AOD-9604 dosage and protocol
Last reviewed Oct 7, 2026. Editorial policy
US regulatory status: Nomination withdrawn
AOD-9604 (Advanced Obesity Drug) is a modified fragment of human growth hormone (hGH176-191) specifically designed to target fat metabolism. Unlike full HGH, it does not affect blood sugar or IGF-1 levels. It stimulates lipolysis and inhibits lipogenesis, making it one of the most targeted fat-loss peptides available.
- Vial size: 5 mg
- Reconstitution: 3 mL bacteriostatic water
- Concentration: 1.67 mg/mL
- Administration: subcutaneous
Research areas
- Fat Loss
- Lipolysis
- Weight Management
- Metabolic Health
Quick start
- Reconstitute: Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water to the 5 mg vial → 1.67 mg/mL
- Typical dose: 300–500 mcg once daily (SC), often fasted
- Easy measuring: At 1.67 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL ≈ 16.7 mcg; 300 mcg = 18 units, 500 mcg = 30 units on a U-100 syringe
- Storage: Lyophilized at −20°C; refrigerate at 2–8°C after mixing and use within 30 days
Dosing protocol
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–4 | 300 mcg | Once daily (SC) | 0.18 mL (18 units) |
| Weeks 5–12 | 500 mcg | Once daily (SC) | 0.30 mL (30 units) |
How it works
AOD-9604 is a modified C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone, corresponding to amino acids 176-191 with an added tyrosine at the N-terminus. This region of GH was identified as responsible for much of the hormone's fat-metabolizing activity. The fragment does not bind the growth hormone receptor in the way full GH does, so it does not stimulate IGF-1 production or cause the insulin resistance associated with GH excess. Its exact receptor target is not fully defined, but in fat cells it has been shown to stimulate lipolysis (the breakdown of stored triglycerides) and inhibit lipogenesis, partly via beta-3 adrenergic pathways in rodent studies. In obese mice and rats, chronic administration reduced body weight gain and fat accumulation without effects on blood glucose or growth. Laboratory work has also explored possible effects on cartilage repair. In humans, AOD-9604 progressed through several clinical trials for obesity, including oral formulations. Early studies suggested modest effects, but a larger trial did not show meaningful weight loss versus placebo, and development as an obesity drug was discontinued. The trials did establish a favorable short-term safety profile. It is not an approved medicine.
Units chart for a 5 mg vial
| Water added | Strength | 1 unit = | 300 mcg | 500 mcg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mL | 5 mg/mL | 50 mcg | 6 units | 10 units |
| 2 mL | 2.5 mg/mL | 25 mcg | 12 units | 20 units |
| 3 mL | 1.67 mg/mL | 16.7 mcg | 18 units | 30 units |
Units on a U-100 insulin syringe (100 units = 1 mL).
Pages for each vial size and water volume
Reconstitution steps
- Draw 3.0mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming
- Gently swirl/roll until dissolved (do not shake)
- Label and refrigerate at 2–8°C, protected from light
Storage
Evidence: Common practice. What vendors and users usually do. No published stability testing supports a specific number.
- Powder or unopened: Sealed powder: freezer (about −20 °C) for long-term storage, refrigerator for weeks. Let the vial reach room temperature before opening.
- Mixed or in use: Refrigerator, 2–8 °C. Do not freeze and thaw repeatedly.
- Use within: no tested number
- Light: Keep it in the box or another dark container.
Most reconstituted peptides are kept in the refrigerator (2–8 °C) and used within about 28 days. That is a convention, not tested data: the 28 days comes from the USP <797> limit for opened multiple-dose containers, which is about sterility, not about whether the peptide stays intact.
Sources: Crestigen: Peptide storage and handling guide; USP General Chapter <797> Pharmaceutical Compounding: Sterile Preparations
Store lyophilized at -20°C. After reconstitution, refrigerate at 2-8°C, use within 30 days.
Important notes
- Research use only — not approved for human use
- Best taken fasted for optimal lipolysis
- Does not raise IGF-1 or blood glucose unlike full HGH
- Can stack with CJC-1295/Ipamorelin for enhanced results
Supplies
- Bacteriostatic water
- Insulin syringes (U-100)
- Alcohol swabs