AOD-9604 Price Guide 2026: How Much Does It Cost?

AOD-9604 is one of the more uniquely positioned peptides in the research market — it originates from human growth hormone but was specifically engineered to avoid HGH's side effects while retaining potential fat-metabolism effects. In 2026, prices vary from about $52 to $120 for a 5mg vial depending on the supplier. This guide breaks down current pricing, identifies the best value per milligram, and explains what sets AOD-9604 apart from comparable peptides.

Current AOD-9604 Prices by Supplier

Prices below are sourced from supplier websites and updated nightly by our automated tracker. All prices are in USD.

5mg Vials

10mg Vials

What Is AOD-9604?

AOD-9604 stands for Anti-Obesity Drug 9604. It is a synthetic peptide consisting of amino acids 176–191 from the C-terminal end of human growth hormone (hGH). The compound was developed by researchers at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, specifically to investigate whether the fat-metabolism properties of HGH could be isolated and preserved without the growth-promoting or glucose-affecting effects of the full molecule.

The "9604" designation refers to the compound's development number rather than a size or dosage. It is structurally a fragment of growth hormone, not a complete hormone itself, and it interacts with fat cells through a distinct mechanism that does not involve the primary IGF-1 pathway activated by full HGH.

What Researchers Study AOD-9604 For

The primary research focus for AOD-9604 has centered on fat metabolism, with secondary interest in cartilage and bone repair:

• Lipolysis (fat breakdown) — Studies have examined AOD-9604's ability to stimulate lipolysis — the breakdown of stored fat — particularly in adipose tissue, through beta-3 adrenergic receptor activation similar to full HGH but without IGF-1 stimulation.
• Inhibition of lipogenesis — Research in animal models suggests AOD-9604 may inhibit the conversion of non-fat foods into body fat, which is sometimes referred to as anti-lipogenic activity.
• Metabolic rate — Animal studies have explored effects on overall metabolic rate and energy expenditure in obese models.
• Cartilage and bone repair — Some research has examined regenerative effects in joint and cartilage models, expanding its research interest beyond metabolism.

How AOD-9604 Differs from Full HGH

The distinction between AOD-9604 and full human growth hormone is central to understanding why it occupies its own research niche:

Is AOD-9604 Legal?

In the United States, AOD-9604 is not classified as a controlled substance and is not FDA-approved as a drug. Research suppliers sell it legally as a research chemical for laboratory use only, with the explicit disclaimer that it is not intended for human consumption. This places it in a similar legal position to most other research peptides.

Australia's regulatory picture is more interesting. The TGA evaluated AOD-9604 and it was classified as a food additive at one point — a regulatory category that created some ambiguity about its status. As of 2026, it remains outside formal TGA therapeutic approval for weight management despite progressing through early clinical trials.

AOD-9604 is notably not on the current WADA prohibited list as a standalone compound, which distinguishes it from some other growth hormone-related peptides. However, WADA's broad language around peptide hormones means competitive athletes should consult their governing body's specific rules before use.

Notable Research Suppliers (2026)

What to Look for in an AOD-9604 Supplier

As with any research peptide, product quality varies significantly between suppliers. Key criteria to evaluate:

• Third-party Certificates of Analysis (COAs) — Look for HPLC purity testing from a named independent lab, showing 98%+ purity. The testing lab should be identifiable.
• Lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder — AOD-9604 should be sold as lyophilized powder, not pre-dissolved liquid, which has shorter stability.
• Correct molecular weight — AOD-9604 has a molecular weight of approximately 1815.1 Da. A COA showing a different molecular weight is a red flag.
• Sequence verification — The amino acid sequence (fragment 176–191 of hGH) should match standard references. Some suppliers publish mass spec data confirming identity.
• Research-use-only labeling — All legitimate suppliers clearly state these products are not for human consumption.

AOD-9604 vs. Semaglutide: Research Context Comparison

Both AOD-9604 and semaglutide are studied in the context of fat and weight management, but they represent fundamentally different mechanisms and evidence bases:

• Mechanism — Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that reduces appetite and slows gastric emptying. AOD-9604 is a growth hormone fragment studied for direct effects on fat cell lipolysis and lipogenesis.
• Evidence — Semaglutide has extensive Phase III human clinical trial data and FDA approval for both Type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. AOD-9604's human data is limited to early-phase safety and pharmacology trials.
• Regulatory status — Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) requires a prescription for human use. AOD-9604 is sold as a research chemical with no approved human indications in the US.
• Price context — Pharmaceutical semaglutide costs $800–$1,100/month without insurance. AOD-9604 as a research peptide starts around $52/vial — but these are not comparable products or uses.

Frequently Asked Questions