AOD-9604 Dosage Protocol
AOD-9604 is a synthetic analog of the C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone (residues 176–191). It retains GH lipolytic activity without the broader anabolic or insulin-resistance effects of full-length GH.
⚡ Quickstart Highlights
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
Route: Subcutaneous | Frequency: Once daily | Half-life: ~30 minutes
Standard Approach (3 mL = 3.33 mg/mL)
Reconstituting with 3 mL bacteriostatic water produces a concentration of 3.33 mg/mL. Volume per dose changes with concentration; mg dose itself does not change between vial sizes.
| Phase / Protocol | Dose | U-100 Units | Volume | Doses per vial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–4 (titration) | 300 mcg | 9 units | 0.090 mL | 33 doses |
| Weeks 5–12 (target) | 500 mcg | 15 units | 0.15 mL | 20 doses |
Reconstitution Steps
- Wipe the vial stopper and BAC water vial with alcohol; let dry.
- Draw 3 mL of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the inside glass wall of the peptide vial. Do not aim at the powder.
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved. Do not shake.
- Label with reconstitution date. Refrigerate at 2–8°C; use within 30 days.
Supplies Needed
Estimates for an 8-week and 12-week cycle at 500 mcg per dose, once daily (7 doses/week).
| Item | 8-Week Cycle | 12-Week Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| AOD-9604 () vials | 3 vials | 5 vials |
| Insulin syringes (U-100) | 56 | 84 |
| Bacteriostatic water (10 mL) | 1 × 10 mL | 2 × 10 mL |
| Alcohol swabs | 1 × 100-pack | 2 × 100-pack |
Protocol Overview
AOD-9604 is daily-use rather than weekly-dose like the GLP-1 class. The half-life is ~30 minutes — only the lipolytic effect persists beyond that window, sustained by post-injection elevation of fatty-acid oxidation enzymes.
Cycles typically run 8–12 weeks at the standard 500 mcg daily dose, with the most-cited protocols using morning fasted dosing to align with the natural lipolytic window.
Dosing Protocol
Daily protocol options:
- Light (250 mcg/day): Conservative starting dose for tolerability assessment.
- Standard (500 mcg/day): Most-cited research dose. Morning fasted dosing typical.
- Higher (1000 mcg/day): Used in some Phase 2 trials. May produce more aggressive lipolytic effect.
Cycle structure: 8–12 weeks daily, then 4-week break. Effects compound across the cycle as fatty-acid oxidation enzymes upregulate.
Timing: Pre-fasted morning injection followed by 30–60 min of light cardio amplifies the lipolytic window. Some protocols use an additional pre-workout dose.
Storage Instructions
| State | Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Lyophilized | −20°C (−4°F) | Up to 24 months, dry & dark |
| Reconstituted | 2–8°C (35–46°F) | Up to 30 days, protect from light |
Important Notes
How This Works
AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide corresponding to the C-terminal 16 amino acids of human GH (residues 176–191) with an added N-terminal tyrosine. This region is responsible for GH's lipolytic effects but is structurally distinct from regions responsible for IGF-1-mediated growth or insulin-resistance effects.
It stimulates lipolysis in adipocytes via beta-3 adrenergic-like signaling and inhibits lipogenesis. Crucially, AOD-9604 does not bind the GH receptor or stimulate IGF-1, so it lacks the joint pain, edema, glucose intolerance, or anabolic effects of full-length GH.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits
- Selective lipolytic action without IGF-1 elevation or insulin-resistance.
- Modest body-fat reduction in Phase 2 obesity trials.
- Inhibits lipogenesis (new fat storage).
- Cartilage-supportive effects in some osteoarthritis models.
Side Effect Profile
- Generally well-tolerated.
- Mild injection-site reactions possible.
- No significant changes in IGF-1, glucose, or insulin in trials.
Lifestyle Factors
- Best paired with caloric deficit and resistance training for fat-loss outcomes.
- Morning fasted dosing maximizes the lipolytic window.
- Aerobic exercise after dosing may amplify lipolytic effect.
Injection Technique
- Subcutaneous injection — abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate sites daily.
- 90° angle with short insulin needle. Room-temp solution.