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AOD-9604

Tags: Fat Loss, Metabolism, hGH Fragment

Quick Summary

AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone that selectively promotes fat breakdown without raising IGF-1 or impairing glucose metabolism.

Overview

What is AOD-9604?

AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone (hGH 176–191) with an added N‑terminal tyrosine. The 17‑amino‑acid peptide promotes fat breakdown (lipolysis) and reduces fat formation (lipogenesis) while lacking the growth-promoting actions of full-length hGH — it does not raise IGF‑1, alter glucose handling, or bind the GH receptor.

Key Benefits

  • Encourages fat loss by increasing fat oxidation and plasma glycerol
  • Does not raise IGF‑1 or impair glucose metabolism like intact hGH
  • Shows potential for supporting cartilage repair and joint health

Mechanism of Action

AOD‑9604 appears to stimulate lipolysis and suppress lipogenesis largely via upregulation of β3‑adrenergic pathways, while avoiding direct GH receptor activation. This selective profile supports fat‑specific effects without the systemic metabolic effects seen with full growth hormone.

Molecular Information

  • Weight: 1,815.1 Da
  • Length: 17 amino acids
  • Type: Modified hGH C‑terminal fragment

Amino Acid Sequence:

YLRIVQCRSVEGSCGF (Tyr‑Leu‑Arg‑Ile‑Val‑Gln‑Cys‑Arg‑Ser‑Val‑Glu‑Gly‑Ser‑Cys‑Gly‑Phe)

This is hGH fragment 176–191 with an added N‑terminal tyrosine and a disulfide between Cys183 and Cys189.

Research Indications

  • Fat Loss (Most Effective): Increases fat oxidation, raises plasma glycerol, and reduces body weight in obese models without negatively impacting glucose regulation.
  • Lipogenesis Inhibition: Lowers fat synthesis and storage in adipose tissue; effects observed in animal studies and isolated human adipose samples.
  • Metabolic Safety: Unlike full hGH, AOD‑9604 does not produce hyperglycemia, reduce insulin secretion, or increase insulin resistance.
  • Joint Support (Effective): Shows promise for cartilage and joint-related benefits in some reports.

Research Protocols

Goal Dose Frequency Route
Fat loss 250–300 mcg Once daily Subcutaneous
Enhanced fat loss 400–500 mcg Once daily Subcutaneous
Joint support 250 mcg Once daily Subcutaneous
Conservative start 200 mcg Once daily Subcutaneous

Timing: Administer in the morning on an empty stomach and wait ~30 minutes before eating. Some protocols target abdominal subcutaneous injections for potential localized effect.

Peptide Interactions

Compatible / Complementary

  • Hyaluronic Acid — Synergistic
  • BPC‑157 — Compatible
  • CJC‑1295 — Compatible
  • Ipamorelin — Compatible
  • Semaglutide — Compatible
  • Insulin — Compatible

Monitor

  • None reported — monitor clinically when combining with potent metabolic drugs (insulin, sulfonylureas)

Avoid

  • No specific avoidances reported for AOD-9604 in the literature; follow clinical guidance.

How to Reconstitute

Important: Use bacteriostatic water (BAC) and sterile technique.

  1. Let the vial warm to room temperature (15–20°C)
  2. Calculate BAC water volume using a calculator
  3. Draw BAC water into a syringe
  4. Add water slowly down the vial wall (avoid splashing onto powder)
  5. Gently swirl until fully dissolved (do not shake)
  6. Store reconstituted solution at 2–8°C and use within 28 days

Quality Indicators

Positive Signs

  • White to off‑white lyophilized powder or cake (uniform appearance)
  • Clear solution after reconstitution with no visible particles
  • Certificate of Analysis showing ≥98% purity by HPLC and confirmed sequence

Warning Signs

  • Discolored, yellowed, or clumped powder
  • Cloudy or particulate solution after reconstitution
  • Note: AOD‑9604 is not FDA‑approved as a therapeutic drug (GRAS status for food use only)
  • Banned by WADA — prohibited for athletes

What to Expect

  • Weeks 1–2: Little noticeable effect as the compound accumulates
  • Weeks 3–4: Subtle body composition changes may appear
  • Weeks 5–8: More evident fat loss when combined with diet and exercise
  • Weeks 8–12: Continued reduction in fat and improved composition; results vary by protocol
  • Side effects: Generally well tolerated; mild injection site reactions possible

Side Effects & Safety

  • Generally well tolerated in clinical and preclinical studies
  • Does not appear to affect blood glucose or insulin in the way full hGH can
  • Does not increase IGF‑1
  • May cause mild injection site irritation
  • Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • WADA‑prohibited — not for competitive athletes

References

Fat Oxidation and Weight Loss in Obese Mice (2001)

  • Mice | Mini‑osmotic pumps | 14 days | Significant weight reduction and increased fat oxidation
  • Both hGH and AOD‑9604 reduced weight gain in obese mice and increased in vivo fat oxidation and plasma glycerol. AOD‑9604 did not induce hyperglycemia or lower insulin secretion as full hGH did.
  • Link: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0801740

Beta‑3 Adrenergic Receptor Mechanism Study (2001)

  • Mice & Beta‑3‑AR knockout mice | 14 days | Increased beta‑3‑AR expression, reduced adipose tissue
  • Treatment reduced body weight and adipose tissue while increasing β3‑AR expression. Chronic effects were lost in knockout mice, though acute energy‑expenditure increases persisted.
  • Link: https://doi.org/10.1210/endo.142.12.8522

Oral Administration Effects on Lipid Metabolism (2000)

  • Mice | Oral daily | 30 days | Reduced lipogenesis, increased lipolysis
  • From day 16 onward, treated animals showed significantly less weight gain versus controls, with reduced lipogenic and increased lipolytic activity in adipose tissue; similar effects were seen in isolated human adipose tissue.
  • Link: https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpendo.2000.279.3.E501