AOD-9604
AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide fragment of human growth hormone (residues 176-191) studied for fat loss while isolating GH's lipolytic activity; research protocols typically use 200 mcg subcutaneously once daily.
Best for
It has been studied primarily for fat loss and obesity, and explored in research for metabolic and cartilage/joint-related applications.
What to expect
Plasma clearance is rapid (minutes), but research describes metabolic effects on fat and body weight developing gradually over weeks of repeated administration rather than acutely.
Pairs with
In research contexts it is commonly discussed alongside GH-secretagogues such as CJC-1295/ipamorelin or tesamorelin and metabolic/recovery peptides like BPC-157, though stacking is not clinically validated.
In research it is typically reconstituted and given subcutaneously, often once daily, with reported research dosing in the low-microgram-per-kg to roughly 300-500 mcg fixed-dose range.
- How often
- Daily
- When
- Morning, fasted
- Route
- Subcutaneous
- Vial & water
- 10 mg vial in 3 mL = 3.33 mg/mL · 200 mcg = 6 units on a U-100 syringe
- Cycle
- 8–12 wk on, then break
The same numbers the goodtides app and the Dose Calc use — a research reference, not a prescription. Responses are individual; research protocols start at the low end.
AOD-9604 is a synthetic 16-amino-acid peptide corresponding to the C-terminal lipolytic domain (residues 176-191) of human growth hormone, with an added N-terminal tyrosine. It was engineered to isolate hGH's fat-metabolizing activity while avoiding the receptor signaling that drives growth and glucose effects.
AOD-9604 is not FDA-approved as a drug; Phase 2 obesity trials did not meet their primary weight-loss endpoint despite a clean safety profile, and it is handled as a research compound.
Research suggests it stimulates lipolysis (breakdown of stored triglycerides) and inhibits lipogenesis in adipocytes, and notably it has been studied to not bind the growth hormone receptor or raise serum IGF-1, distinguishing it from intact hGH. Animal studies originally implicated beta-3-adrenergic signaling, but work in beta-3-AR knockout mice showed fat-mass effects persisted, indicating a largely receptor-independent pathway that remains incompletely characterized.
- Half-life
- ~ a few minutes plasma (rapid clearance)
- Peak
- Rapid plasma peak post-SC; metabolic effects accrue over weeks
- Absorption
- Subcutaneous in research use; oral forms studied but low systemic exposure
- Bioavailability
- Low oral bioavailability; SC used in most research
References3
- Heffernan MA et al. The effects of human GH and its lipolytic fragment (AOD9604) on lipid metabolism in obese mice and beta3-AR knock-out mice. Endocrinology.
- Stier H et al. Safety and Tolerability of the Hexadecapeptide AOD9604 in Humans. Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism.
- PubChem Compound Summary: AOD-9604 (CID 71300630).
Log every dose, count every vial, and verify your batches — free in the goodtides app.
This page is educational reference material about compounds studied in research settings. It is not medical advice, and nothing here is a recommendation to buy, possess, or use any compound. Research findings described are from published literature; individual compounds may not be approved for human use. Talk to a licensed clinician about anything that affects your health.