AOD-9604 vs Liraglutide

AOD-9604 stimulates lipolysis and inhibits lipogenesis through mechanisms believed to be independent of the insulin-like growth factor pathway. It appears to mimic the fat-metabolising action of growth hormone without triggering the proliferative effects associated with full GH or GH-releasing peptides. Oral bioavailability has been observed in some formulations, making it of interest for non-injectable protocols.

AOD-9604 (anti-obesity drug 9604; Tyr-hGH(177–191)) is a synthetic 16-amino-acid peptide corresponding to the C-terminal lipolytic fragment of human growth hormone, modified with an N-terminal tyrosine residue for stability, and investigated as a candidate anti-obesity compound on the premise that the lipolytic activity of hGH resides in this C-terminal domain — separable from the growth-promoting and insulin-antagonizing effects mediated by other regions of the full-length molecule. AOD-9604 is proposed to stimulate fat metabolism through beta-3 adrenergic receptor-mediated pathways without activating IGF-1 production or the anabolic receptor domains of full-length GH, making it theoretically safer than GH itself for metabolic applications; preclinical studies in obese mice demonstrated lipolytic effects and body weight reduction. Clinical trials were conducted in humans by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals, and Phase 2/3 data generated in Australia suggested modest weight loss effects; however, the primary trial results were never published in PubMed-indexed peer-reviewed journals, and the best indexed primary evidence for AOD-9604 remains a preclinical study in obese mice demonstrating effects on lipid metabolism. AOD-9604 has no FDA approval and no approved indication in any jurisdiction; despite its human clinical program, the absence of published peer-reviewed primary trial data means clinical efficacy and safety cannot be independently evaluated, and the compound is currently available only as a research peptide. AOD-9604 is supplied as a lyophilized powder requiring reconstitution with bacteriostatic water before subcutaneous administration; the volume of BAC water added to the vial determines the concentration of the resulting solution, following standard peptide reconstitution methodology. Research on AOD-9604 peptide dosage was conducted in both the preclinical obese-mouse model and the Phase 2/3 human clinical program in adult obesity populations; clinical trial dosage data exists from the Metabolic Pharmaceuticals program, though primary results were not published in indexed peer-reviewed journals. Oral formulations of AOD-9604 were also evaluated in the clinical program as an alternative to subcutaneous delivery. AOD-9604 dosage context In the Metabolic Pharmaceuticals clinical program, AOD-9604 was evaluated at oral doses of 1mg and 9mg daily, and via subcutaneous injection at approximately 1mg/day in Phase 2/3 human obesity studies. In the research peptide community, subcutaneous protocols commonly reference 250–300mcg once daily, administered to the subcutaneous adipose tissue of the abdomen. These figures derive from the research context rather than an approved clinical protocol — AOD-9604 has no approved dosing for any human indication. Reconstitution follows standard peptide preparation: a 5mg vial combined with 2mL bacteriostatic water yields 2,500mcg/mL (0.1mL = 250mcg per injection). Oral formulations were evaluated in the clinical trial as a potential non-injectable route; no commercial oral AOD-9604 product exists. AOD-9604 side effects and safety profile The safety data from AOD-9604's clinical program includes several notable findings: no elevation in IGF-1 levels was observed at studied doses — a key distinction from full-length growth hormone, where IGF-1 elevation drives concerns about cell proliferation and potential oncogenicity. No significant disruption of fasting glucose or insulin sensitivity was documented. No serious adverse events attributable to AOD-9604 were reported in published trial summaries. The absence of anabolic receptor activity (no binding to the GH receptor growth-promoting domain) is the proposed basis for this benign safety profile compared to GH itself. Long-term safety data does not exist due to the absence of Phase 3 completion and product approval. Research-grade AOD-9604 carries standard purity and contamination risks associated with unregulated compounding. Providers offering AOD-9604 through supervised clinical programs are searchable in the PeptideBase provider directory.

GLP-1 receptor agonist; slows gastric emptying, increases satiety, reduces glucagon secretion

Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist approved for chronic weight management and type 2 diabetes, formulated as a daily subcutaneous injection that reduces appetite by activating GLP-1 receptors in the hypothalamus and brainstem. It mimics endogenous incretin hormone action — slowing gastric emptying, increasing satiety signaling, and reducing caloric intake through central and peripheral GLP-1 receptor pathways. The landmark SCALE Obesity trial, a large multicenter randomized controlled trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine, demonstrated significant weight loss of approximately 8% at 56 weeks with 3.0 mg liraglutide (Saxenda) compared to placebo. Liraglutide is an FDA-approved prescription medication available as Victoza (type 2 diabetes, 1.8 mg) and Saxenda (chronic weight management, 3.0 mg); it requires physician supervision and is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Liraglutide vs semaglutide: key distinctions Liraglutide is a daily subcutaneous injection; semaglutide is weekly. The dosing frequency difference reflects half-life: liraglutide's plasma half-life is approximately 13 hours, requiring daily administration to maintain therapeutic levels; semaglutide's albumin-binding modification extends its half-life to approximately 7 days. For weight management outcomes, semaglutide significantly outperforms liraglutide: STEP 1 reported ~15% mean weight reduction vs ~8% with liraglutide in SCALE. The practical implication is that liraglutide is generally appropriate for patients who have contraindications to once-weekly GLP-1 therapy, who are already established on liraglutide for T2D (Victoza), or who are in a jurisdiction where semaglutide is less accessible. Liraglutide has a longer post-approval safety record — it was approved in 2010 for T2D and 2014 for obesity management — while semaglutide's obesity indication was approved in 2021. The LEADER trial established cardiovascular risk reduction for liraglutide in T2D patients, adding an outcomes benefit beyond glucose control. Liraglutide cost and access: As a branded pharmaceutical (Victoza, Saxenda), liraglutide requires a prescription from a licensed provider. Saxenda (3.0mg/day for obesity) has an approximate monthly list price of $1,300–$1,500 USD; actual cost varies by insurance coverage and assistance programs. Generic or biosimilar liraglutide is not yet widely available in the US market. Compounding pharmacies do not commonly produce liraglutide formulations given the availability of approved branded products. Providers offering GLP-1 agonist programs that include liraglutide are searchable in the PeptideBase provider directory.