AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide fragment of human growth hormone (HGH), consisting of amino acids 176–191. It was developed to capture the fat-burning effects of HGH without the risks associated with growth or insulin signaling. Over the years, it has been studied for obesity, metabolic disorders, and fat loss, and it is now used in wellness and performance clinics as a research peptide.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
→ What AOD-9604 is and why it was developed
→ How it works to accelerate fat metabolism
→ Standard dosage protocols from clinical and experimental settings
→ Cycle lengths and best practices
→ Safety and side effects related to dosing
→ Legal considerations for users in different regions
What Is AOD-9604?
AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide fragment of human growth hormone (HGH), composed of amino acids 176–191 at the C-terminal end of the HGH molecule. Researchers discovered that this specific sequence is responsible for much of HGH’s fat-burning activity without its growth-promoting effects.
Why It Was Developed
Developed by (Metabolic Pharmaceuticals Ltd), which is currently undergoing phase II clinical trials. AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide based on a peptide derived from the Cterminus of the human growth hormone (GH).
It's main mechanistic outcomes are
→ Targeted fat loss: Designed to promote lipolysis (fat breakdown) and inhibit lipogenesis (fat formation).
→ Safety advantage: Unlike HGH, AOD-9604 does not significantly impact IGF-1, insulin sensitivity, or blood sugar regulation
→ Therapeutic potential: Initially investigated as an anti-obesity drug, it has since gained attention in the wellness and peptide therapy communities for weight loss and metabolic health.
Halford, Jason CG. "Obesity drugs in clinical development." Current Opinion in Investigational Drugs 7.4 (2006): 312.
How AOD-9604 Works
AOD-9604 was designed to replicate the lipolytic (fat-burning) properties of human growth hormone while removing its growth and insulin-related activity. It acts primarily on fat metabolism pathways, making it highly specific compared to HGH.
Mechanisms of Action
→ Stimulates lipolysis: Enhances the breakdown of stored fat into free fatty acids, which can then be used for energy
→ Inhibits lipogenesis: Suppresses the enzymes responsible for creating new fat tissue, reducing the body’s tendency to store excess energy as fat
→ Promotes fat oxidation: Encourages the body to burn fat as fuel, especially in combination with calorie control and exercise.
→ No IGF-1 or glucose disruption: Unlike HGH, AOD-9604 does not significantly increase IGF-1 or negatively affect insulin sensitivity, making it a safer candidate for metabolic regulation
Benefits of AOD-9604
When dosed consistently, AOD-9604 provides targeted fat-burning and metabolic support without the systemic hormonal risks seen with full-length HGH.
Fat Loss and Body Composition
→ Accelerates fat breakdown: Stimulates lipolysis, helping release stored fatty acids for energy
→ Prevents fat storage: Inhibits lipogenesis, reducing the body’s ability to store new fat
→ Targets abdominal/visceral fat: Clinical data suggests activity in reducing stubborn central fat, which is linked to metabolic risk.
Metabolic Health
→ Neutral on glucose control: Unlike HGH, AOD-9604 does not negatively impact insulin sensitivity or fasting blood glucose.
→ Improves lipid metabolism: Some evidence points to better cholesterol and triglyceride regulation in obese individuals.
Joint and Recovery Benefits
→ Cartilage regeneration: Early data suggests possible joint-protective properties, making it a potential therapeutic candidate for osteoarthritis and cartilage repair
Advantages Over Other Fat-Loss Therapies
→ No IGF-1 elevation: Avoids risks of acromegaly or unwanted tissue growth.
→ Non-stimulant: Suitable for individuals sensitive to caffeine or thermogenics.
→ Safe profile: Clinical trials show AOD-9604 is well tolerated with a side-effect rate similar to placebo.
AOD-9604 Dosage Protocols
AOD-9604 is typically administered via subcutaneous injection, though compounded versions in capsules or troches also exist. In both clinical research and wellness settings, dosing is relatively consistent — low microgram amounts designed for daily use.
Standard Clinical Dosage
→ 200–500 mcg daily, delivered as a subcutaneous injection in the abdominal region.
→ Best administered in the morning, when fat mobilization is naturally higher.
→ Clinical trials investigating obesity used these dosing ranges with favorable safety outcomes
Experimental / Wellness Protocols
→ 250–500 mcg daily, injected once per day, is the most common practice in weight loss clinics and peptide protocols.
→ Some practitioners recommend splitting the dose into two daily injections (AM + PM) to maintain steady exposure.
→ Often paired with diet and exercise regimens for enhanced fat-loss results.
Oral and Troche Forms
→ Available through compounding pharmacies, but bioavailability is less consistent than injections.
→ Most effective results are seen with subcutaneous delivery due to direct absorption.
Cycle Length and Best Practices
Since AOD-9604 is not a growth-promoting hormone and does not elevate IGF-1, its dosing protocols are generally designed for short to moderate cycles rather than continuous long-term use.
Typical Cycle Lengths
→ Weight loss protocols: 4–12 weeks, depending on goals and response.
→ Clinical trial durations: Most obesity studies used daily dosing for 12 weeks
→ Wellness clinic use: Often structured in 8-week cycles, followed by reassessment before continuing.
Best Practices
→ Consistency matters: AOD-9604 is most effective when dosed daily without skipping, as its effects are gradual.
→ Stacking considerations: Can be combined with lifestyle interventions (calorie deficit, exercise) and, in some protocols, with other peptides such as CJC-1295/Ipamorelin for enhanced metabolic impact.
→ Injection site rotation: Rotate subcutaneous injection sites to reduce irritation.
→ Timing: Morning injections are preferred, aligning with natural circadian fat metabolism.
Practical Takeaway
AOD-9604 should be approached as a supportive therapy — not a standalone fat-loss solution. Its best outcomes are achieved when paired with nutrition, training, and consistent cycle management
AOD-9604 Dosing and Cycling Overview
| Use Case | Dosage Range | Frequency | Cycle Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical (obesity trials) | 200–500 mcg | 1× daily (subQ) | 12 weeks | Trials showed good tolerability and placebo-like side effect profile |
| Wellness / weight loss clinics | 250–500 mcg | 1× daily (AM) or split AM+PM | 8–12 weeks | Often combined with diet + exercise; reassess after cycle. |
| Athletic / performance cutting | 300–500 mcg | 1× daily (subQ) | 4–8 weeks | Sometimes stacked with CJC-1295/Ipamorelin, SARMs, or fat burners. |
| Joint/cartilage repair protocols | 200–300 mcg | 1× daily (subQ) | 4–6 weeks | Investigated for cartilage regeneration; often paired with BPC-157 or TB-500. |
| Repeat cycles | — | — | After 2–4 week break | Prevents diminishing returns and allows reassessment of results. |
⚡ This table makes it clear that AOD-9604 is dose-consistent across contexts (200–500 mcg), but cycle length and goals determine how it’s applied.
Loss, How Peptides Facilitate Weight. "Lose Weight with Peptides: A Simple Guide Lose Weight with Peptides: A Simple Guide."
Stacking AOD-9604 with Other Compounds
While AOD-9604 can be run solo for fat loss support, many protocols incorporate it into stacking strategies with other peptides or performance enhancers to maximize results.
Common Peptide Stacks
→ AOD-9604 + CJC-1295/Ipamorelin:
Combining AOD-9604 with growth hormone secretagogues enhances overall fat metabolism. CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin stimulate endogenous HGH release, while AOD-9604 targets fat directly without affecting IGF-1. This dual action can accelerate fat loss and body recomposition.
→ AOD-9604 + BPC-157 or TB-500:
For individuals prioritizing recovery and joint health alongside fat loss, AOD-9604 may be paired with healing peptides. This is particularly useful for athletes cutting weight while managing training injuries.
With Anabolic Steroids or SARMs
→ Cutting cycles: AOD-9604 is sometimes added to anabolic or SARM-based cutting protocols (e.g., Anavar, Winstrol, or Cardarine). It provides additional fat metabolism support without adding hormonal burden.
With Lifestyle and Supplements
→ Works best alongside a calorie-controlled diet, resistance training, and cardiovascular exercise.
→ Can be combined with non-stimulant fat burners (like L-carnitine) or mild thermogenics to enhance metabolic effects.
Key Takeaway
AOD-9604 stacks well with other fat loss and recovery tools, but should be used strategically — it’s most effective as a supportive compound rather than the centerpiece of a cycle.
Side Effects of AOD-9604
Clinical studies and wellness use suggest AOD-9604 has a strong safety profile, especially when compared to HGH or stimulant-based fat burners. Most side effects are mild, localized, and transient.
Commonly Reported
→ Injection site irritation: Redness, swelling, or itching at the subcutaneous injection site is the most frequent issue.
→ Headache or fatigue: Occasionally reported, usually resolving without intervention.
Less Common / Possible Effects
→ Digestive upset (oral/troche forms): Some compounded non-injectable versions may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort.
→ Allergic reactions: Rare, but possible with any peptide.
Key Safety Differentiators
→ No IGF-1 elevation: AOD-9604 does not stimulate IGF-1, meaning it avoids risks such as organ/tissue overgrowth or acromegaly
→ No glucose disruption: Clinical data shows it does not impair insulin sensitivity or worsen blood sugar regulation
→ Comparable to placebo: In obesity trials, the incidence of adverse effects was similar to placebo groups, underscoring its tolerability
Legal Status of AOD-9604
→ United States: AOD-9604 is not FDA-approved as a drug, dietary supplement, or weight loss therapy. It is available only through research chemical suppliers and some compounding pharmacies, where it is often labeled “not for human use” to comply with regulations
→ Australia: Classified as a Schedule 4 prescription-only medicine, meaning it can only be legally obtained with a doctor’s prescription.
→ European Union & UK: AOD-9604 has no medical approval. Importation and distribution are generally restricted unless clearly labeled for laboratory or research purposes.
→ Sports and WADA compliance: AOD-9604 is explicitly included on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List, making it banned in all competitive sports regardless of dosage or route of administration
Thevis, Mario, and Wilhelm Schänzer. "Analytical approaches for the detection of emerging therapeutics and non-approved drugs in human doping controls." Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis 101 (2014): 66-83.
Conclusion On AOD-9604 Dosage
AOD-9604 is a specialized HGH fragment designed to deliver fat-burning effects without the risks of growth hormone therapy. At standard dosing ranges of 200–500 mcg daily, it supports lipolysis, fat oxidation, and reduced fat storage, while avoiding increases in IGF-1 or negative impacts on glucose metabolism.
Cycle lengths typically run 4–12 weeks, depending on goals:
→ 4–8 weeks for performance and cutting phases.
→ 8–12 weeks for wellness and clinical-style fat loss.
→ 4–6 weeks for joint/cartilage support protocols.
Best results come when AOD-9604 is combined with diet, exercise, and stacking strategies such as CJC-1295/Ipamorelin or recovery peptides like BPC-157. Its side effect profile is generally mild, with most users reporting only injection site irritation or fatigue.
Legally, AOD-9604 remains unapproved by the FDA and is banned in competitive sports under WADA guidelines, though it is available via compounding pharmacies and research suppliers.
Bottom line: AOD-9604 offers a targeted, non-stimulant approach to fat loss and metabolic support — best suited as a supportive therapy, not a standalone solution.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. AOD-9604 is not approved by the FDA for fat loss or therapeutic use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or combining any supplement, peptide, or medication.
AOD-9604 Dosage Guide — FAQ
How do you take AOD-9604?
The most common method is subcutaneous injection, typically into the abdominal region. Standard dosing ranges from 200–500 mcg once daily, though some protocols split the dose AM and PM for steady exposure
How long should an AOD-9604 cycle last?
Typical cycles run 4–12 weeks, depending on goals. Performance athletes often use 4–8 weeks for cutting, while wellness protocols last 8–12 weeks. Clinical trials for obesity tested 12-week cycles.
Do you need to cycle off AOD-9604?
Yes. Most protocols recommend a 2–4 week break after a cycle to reassess progress and prevent diminishing returns.
Can you stack AOD-9604 with other peptides?
Yes. Common stacks include:
→ CJC-1295/Ipamorelin for synergistic fat metabolism.
→ BPC-157 or TB-500 for joint and tissue repair.
→ Anavar or SARMs (cutting cycles) for physique enhancement.
What are the main side effects?
Side effects are generally mild — most often injection site irritation, fatigue, or headache. Unlike HGH, AOD-9604 does not significantly affect IGF-1 or blood sugar (
Is AOD-9604 legal?
→ United States: Not FDA-approved; available via research suppliers and some compounding pharmacies.
→ Australia: Schedule 4 prescription-only medicine
→ Sports: Explicitly banned by WADA in competitive athletics
