Overview
AOD-9604 is a growth hormone-related peptide. Modified fragment of human growth hormone (amino acids 176–191).
With a half-life of ~30 minutes, AOD-9604 requires daily administration in most observed protocols. Administered via SubQ injection, it has a bioavailability of approximately 95% via its primary route.
Half-life approximately 30 minutes. Does not affect IGF-1 or blood glucose levels. TGA-listed in Australia. Subcutaneous administration. One-compartment model.
Mechanism of Action
AOD-9604's pharmacological activity involves the following key pathways:
Lipolytic Fragment
AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone that retains the lipolytic (fat-metabolizing) region while lacking the growth-promoting IGF-1 signaling of full-length GH.
Dosing Protocols
The following protocols represent commonly observed dosing patterns. These are observational summaries, not recommendations.
Dose
300 mcg/day
Route
Subcutaneous
Frequency
2-3 times daily
Duration
4-12 weeks
Reconstitution Steps
AOD-9604 is supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder and requires reconstitution before use. Common vial sizes: 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg.
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1
Gather supplies
You will need your AOD-9604 vial (lyophilised powder), a vial of bacteriostatic water, two insulin syringes, alcohol swabs, and a sharps container. Wash hands thoroughly before beginning.
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2
Clean both vial tops
Swab the rubber stopper of both the AOD-9604 vial and the bacteriostatic water vial with separate alcohol swabs. Allow each to air-dry for 30 seconds before proceeding.
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3
Draw bacteriostatic water
Using an insulin syringe, draw the required volume of bacteriostatic water. For a 5 mg vial, draw 2.0 mL. For a 2 mg vial, draw 1.0 mL.
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4
Inject water into the peptide vial
Direct the syringe needle toward the glass wall of the AOD-9604 vial — not directly onto the powder — and inject the bacteriostatic water slowly down the side. This gentle technique prevents foaming and preserves peptide integrity.
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5
Mix gently
Do not shake the vial. Gently roll it between your palms for 20–30 seconds until the powder is fully dissolved. The solution should appear clear and colourless. Cloudiness or particulate matter indicates degradation — discard if observed.
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6
Label and store
Label the vial with the date of reconstitution and the resulting concentration. Store refrigerated at 2–8°C. Use within 3–4 weeks. Do not freeze the reconstituted solution.
Quick Reconstitution Math
5 mg vial + 2 mL bacteriostatic water = 2,500 mcg/mL. For a 300 mcg dose, draw 12 units (0.12 mL) on a 100-unit insulin syringe. For a 500 mcg dose, draw 20 units (0.20 mL). Use the Milligram reconstitution calculator for custom vial sizes.
Lyophilised powder is stable for 12+ months at −20°C. Once reconstituted, refrigerate at 2–8°C and use within 3–4 weeks. Avoid repeated temperature fluctuations. Discard if the solution becomes cloudy or develops particulates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AOD-9604 and how does it work?
AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide fragment derived from the C-terminal region of human growth hormone (hGH), specifically amino acids 176–191. Unlike full hGH, it does not bind the primary GH receptor and does not raise IGF-1 or affect glucose metabolism – it acts selectively through beta-3 adrenergic receptor upregulation to stimulate lipolysis (fat breakdown) and inhibit lipogenesis (new fat formation). Six human clinical trials have been conducted, and the compound received GRAS (Generally Recognised as Safe) nutraceutical status from the FDA.
What is the correct AOD-9604 dosage?
Clinical trials tested doses ranging from 250 mcg to 1 mg/day via SubQ injection, with most protocols settling on 300–500 mcg/day as the practical range. Weight-adjusted guidance commonly cited is 300 mcg for individuals under 73 kg, 400 mcg for 73–90 kg, and 500 mcg for over 90 kg. Oral formulations have also been studied in clinical trials at higher doses due to lower bioavailability, though SubQ administration remains the most common research approach.
Does AOD-9604 affect growth hormone or IGF-1 levels?
AOD-9604 does not bind the primary GH receptor and has been shown in multiple studies not to raise serum IGF-1 or affect glucose homeostasis – key safety distinctions from full hGH. This selectivity is a defining characteristic of the fragment and the basis of its nutraceutical status. It acts through a separate lipolytic pathway involving beta-3 adrenergic receptor upregulation rather than the GH receptor signalling cascade.
How do you reconstitute and store AOD-9604?
AOD-9604 is supplied as a lyophilised (freeze-dried) powder and requires reconstitution with bacteriostatic water before SubQ injection. A common approach is adding 2 mL of bacteriostatic water to a 5 mg vial, yielding a concentration of 2,500 mcg/mL. Lyophilised vials should be stored frozen at −20°C; once reconstituted, the solution should be refrigerated at 2–8°C and used within 3–4 weeks.
How long does it take for AOD-9604 to work?
AOD-9604 has an extremely short serum half-life of approximately 4 minutes – the peptide is metabolically degraded rapidly through sequential amino-terminal truncation. Despite this, its downstream lipolytic effects persist beyond the detection window. Subjective effects on body composition are typically reported over 8–12 weeks of consistent daily dosing, with metabolic shifts potentially observable earlier when combined with caloric management.
Can AOD-9604 be taken orally?
Oral bioavailability of AOD-9604 has been demonstrated in animal models at approximately 40%, and two of the six completed human clinical trials specifically investigated oral dosing. Oral AOD-9604 requires higher doses to compensate for reduced bioavailability compared to SubQ administration. The short half-life means both routes rely on once-daily or twice-daily dosing – the SubQ route is more commonly used in research protocols for its more predictable absorption profile.