on AOD-9604— PubMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- 2.Compounding and the FDA: questions and answers— U.S. Food & Drug Administration
- 3.Bulk drug substances nominated for use in compounding under section 503A— U.S. Food & Drug Administration
- 4.Test directory and patient service center locator— Quest Diagnostics
About this page
Written by the Elevate Clinical Team
Medically reviewed by Dr. Eric W. Anderson, MD · Last reviewed . Citations independently verified against PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, and FDA sources on . Educational content only — not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell any prescription product.
This page is educational reference material. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell any product. Prescription therapies are dispensed only through licensed, FDA-registered compounding pharmacies after a physician evaluation. Compounds identified as research use only are not FDA-approved, are not prescribed as medical care, and are not intended for human or animal consumption. Availability, formulations and regulatory status change over time.