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
- Available sizes
- Vials: 5 mg, 10 mg · Capsules: 500 mcg
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.
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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.
Dosage & schedule evidence
How to read published schedules
Third-party protocol charts are not established clinical dosing standards. The evidence for safe and effective human dose, frequency, and duration may be limited or absent.
| Measurement | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1 mg | 1,000 mcg (mass) |
| 100 U-100 units | 1 mL (volume, not dose) |
Read third-party published protocols ↗ for context. North Star does not validate these schedules.
Consult your doctor before considering any peptide for personal use. Educational only, not administration guidance.
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.
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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 2026-10-19.