AOD-9604 (5mg)
AOD-9604 dosing protocols leverage this synthetic 16-amino acid fragment (Tyr‑hGH 177–191) to support lipolysis (fat breakdown) and inhibit lipogenesis (fat storage) without increasing IGF‑1 levels or inducing insulin resistance. Clinical trials have shown AOD‑9604 exhibits a safety profile similar to placebo in obese adults. This educational protocol outlines a once-daily subcutaneous approach with a practical dilution for accurate insulin syringe measurements.
Reviewed by the AllPeptides.eu Editorial Team·Last reviewed: 2026-06-16
Educational information. Not medical advice, and no efficacy claim is implied. Regulatory approval is not a use recommendation by AllPeptides.eu.
⚠️ For informational/educational purposes only. Not medical advice. We do not sell any products. Self-treatment carries serious risks — consult a healthcare professional. Disclaimer
Research monograph
See the full AOD-9604 encyclopedia page with mechanism, evidence tier, related variants and research context.
How It Works
AOD‑9604 is a modified C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone that retains the lipolytic (fat-reducing) domain without the growth-promoting effects. It binds to adipose tissue and triggers the breakdown of stored fat while blocking new fat storage in adipocytes. On a molecular level, chronic AOD-9604 administration upregulates β3-adrenergic receptors in adipose tissue. Unlike full-length hGH, AOD‑9604 does not significantly raise IGF‑1 levels or worsen glucose tolerance.
Quick Start
- Reconstitution: Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water → ~ 1.667 mg/mL (1667 mcg/mL) concentration.
- Typical daily range: 300–500 mcg once daily (gradual titration).
- Storage: Lyophilized: freeze at −20 °C; after reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8 °C; avoid freeze-thaw cycles.
Typical / Gradual Approach (3 mL = ~1.667 mg/mL)
Route: Subcutaneous | Frequency: Once daily
| Week | Dose | Units (per injection) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–4 | 300 mcg | 18 Units (0.18 mL) |
| Weeks 5–12 | 500 mcg | 30 Units (0.30 mL) |
Studies report administration once daily subcutaneously (typically in the morning on an empty stomach). This schedule uses the most practical dilution (3.0 mL) so that units per injection are ≥10 for better accuracy. Rotate injection sites (abdomen, thighs, upper arms).
Related compounds
Reconstitution Steps
- Withdraw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the side of the vial; avoid foaming.
- Gently swirl/rotate until dissolved (do not shake vigorously).
- Label and refrigerate at 2–8 °C, protecting from light.
Protocol Overview
- Goal: Support fat mass reduction and enhance fat oxidation over time.
- Schedule: Daily subcutaneous injections for 8–12 weeks (extendable to 16 weeks if desired).
- Storage: Lyophilized frozen; reconstituted refrigerated; avoid freeze-thaw cycles.
Dosing Protocol
- Initiation: 300 mcg daily for Weeks 1–4; increase to 500 mcg for Weeks 5–12.
- Target: 500 mcg daily by Week 5 and maintain until cycle completion.
- Frequency: Once daily (subcutaneously).
- Cycle Duration: 8–12 weeks; optional extension to 16 weeks.
- Break between cycles: After the cycle (8–12 weeks), a washout period of 4–6 weeks is recommended. The pause prevents tolerance to AOD-9604's lipolytic action.
Washout & Cycle Restart
When can I restart?
After the cycle (8–12 weeks), a washout period of 4–6 weeks is recommended. The pause prevents tolerance to AOD-9604's lipolytic action.
Minimum wait period: 4 weeks
Storage Instructions
- Lyophilized: Store at −20 °C in dry, dark conditions; stable for 1+ years.
- Reconstituted: Refrigerate at 2–8 °C; use within 3–4 weeks and avoid freeze-thawing.
- Allow vials to reach room temperature before opening to reduce condensation.
Important Notes
- Each 5 mg vial provides approximately 10 days of dosing at 500 mcg/day or 16–17 days at 300 mcg/day.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits:
- Supports fat mass reduction and increases fat oxidation; clinical trials showed modest but statistically significant weight loss (approx. 2.6 kg vs. 0.8 kg placebo over 12 weeks).
- Preferential loss of abdominal fat.
- Does not significantly increase IGF-1 and exhibits a placebo-like safety profile.
- Emerging regenerative potential: preclinical studies suggest possible cartilage repair and bone health benefits.
- Generally well-tolerated; potential mild injection site reactions.
Potential Side Effects:
- Injection site reactions (10–30%): redness, swelling.
- Headache (1–10%, comparable to placebo).
- Nausea (1–10%, rare).
- Fatigue or flu-like symptoms (rare).
- Dizziness (<1%).
⚠️ Serious Warnings & Long-Term Risks
The following warnings are based on published literature, FDA labels, and post-marketing surveillance. They do not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional.
Failed clinical trials — questionable efficacy
The Phase III obesity trial did not meet primary endpoint. Long-term safety as injectable has not been documented (GRAS only for oral use).
📄 Metabolic Pharmaceuticals (Clinical Trial Data)References
- Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism (2014) — Safety and metabolism of AOD9604 as a nutraceutical ingredient
View Source - Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism (2013) — Safety and tolerability of AOD9604 in humans
View Source - FDA PCAC (2024) — AOD-9604 bulk drug substance memorandum
View Source - Endocrinology (OUP) — Effects of hGH and AOD9604 on lipid metabolism
View Source - Bachem Peptide Guide — Peptide handling and storage guidelines
View Source
Recommended Supplements
Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)
Vitamin D3 + K2
Omega-3 Fish Oil (EPA/DHA)
Protein / Collagen
Fiber Supplement (Psyllium)
External Sources & Regulatory Status
Regulatory Approvals
GRAS (oral) — Not approved as an injectable
FDA GRAS (oral only)
Educational information. Not medical advice, and no efficacy claim is implied. Regulatory approval is not a use recommendation by AllPeptides.eu.
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