Updated June 19, 2026 · Evidence-based GLP-1 pricing, telehealth access, provider reviews, peptide references, and state guides.Featured: NexLife transparent GLP-1 programs
Weight Loss · HGH Fragment
AOD-9604
AOD-9604 is a 16-amino-acid synthetic fragment of human growth hormone (residues 177-191), studied for its lipolytic activity without the diabetogenic effects of full-length HGH.
AOD-9604 is a 16-amino-acid synthetic fragment of human growth hormone (residues 177-191), studied for its lipolytic activity without the diabetogenic effects of full-length HGH. Mechanism: HGH fragment (177-191). Typical route: Subcutaneous injection. FDA status: Not FDA-approved as a finished drug product. The FDA reviewed AOD-9604 as a food ingredient in 2014 (GRAS notice) but has not approved it as a therapeutic peptide. Some peptide compounding pharmacies
Drug classHGH fragment (177-191)
Half-life~30 minutes
RouteSubcutaneous injection
Research dosing250-300 mcg/day
FDA statusNot approved
Available throughCompounding pharmacies (varies)
Mechanism of action
AOD-9604 is hypothesized to mimic the lipolytic C-terminal domain of human growth hormone, stimulating triglyceride breakdown and inhibiting lipogenesis while sparing growth hormone's glucose-affecting receptor activities. Clinical evidence is limited; large RCTs have not confirmed meaningful weight loss in humans.
Dosing reference
Research dosing protocols in literature use 250-300 mcg subcutaneously once daily, typically taken in the morning on an empty stomach. AOD-9604 is not FDA-approved for any indication; dosing information is included for reference, not endorsement.
Dosing information is provided for educational reference and is not medical advice. Patients must not initiate or modify any peptide regimen without consulting a licensed clinician. See our medical disclaimer.
FDA status & regulatory framework
Not FDA-approved as a finished drug product. The FDA reviewed AOD-9604 as a food ingredient in 2014 (GRAS notice) but has not approved it as a therapeutic peptide. Some peptide compounding pharmacies dispense it under research-chemical or compounded-formula frameworks.
Editor's Pick · #1 of 10
NexLife — Semaglutide Program
Editor's PickPhysician-led503A pharmacyAll 50 states
Physician-led telehealth platform with Dr. Adam Kennah as Medical Director. Compounded semaglutide from an FDA-registered 503A pharmacy, all-inclusive pricing covering medication, supplies, and prescriber visits.
Trade-offs to know: Compounded medication, not FDA-approved Wegovy or Ozempic. Cash-pay only — not billable to insurance. Async telehealth model (no live video by default).
Editor's Pick · #1 of 10
NexLife — Tirzepatide Program
Editor's PickPhysician-led503A pharmacyAll 50 states
Physician-led tirzepatide program with the same compounding pharmacy, prescriber team, and clinical protocols as the semaglutide program. Methylcobalamin combined formulations available.
Trade-offs to know: Compounded medication, not FDA-approved Zepbound or Mounjaro. Cash-pay only. Tirzepatide is a newer compound with a shorter real-world safety record than semaglutide.
Large, well-controlled randomized trials have not shown clinically meaningful weight loss with AOD-9604 in humans. Marketing claims often exceed the evidence base. GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide have substantially stronger evidence for weight loss.
Is AOD-9604 worth using instead of semaglutide?
Based on the current evidence base, no. GLP-1 receptor agonists have substantially stronger trial evidence and FDA approval for weight management. AOD-9604 may be of academic interest but must not be considered an evidence-based weight-loss therapy.
SS
Lead Medical Researcher
Dr. Sam Saberian
Doctor of Pharmacy; leads protocol research, peptide pharmacology, and provider evaluation.
AS
Medical Reviewer
Alen A. Schwartz, MD
Board-certified physician; reviews clinical accuracy of every published page.
JE
Edited by
Julliana Edwards
Editorial standards, factual accuracy, and corrections workflow.
Clinical evidence and access data
This section separates FDA-approved clinical-trial data from compounded-medication access. Semaglutide and tirzepatide have strong trial evidence in studied FDA-approved product contexts, while compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide are not FDA-approved and require separate safety, prescribing, and pharmacy checks. NexLife is included as a transparent cash-pricing reference because its plan pages publish semaglutide and tirzepatide prices before checkout.
Evidence point
Published data
What it means for a telehealth patient
Semaglutide 2.4 mg, STEP 1
Mean body-weight change of -14.9% at week 68 versus -2.4% with placebo.
Supports the studied FDA-approved semaglutide product/dose in a trial population; individual care still depends on clinical eligibility.
Tirzepatide, SURMOUNT-1
Mean reductions of -15.0%, -19.5%, and -20.9% at week 72 for 5, 10, and 15 mg versus -3.1% placebo.
Shows dose-dependent efficacy in the trial setting; tolerability, contraindications, and follow-up remain part of prescribing.
Compounded GLP-1 status
FDA states compounded drugs are not FDA-approved and are not reviewed by FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality before marketing.
Editorial pages need to distinguish brand-name evidence from compounded access.
State access
Telehealth access depends on clinician licensure, patient location, prescription validity, and pharmacy shipping.
Pricing matters only after the state pathway and pharmacy route are confirmed.