AOD-9604 (Advanced Obesity Drug-9604) is a modified fragment of human growth hormone, consisting of amino acids 177-191 of the HGH molecule with an added tyrosine at the N-terminal. Originally developed by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals in Australia, AOD-9604 was designed to retain the fat-metabolizing properties of growth hormone without the growth-promoting or diabetogenic effects that limit full-length HGH use.
This guide covers reconstitution, dosing calculations, timing protocols, and cycling recommendations based on published research and clinical trial data.
AOD-9604 Reconstitution
AOD-9604 is typically supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder in 5mg vials. Reconstitution follows standard peptide preparation procedures:
- Solvent: Bacteriostatic water (BAC water) is the standard reconstitution solvent. Do not use normal saline, which can degrade the peptide.
- Volume: Adding 2mL of BAC water to a 5mg vial creates a concentration of 2.5mg/mL (2,500mcg/mL). This is the most common reconstitution ratio.
- Technique: Direct the BAC water stream along the inside wall of the vial — never directly onto the powder cake. Allow the solution to dissolve naturally; do not shake or vortex. Gentle swirling is acceptable if needed.
Need help with reconstitution math? Use our Peptide Reconstitution Calculator for exact measurements.
Standard Research Dosing Protocols
Published clinical trial data and research protocols typically use AOD-9604 in the following dose ranges:
| Protocol | Daily Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative | 250 mcg | Once daily | Starting dose; assess tolerance |
| Standard | 300 mcg | Once daily | Most commonly cited in research protocols |
| Aggressive | 500 mcg | Once daily | Upper range used in some clinical trials |
The Phase 2b clinical trial conducted by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals tested oral AOD-9604 at doses of 1mg, 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg daily. However, injectable subcutaneous administration uses significantly lower doses due to higher bioavailability compared to oral delivery.
Calculating Your Draw Volume
With the standard 5mg vial reconstituted in 2mL BAC water (2,500 mcg/mL):
| Desired Dose | Draw Volume | Insulin Syringe Units | Doses Per Vial |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 mcg | 0.10 mL | 10 units | 20 doses |
| 300 mcg | 0.12 mL | 12 units | ~16 doses |
| 500 mcg | 0.20 mL | 20 units | 10 doses |
Track your daily doses and vial usage with our Daily Peptide Tracker.
Timing: Why Fasted Morning Administration
AOD-9604 research protocols overwhelmingly specify fasted morning administration — typically 30-60 minutes before eating. The rationale is based on AOD-9604's mechanism of action:
- Lipolysis activation: AOD-9604 stimulates lipolysis (fat breakdown) and inhibits lipogenesis (fat formation). Fasted-state administration takes advantage of already-low insulin levels, which would otherwise oppose lipolytic signaling.
- GH fragment activity: As a fragment of growth hormone, AOD-9604's fat-mobilizing effects are blunted by insulin and elevated glucose. Morning fasted conditions provide the optimal hormonal environment.
- No food interaction: Eating within 30 minutes of injection may reduce effectiveness. Research protocols specify a minimum 30-minute fasting window post-injection.
Cycling Protocols
Research protocols for AOD-9604 vary in their cycling recommendations:
- Continuous protocol: Daily administration for 12-16 weeks, followed by 4-6 weeks off. This mirrors the duration of published clinical trials.
- 5/2 protocol: 5 days on, 2 days off (typically weekdays on, weekends off). Some researchers prefer this to reduce receptor desensitization and reduce total peptide usage.
- Pulsed protocol: 4 weeks on, 2 weeks off, repeated for 2-3 cycles. This approach is sometimes used when stacking AOD-9604 with other fat-loss compounds.
The Phase 2b trial ran for 24 weeks of continuous daily dosing, suggesting that extended use at research doses was well-tolerated in that study population.
Bodyweight-Based Dosing Reference
While most protocols use flat doses rather than weight-based calculations, some researchers adjust based on body composition:
| Body Weight | Conservative | Standard | Aggressive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 150 lbs (68 kg) | 200 mcg | 250 mcg | 400 mcg |
| 150-200 lbs (68-91 kg) | 250 mcg | 300 mcg | 500 mcg |
| 200-250 lbs (91-113 kg) | 300 mcg | 400 mcg | 500 mcg |
| Over 250 lbs (113+ kg) | 300 mcg | 500 mcg | 500 mcg |
Storage and Stability
Unreconstituted AOD-9604 should be stored in the freezer (-20°C) for long-term storage or refrigerator (2-8°C) for short-term use. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, the solution should be refrigerated and used within 4-6 weeks. Never freeze reconstituted peptide solutions.
FAQ: AOD-9604 Dosing
Does AOD-9604 affect blood sugar or insulin levels?
Published research indicates that AOD-9604 does not produce the diabetogenic effects associated with full-length growth hormone. The Phase 2b trial reported no significant changes in blood glucose, insulin, or IGF-1 levels. This was a deliberate design goal — the HGH fragment was selected specifically because it retains fat-metabolizing properties without the metabolic side effects of full GH.
Can AOD-9604 be stacked with other peptides?
AOD-9604 is commonly combined with CJC-1295/Ipamorelin stacks or with BPC-157 for concurrent body composition and healing goals. Because AOD-9604 does not affect GH levels or IGF-1, it does not interact with GH secretagogue protocols in the way that exogenous HGH would.
What happens if I eat too soon after injecting?
Eating within the recommended 30-minute fasting window may blunt AOD-9604's lipolytic effects. Insulin released in response to food opposes fat mobilization. While the peptide will still be absorbed, the metabolic conditions for optimal fat-burning activity are compromised. Most protocols recommend waiting 30-60 minutes post-injection before consuming food.
How long does one 5mg vial last?
At the standard 300mcg daily dose with 2mL reconstitution, one 5mg vial provides approximately 16 days of use. For a 12-week protocol, you would need approximately 5-6 vials. Use our Peptide Tracker to plan your supply and reorder timing.
Sources and References
- Heffernan MA, 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 knock-out mice." Endocrinology. 2001.
- Stier H, et al. "Effect of AOD9604 on fat metabolism: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study." J Endocrinol Invest. 2004.
- Ng FM, et al. "Metabolic studies of a synthetic lipolytic domain (AOD9604) of human growth hormone." Horm Res. 2000.
- Heffernan M, et al. "The oral absorption of a synthetic fragment of human growth hormone (AOD9604)." Obesity Res. 2001.
- Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia) — AOD-9604 Regulatory Background
This guide is for educational and research purposes only. AOD-9604 is not FDA-approved for any medical condition. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any peptide protocol. All dosing information is derived from published research and clinical trial data.