Weight loss
AOD-9604, simplified.
Also called HGH fragment 176-191
Human studiesA piece of growth hormone once developed as a fat-loss drug. In people, it did not beat placebo.
- Size
- 16 amino acids
- How it is taken
- Injection
- Status
- Research compound
What is it?
Scientists cut out the part of growth hormone thought to break down fat, hoping to get fat loss without the other effects of growth hormone.
What studies show
- In animalsIt reduced fat in obese mice.
- In peopleIn trials with several hundred people, it did not cause meaningfully more weight loss than placebo, and development was stopped.
What we don’t know yet
- Why the animal results did not carry over to people.
Side effects and cautions
- Appeared well tolerated in trials.
Is it legal?
Not FDA-approved. Included in the 2026 HHS compounding plan.
Common questions
What is AOD-9604?
A piece of growth hormone once developed as a fat-loss drug. In people, it did not beat placebo. Scientists cut out the part of growth hormone thought to break down fat, hoping to get fat loss without the other effects of growth hormone.
What does the research say about AOD-9604?
It reduced fat in obese mice. In trials with several hundred people, it did not cause meaningfully more weight loss than placebo, and development was stopped.
Is AOD-9604 FDA approved?
Not FDA-approved. Included in the 2026 HHS compounding plan.
What are the side effects of AOD-9604?
Appeared well tolerated in trials.
Related peptides
Not sure where to start?
Answer 8 quick questions and see which peptides the research points to for your goal.
This page explains published research in plain language. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything, and it does not give dosing. Most peptides here are not FDA-approved, and products sold online vary widely in purity. Rules around peptides are changing, so check the current status and talk with a licensed clinician before starting anything. Last reviewed 2026-09-26.