AOD-9604
Dosage Protocol
AOD-9604 (Advanced Obesity Drug 9604) is a synthetic analog of the C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone, specifically amino acids 176–191. It was developed to capture the lipolytic properties of GH without the anabolic and diabetogenic effects. It stimulates fat breakdown and inhibits fat formation without raising IGF-1 or blood glucose.
What is AOD-9604?
AOD-9604 is the hGH fragment 176-191 — the specific region of the GH molecule responsible for fat metabolism regulation. By isolating this fragment, researchers eliminated the muscle-building and insulin-antagonizing effects of full GH while preserving its lipolytic actions. AOD-9604 activates β3-adrenergic receptors in adipose tissue to stimulate lipolysis.
Phase 2 clinical trials for obesity demonstrated significant visceral fat reduction with daily AOD-9604 administration. Importantly, it does not stimulate IGF-1 production, does not cause insulin resistance, and does not elevate blood glucose — key safety advantages over full GH administration for metabolic research. It is administered fasted in the morning to maximize lipolytic effect.
Dosing Schedule
Parameters documented in published preclinical and clinical research.
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start | 300 mcg | Once daily (fasted) | Weeks 1–4 | Morning SubQ on empty stomach. Can also be administered intranasally. |
| Working dose | 300–500 mcg | Once daily (fasted) | Weeks 4–16 | Wait 30–60 min after injection before eating for best effect. |
| Advanced | 500–1000 mcg | Once daily | Per protocol | Higher doses used in some trials — diminishing returns reported above 500 mcg. |
| Off cycle | — | — | 4–8 weeks | Cycle off to reassess metabolic response. |
Safety & Side Effects
Academic References
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[1]
Heffernan M, et al. (2001). The effects of human GH and its lipolytic fragment (AOD9604) on lipid metabolism following chronic treatment in obese mice. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 184(1-2):137–46. PubMed ↗
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[2]
Ng FM, et al. (2000). Metabolic studies of a synthetic lipolytic domain (AOD9604) of human growth hormone. Horm Res. 53(6):274–8. PubMed ↗
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[3]
Heffernan MA, et al. (2000). Increase of fat oxidation and weight loss in obese mice caused by chronic treatment with human growth hormone fragment 176-191. Int J Obes. 25(10):1442–9. PubMed ↗
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[4]
Stier H, et al. (2013). Safety and tolerability of the GH fragment AOD9604 in healthy adults. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 40(5):352–6. PubMed ↗