Is AOD-9604 Legal in Louisiana? How to Access It Legally

Is AOD-9604 an FDA-approved drug?

No. It is a 16-amino-acid fragment of human growth hormone, hGH amino acids 177 to 191 plus an N-terminal tyrosine, which is why it is also called hGH fragment 176-191 [2][9]. Metabolic Pharmaceuticals developed it for obesity; phase IIa trials were underway by February 2002, it never reached approval, and the obesity program was dropped [1][2]. A 24-week study of an oral version, with 534 enrolled and 502 randomized people, showed no significant benefit on the primary weight-loss endpoint. A 2026 review notes that this conclusion rests on sponsor-reported phase 2 results rather than peer-reviewed randomized trials [2]. No approved dose exists [2].

Can a Louisiana pharmacy compound it on a prescription?

Compounding rules limit which bulk substances may be used. AOD-9604 appears in none of the three categories on FDA's list for state-licensed pharmacies and physicians, and it is not on FDA's list for outsourcing facilities [3][5][4]. FDA's category 1 no-action policy does not cover it [3][4]. HHS's draft enforcement-discretion policy for compounded peptides, filed in October 2026, names six other peptides (BPC-157, epitalon, KPV, MOTS-c, Semax, TB-500) and not AOD-9604 [10][11]. So no FDA compounding policy in these lists gives a clear legal route to routine compounded access.

What does FDA say about its safety?

FDA's page on bulk substances that may present significant safety risks (content dated 04/22/2026) lists AOD-9604 in the 'nominated but withdrawn' table. That table holds substances previously in category 2 whose nominators withdrew them. FDA's stated concerns are these: compounded drugs containing it may pose significant immunogenicity risk for certain routes of administration, tied to peptide impurities and characterization problems; FDA has identified no, or only limited, safety information; and FDA has identified serious adverse events that may be associated with AOD-9604, though causality is not clear [6]. Removal from category 2 was not a finding that it is safe [6].

What is the evidence for the fat-loss and joint-repair claims?

Animal studies reported changes in weight and fat, but the 24-week human oral study did not show a significant benefit on its primary weight-loss endpoint [2][12][13]. In obese Zucker rats, oral AOD9604 500 microgram/kg/day for 19 days cut body-weight gain to 15.8 g versus 35.6 g in controls [12]. In obese mice, 14 days of injected AOD9604 reduced body weight and fat [13]. Joint-repair claims rest on a rabbit knee osteoarthritis study, with no convincing human trial [14][2].

Can you buy AOD-9604 online?

AOD-9604 circulates on the gray market. It has been identified in confiscated vials in the USA and in preparations seized by Belgian authorities [9][15]. Claims that it is 'GRAS' do not trace to FDA: FDA's GRAS Notice Inventory contains no AOD-9604 notice [16]. GRAS is a food-ingredient concept and would not make an injectable lawful as a drug.