AOD-9604
EXTENSIVELY STUDIEDAdvanced Obesity Drug | Modified hGH fragment 176-191
By the INFOPEPTIDOS editorial team · content based on scientific literature.
Updated: August 2026.
Key points
- What it is: fragment of human growth hormone (hGH 176-191).
- Main use: fat loss, with no effect on growth or glucose.
- Typical dose: 250–500 mcg per day, subcutaneous injection.
- Key result: stimulates lipolysis (fat burning) without the systemic actions of GH.
- Common effects: minimal; occasional mild reaction at the injection site.
- Comparison: GH fragment focused only on fat burning.
- Status: not FDA-approved.
Technical data: Molecular formula C78H123N23O23S2 · Molecular weight 1815.1 g/mol. Source: PubChem.
Overview
What is AOD-9604?
AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone (hGH amino acids 176-191) researched mainly for fat loss. It stimulates lipolysis and inhibits lipogenesis through beta-3 adrenergic receptor upregulation, without the growth-promoting effects of full hGH. It is not FDA-approved and is banned by WADA.
Key benefits
Stimulates fat loss through lipolysis without growth hormone side effects. It does not raise IGF-1, affect glucose metabolism or cause insulin resistance. It also shows promise for cartilage repair.
Mechanism of action
AOD-9604 acts through a dual mechanism: acutely it stimulates lipolysis and energy expenditure; chronically it upregulates beta-3 adrenergic receptor expression in adipose tissue to sustain fat oxidation. Importantly, it does not bind the GH receptor, does not raise IGF-1 and does not cause hyperglycemia or cell proliferation.
Quick start guide
Dosing protocol
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 250–500 mcg | 1 time/day (fasting) | 8–12 weeks |
Subcutaneous route. The specific dose must be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Reconstitution: units in the syringe
Example with a 5 mg vial + 2 ml of bacteriostatic water → a 2.5 mg/ml solution. On a U-100 insulin syringe (100 units = 1 ml):
| Dose | Volume | Units (U-100) |
|---|---|---|
| 250 mcg | 0.10 ml | 10 U |
| 500 mcg | 0.20 ml | 20 U |
Is your vial or water different? Calculate the exact units below.
🧮 Calculate your exact syringe dose →⚠️ Who should NOT use it
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Always under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
What to expect
- Week 1-2: minimal noticeable effects; the compound builds up in the body.
- Week 3-4: possible subtle changes in body composition.
- Week 5-8: more noticeable fat loss, especially with diet and exercise.
- Week 8-12: continued fat reduction and better body composition.
- Side effects: generally well tolerated, possible mild injection-site reactions.
Side effects & safety
- Excellent safety in 6 randomized controlled trials (~900 participants): zero serious adverse events, profile indistinguishable from placebo.
- 158,989 US compounding prescriptions filled with no adverse-event reports in the FDA FAERS system (as of 2024).
- It does not affect blood glucose, insulin or IGF-1: a safer metabolic profile than full hGH.
- No anti-AOD-9604 antibodies were detected in any trial participant.
- May cause mild injection-site reactions.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Banned by WADA: prohibited at all times under category S.0.
- Long-term safety beyond 24 weeks has not been studied.
- In December 2024 the FDA recommended against its inclusion on the 503A bulks list over immunogenicity concerns.
- Allergic reaction: rash, itching or swelling.
- Intense or persistent injection-site reactions.
- Extreme fatigue or persistent malaise.
- Any new or unusual symptom that worries you.
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
Frequently asked questions
What is AOD-9604?
AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone (amino acids 176-191) researched mainly for fat loss.
What is AOD-9604 researched for?
It is studied to promote fat loss through lipolysis, without the growth-promoting effects of full hGH.
How does AOD-9604 work?
It stimulates lipolysis and inhibits lipogenesis through beta-3 adrenergic receptor upregulation, without raising IGF-1 or affecting glucose.
How long does AOD-9604 take to work?
In published protocols, fat loss is usually seen from 4-8 weeks.
What is the usual AOD-9604 dose?
Most commonly 250-500 mcg per day. The schedule should be assessed by a professional.
How is AOD-9604 administered?
Subcutaneously (abdomen or thigh), although the oral route was used in clinical trials.
How is AOD-9604 stored?
The powder at room temperature or freezer and, reconstituted, refrigerated. See the storage guide.
What are the side effects of AOD-9604?
In trials it was described as very well tolerated, with possible mild injection-site reactions. It does not affect glucose or IGF-1.
Which peptides is AOD-9604 combined with?
It is usually paired with other peptides aimed at fat loss or the growth hormone axis, depending on the goal.
Is AOD-9604 approved?
It is not FDA-approved and is banned by WADA. In Australia it has been approved as iTRAM for knee osteoarthritis.
What is the difference between AOD-9604 and full growth hormone?
AOD-9604 keeps the effect on fat but does not raise IGF-1 or cause hyperglycemia or cell proliferation.
Research areas
- Fat loss
- Lipid metabolism
- Cartilage repair
- Body composition
- Metabolic health
Related peptides
- Semaglutide — GLP-1 receptor agonist for weight and diabetes.
- Tirzepatide — Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist for weight and diabetes.
- Tesamorelin — GHRH analog researched for visceral fat.
Related articles
Related topics
- AOD-9604 for fat loss
- AOD-9604 dose
- AOD-9604 side effects
- AOD-9604 and metabolism
- AOD-9604 vs growth hormone
- AOD-9604 and body composition
Summary
What it is: Modified fragment of growth hormone (176-191).
How it is researched: 250-500 mcg per day; subcutaneous or oral.
Key features: Promotes lipolysis without raising IGF-1. Not FDA-approved and banned by WADA.
Related peptides: Semaglutide, Tirzepatide and Tesamorelin.
References
- Wilding J (2004). AOD-9604 Metabolic. Curr Opin Investig Drugs. PubMed
- Rahman OF et al. (2026). Therapeutic Peptides in Orthopaedics: Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions. J Am Acad Orthop Surg Glob Res Rev. PubMed · DOI
- Mendias CL et al. (2026). Safety and Efficacy of Approved and Unapproved Peptide Therapies for Musculoskeletal Injuries and Athletic Performance. Sports Med. PubMed · DOI
- Orlovius AK et al. (2013). AOD-9604 does not influence the WADA hGH isoform immunoassay. Drug Test Anal. PubMed · DOI
Studies compiled from PubMed for informational purposes; many are preclinical or research-stage and do not constitute medical advice.