The Fat Fragment · Lipolytic / Fat Metabolism

Primary function: A synthetic fragment of human growth hormone studied for its ability to stimulate fat breakdown without the broader growth or glucose effects of the full hormone.

Class

hGH (176-191) C-terminal fragment analog

Mol. weight

~1815 Da

Half-life

Short (rapid plasma clearance)

Studied

Preclinical lipolysis models and early human obesity/osteoarthritis trials

How it works

AOD-9604 corresponds to the fat-reducing C-terminal region of growth hormone. In the literature it is described as stimulating lipolysis (fat release) and inhibiting lipogenesis (fat storage), apparently via beta-adrenergic pathways in adipose tissue. Unlike full hGH, it is reported not to meaningfully affect IGF-1 levels or insulin sensitivity in the models studied.

What the research shows

Animal studies reported reduced body fat and increased fat metabolism without raising blood glucose.
A human obesity trial explored oral AOD-9604 over several months; the research generally showed a favorable safety signal, with weight-loss efficacy that was modest and debated.
Later work pivoted toward cartilage and osteoarthritis rather than obesity as the primary endpoint.

Studied in combination

AOD-9604 + CJC-1295/Ipamorelin — paired in discussion because secretagogues raise endogenous GH while the fragment is studied for the isolated fat-metabolism arm.
AOD-9604 + fat-loss agents — explored conceptually for complementary lipolytic mechanisms.

Evidence tier: Some human (small, mixed results). Educational summary only, not medical advice or a protocol.

The Metabolic Bible.