AOD-9604 10 mg

What It Is

AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone. Specifically, it is amino acids 176 through 191 from the tail end of the HGH molecule. Researchers isolated this piece because early studies suggested it was responsible for the fat burning effects of growth hormone without the other effects like raising blood sugar or IGF-1.

The idea was appealing. Growth hormone helps burn fat, but it also causes side effects like insulin resistance, water retention, and potential tumor growth concerns. If you could isolate just the fat burning part, you would have the benefit without the downsides.

AOD-9604 went through extensive human clinical trials in the early 2000s. It completed six trials with over 900 participants. The compound was safe, but the weight loss results were inconsistent. Development was terminated in 2007 after a large Phase 2b trial failed to show statistical significance over placebo.

So why are people still interested in it? The safety profile is excellent, the cost is low, and some users report good results even if the clinical trial data was underwhelming. It is available through research peptide suppliers.

How It Works

AOD-9604 works through beta-3 adrenergic receptor activation, which stimulates lipolysis (the breakdown of stored fat into fatty acids that your body can burn for energy).

What It Does:

• Stimulates fat breakdown in adipose tissue

• May increase fat oxidation (burning fat for fuel)

• Does not affect growth hormone receptors

• Does not increase IGF-1 levels

• Does not affect blood sugar or insulin

What It Does Not Do:

This is important to understand. AOD-9604 is not growth hormone. It does not provide the anabolic effects of HGH. It will not build muscle, improve sleep quality, enhance recovery, or provide anti-aging benefits. It is specifically the lipolytic (fat burning) fragment and nothing more.

The mechanism is also different from the incretin drugs like semaglutide or tirzepatide. Those work by reducing appetite and slowing digestion. AOD-9604 does not significantly affect hunger. It works on the fat cells themselves.

Half Life:

The half life is short, which is why daily dosing is typical. Most protocols call for once daily administration on an empty stomach.

Benefits

Favorable Safety Profile

The clinical trial data showed AOD-9604 was well tolerated with minimal side effects. This is the strongest point in its favor. Unlike full HGH, it does not raise blood sugar, does not increase IGF-1, and does not cause water retention.

No Effect on Blood Sugar or Insulin

For people concerned about metabolic effects, AOD-9604 appears neutral. This was consistently demonstrated across multiple trials.

Low Cost

Compared to GLP-1 drugs or growth hormone, AOD-9604 is inexpensive. This makes it accessible for people who want to try it.

FDA GRAS Status

AOD-9604 has been granted Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status by the FDA for use in food applications. This is a separate regulatory pathway from drug approval, but it indicates the compound is considered safe for human consumption.

Potential Local Fat Reduction

Some research suggests AOD-9604 may have localized effects when administered near stubborn fat deposits. This is speculative and not proven in clinical trials, but it is part of why some practitioners use it in targeted protocols.

What the Science Shows

AOD-9604 has more human clinical trial data than most research peptides. The results were mixed.

Phase 2a Trial (2001)

54 obese subjects received AOD-9604 or placebo for 12 weeks. The treatment group lost an average of 2.6 kg (about 5.7 pounds) compared to 0.8 kg in the placebo group. This was statistically significant and encouraged further development.

Phase 2b Trial (2004)

This was the larger trial that ultimately ended development. 536 subjects received various doses of AOD-9604 or placebo for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint (weight loss at 24 weeks) did not achieve statistical significance versus placebo.

Some doses showed trends toward benefit, but the results were inconsistent across dose groups. The sponsor concluded the compound did not have sufficient efficacy to justify continued development.

Metabolic Studies:

Smaller studies confirmed that AOD-9604 does not affect glucose, insulin, or IGF-1 levels. The safety profile was consistently favorable.

Cartilage Research:

Interestingly, AOD-9604 has shown some promise for cartilage repair and osteoarthritis in preclinical studies. This is a different application than weight loss and is still being explored.

The Bottom Line:

The clinical trial data for weight loss is weaker than what we see with GLP-1 drugs. AOD-9604 did not demonstrate consistent, significant weight loss in large trials. This does not mean it does nothing, but expectations should be calibrated accordingly.

Sources:

• Heffernan M, et al. "The effects of human GH and its lipolytic fragment (AOD9604) on lipid metabolism." Endocrinology (2000)

• Stier H, et al. "Safety and efficacy of AOD9604 in obese subjects." Journal of Obesity (2013)

• Metabolic Pharmaceuticals clinical trial data and investor reports (2001-2007)

Dosing Protocol

AOD-9604 is typically administered once daily on an empty stomach. The protocols below are based on clinical trial dosing and common research use.

Subcutaneous injection once daily.

Standard Protocol:

• 300 mcg once daily, first thing in the morning on an empty stomach

• Wait at least 30 minutes before eating

Higher Dose Protocol:

• 500 mcg once daily on an empty stomach

• Some users split this into 250 mcg twice daily (morning and before bed)

Cycle Length:

• 4 to 12 weeks is typical

• Many users take a break of equal length before repeating

Important Notes:

The empty stomach timing matters. Food in your system may interfere with absorption and effectiveness.

Morning dosing is most common because it aligns with natural lipolytic rhythms and fasted states.

Do not expect dramatic results. The clinical trial data showed modest effects at best. AOD-9604 may provide a small additional boost when combined with proper diet and exercise, but it is not a primary fat loss tool.

Draw Volumes by Vial Size

All calculations assume reconstitution volumes that provide practical measurements on a standard insulin syringe.

5 mg Vial (2 mL reconstitution = 2.5 mg/mL or 2500 mcg/mL)

Dose        Volume       Units on Syringe

──────────────────────────────────────────

250 mcg     0.10 mL      10 units

300 mcg     0.12 mL      12 units

500 mcg     0.20 mL      20 units

Vial duration at 300 mcg/day: approximately 16 days

Vial duration at 500 mcg/day: 10 days

This is the recommended reconstitution for practical daily dosing.

5 mg Vial (1 mL reconstitution = 5 mg/mL or 5000 mcg/mL)

Dose        Volume       Units on Syringe

──────────────────────────────────────────

250 mcg     0.05 mL      5 units

300 mcg     0.06 mL      6 units

500 mcg     0.10 mL      10 units

Vial duration at 300 mcg/day: approximately 16 days

Vial duration at 500 mcg/day: 10 days

This concentration works but the volumes are very small and harder to measure precisely.

Reconstitution Instructions

1. Draw the appropriate amount of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe (1 to 2 mL depending on desired concentration)

2. Inject slowly down the inside wall of the vial to avoid foaming

3. Gently swirl or roll the vial until fully dissolved. Do not shake.

4. Solution should be clear and colorless. Do not use if cloudy or contains particles.

5. Label with reconstitution date and concentration

6. Refrigerate at 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit (2 to 8 degrees Celsius)

7. Use within 28 days

Side Effects and Cautions

AOD-9604 has a favorable safety profile based on clinical trial data. Side effects were minimal and comparable to placebo in most studies.

Potential Effects:

• Injection site reactions (redness, mild irritation)

• Headache (rare)

• Mild nausea (rare)

• Indigestion (rare)

Most users report no noticeable side effects.

What It Does Not Cause:

Unlike full growth hormone, AOD-9604 does not cause:

• Elevated blood sugar or insulin resistance

• Increased IGF-1 levels

• Water retention

• Joint pain or carpal tunnel symptoms

• Sleep disturbances

When to Contact a Medical Professional:

• Signs of allergic reaction (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)

• Persistent or severe headache

• Any unusual symptoms that concern you

Who Should Avoid or Use With Care

Use with caution if you have:

• Active cancer or history of cancer (though AOD-9604 does not raise IGF-1, caution is warranted)

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

• Known hypersensitivity to AOD-9604 or related compounds

Drug Interactions:

No significant drug interactions have been identified in clinical trials.

Athletes:

AOD-9604 is on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list. If you compete in tested sports, do not use this compound.

Success Tips

Manage Expectations

AOD-9604 is not going to produce the dramatic results you see with GLP-1 drugs. The clinical trial data was underwhelming. Think of it as a potential modest boost, not a primary fat loss tool.

Diet and Exercise Come First

This compound may slightly enhance fat burning, but it will not overcome a poor diet or sedentary lifestyle. The basics matter more than any peptide.

Take It Fasted

Morning dosing on an empty stomach is standard. Wait at least 30 minutes before eating.

Stay Consistent

Daily dosing is required. Missing doses will reduce whatever benefit the compound might provide.

Consider the Cost Benefit

AOD-9604 is inexpensive, which is its main advantage. If you have the budget for more effective compounds like tirzepatide, those will produce better results. AOD-9604 makes more sense for people who want something low cost and low risk to try.

Combine With Training

Resistance training and daily walking will do more for fat loss than any peptide. Use AOD-9604 as a supplement to good habits, not a replacement for them.

Need Help With Nutrition or Training?

Peptides work best when paired with solid nutrition and training protocols. If you want structured guidance on fat loss, dialing in your nutrition, or building a training program that supports your goals, check out our website:  turawellness.com

Injection Technique

1. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water

2. Clean the vial stopper with an alcohol swab and allow to air dry

3. Draw the appropriate dose into a sterile insulin syringe

4. Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab

5. Pinch a skinfold and insert the needle at 45 to 90 degrees into subcutaneous tissue

6. Do not aspirate for subcutaneous injections

7. Inject slowly and steadily

8. Withdraw needle and apply light pressure with gauze if needed

9. Dispose of syringe immediately in a sharps container. Never recap needles.

10. Rotate injection sites daily (abdomen is most common for AOD-9604)

Storage and Handling

Before Reconstitution:

• Store lyophilized (powder) vials in the freezer at minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 20 degrees Celsius)

• Can also be stored in the refrigerator at 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit

• Protect from light

• Do not use past expiration date

After Reconstitution:

• Refrigerate at 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit

• Use within 28 days

• Do not freeze after reconstitution

• Keep the stopper clean

• If solution becomes cloudy or contains particles, discard and use a new vial

Comparison to Other Weight Loss Compounds

Drug                    Mechanism               Typical Dose         Avg Weight Loss    Status

──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

AOD-9604                HGH fragment            300 to 500 mcg daily    ~2 to 3 kg (modest)   Discontinued

Tirzepatide             GLP-1 + GIP             15 mg weekly         ~21%               Approved

Semaglutide             GLP-1                   2.4 mg weekly        ~15%               Approved

Retatrutide             GLP-1 + GIP + Gluc      12 mg weekly         ~24%               Phase 3

Liraglutide             GLP-1                   3.0 mg daily         ~8%                Approved

AOD-9604 produces significantly less weight loss than the incretin drugs. Its advantages are cost, safety, and lack of appetite related side effects. It works through a different mechanism and may appeal to people who want to avoid GLP-1 drugs.

Legal Status

United States: Not FDA approved as a drug. Development was terminated in 2007 after clinical trials. FDA GRAS status has been granted for food applications.

WADA Status: Prohibited in competitive sports. Athletes subject to testing should not use this compound.

Research Peptide Market: AOD-9604 is widely available from research chemical suppliers in lyophilized powder form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AOD-9604 the same as HGH?

No. It is a small fragment of the HGH molecule (amino acids 176-191). It does not have the full effects of growth hormone and does not raise IGF-1 or blood sugar.

Why was development stopped if it was safe?

The large Phase 2b trial did not show statistically significant weight loss versus placebo. The company decided the efficacy was not strong enough to justify continued development and regulatory costs.

Does it work at all?

Some users report benefits. The clinical data showed modest effects in some trials and no effect in others. It may provide a small boost for some people, but it is not a powerful fat loss compound.

Can I use it with GLP-1 drugs?

Yes. AOD-9604 works through a different mechanism (beta-3 adrenergic receptors) than GLP-1 drugs. There are no known interactions. Some people stack them.

Does it suppress appetite?

No. AOD-9604 does not significantly affect hunger or satiety. This is a key difference from GLP-1 drugs.

What about cartilage repair?

There is some research suggesting AOD-9604 may help with cartilage regeneration and osteoarthritis. This is a separate application from weight loss and is still being studied.

Is it worth trying?

If you want something inexpensive with an excellent safety profile and you have realistic expectations, it may be worth a trial. If you want significant fat loss, the incretin drugs are far more effective.

Product Source

Research Grade AOD-9604 available at turawellness.com

Disclaimer

This guide provides educational information about AOD-9604 based on published scientific literature and clinical trial data. This is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. AOD-9604 is not FDA approved as a drug. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals before using any peptide or medication.

References

1. Heffernan M, et al. "The effects of human GH and its lipolytic fragment (AOD9604) on lipid metabolism following chronic treatment in obese mice and beta-3 AR knockout mice." Endocrinology (2001)

2. Stier H, et al. "Safety and tolerability of the hexadecapeptide AOD9604 in humans." Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism (2013)

3. Metabolic Pharmaceuticals Limited. Clinical trial data and investor communications (2001-2007)

4. Kwok HH, et al. "The effects of AOD9604 on chondrogenesis." Osteoarthritis and Cartilage (2020)

5. WADA Prohibited List. World Anti-Doping Agency (current year)