AOD-9604 Dosage Guide

Evidence-based fat loss protocols for Advanced Obesity Drug 9604 — fasting-state dosing, reconstitution, stacking with Semaglutide & CJC-1295/Ipamorelin, cycling, and safety.

Compiled by PeptideWiki Editorial Team·Last reviewed February 24, 2026

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Research Peptides

AOD-9604

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What Is AOD-9604?

AOD-9604 (Advanced Obesity Drug, fragment 176–191) is a modified peptide fragment derived from the C-terminal region (amino acids 176–191) of human growth hormone (hGH). A tyrosine residue is added at the C-terminus, which distinguishes it from the unmodified HGH Fragment 176-191 and improves its stability and bioactivity. AOD-9604 was originally developed by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals as a targeted anti-obesity therapy.

AOD-9604's primary mechanism of action centers on fat metabolism. It stimulates lipolysis (the breakdown of stored fat) and inhibits lipogenesis (the formation of new fat) without affecting blood sugar, insulin sensitivity, or IGF-1 levels. This fat-specific action is the key differentiator from full-length hGH, which produces broad metabolic and anabolic effects. Critically, AOD-9604's lipolytic activity is fasting-state dependent — it requires a low insulin environment to function effectively. This guide covers subcutaneous dosing protocols, reconstitution, injection technique, stacking with Semaglutide and CJC-1295/Ipamorelin, cycling, and safety considerations.

Use our Peptide Dosage to calculate your exact dose based on vial size and concentration.

Dosing information in this guide is derived from Phase 2 clinical trial data and community protocols and community protocols.

Fasting is mandatory. AOD-9604 must be injected in a fasted state. Elevated insulin from recent food intake suppresses lipolysis and blocks the peptide's fat-releasing mechanism. Inject first thing in the morning on an empty stomach and wait at least 30–60 minutes before eating.

Key Characteristics:

Modified GH fragment — amino acids 176–191 of human growth hormone with a C-terminal tyrosine modification for improved stability
Fat-specific action — stimulates lipolysis (fat breakdown) and inhibits lipogenesis (fat formation) without affecting muscle, bone, or IGF-1
No IGF-1 elevation — does not increase insulin-like growth factor 1 levels, avoiding the proliferative and metabolic concerns of full-length HGH
No insulin or blood sugar effects — unlike HGH, AOD-9604 does not impair glucose tolerance or increase insulin resistance
Fasting-state dependent — requires a low insulin environment (fasted state) for the lipolytic mechanism to activate — this is the single most important dosing requirement
FDA GRAS status — received Generally Recognized as Safe designation as a food supplement ingredient, though not approved as a pharmaceutical drug

For a complete overview of its mechanism and research, see our full AOD-9604 profile. New to peptides? Start with the Beginner's Guide to Peptides.

How AOD-9604 Dosage Is Determined

AOD-9604 dosing — expressed in micrograms (mcg) per day — is derived from Phase 2 clinical trial data, preclinical research on the GH fragment's lipolytic activity, and community experience. Unlike many research peptides that rely solely on animal dose scaling, AOD-9604 has some human clinical data to inform dosing.

Phase 2 Clinical Trial Data

Metabolic Pharmaceuticals conducted Phase 2 clinical trials evaluating AOD-9604 for obesity treatment. The oral formulation was tested at doses including 300 mcg per day, while subcutaneous injection was evaluated at 250–500 mcg per day. The Phase 2b trial in obese subjects showed a trend toward fat loss at the 1 mg oral dose, though the results did not reach statistical significance for the primary endpoint. SubQ dosing at 250–500 mcg showed more consistent lipolytic activity in earlier studies.

Mechanism-Based Dosing

AOD-9604's lipolytic action is mediated through the beta-3 adrenergic receptor pathway, independent of the GH receptor. The dose required to activate this pathway is relatively modest compared to full-length GH, because the fragment acts directly on adipose tissue without needing to trigger the broader GH signaling cascade. The 200–500 mcg SubQ range provides sufficient receptor activation while maintaining the peptide's favorable safety profile.

Community & Practitioner Consensus

Based on available clinical data and years of community reporting, 300 mcg injected subcutaneously once daily in the morning fasted state has emerged as the standard protocol. Conservative users start at 200 mcg, while more aggressive protocols use up to 500 mcg per day. The fasting requirement is universally emphasized across all dosing protocols.

Strength of evidence: Moderate. AOD-9604 has Phase 2 human clinical trial data (rare for a research peptide), preclinical lipolysis data, and extensive community experience. The Phase 2b trial did not meet its primary endpoint for the oral formulation, but the SubQ data and mechanism of action are well-characterized. The fasting requirement is strongly supported by the underlying pharmacology.

Standard AOD-9604 Dosage Ranges

AOD-9604 is administered by subcutaneous injection, always in a fasted state. Dosing is straightforward — once daily in the morning, before any food. The tables below summarize the most commonly used protocols.

Subcutaneous Injection Protocols

Level	Dose	Frequency	Notes
Conservative	200 mcg	Once daily, fasted	Assess tolerance; suitable for lighter individuals or those new to peptides
Standard	300 mcg	Once daily, fasted	Most common protocol; based on clinical trial dosing and community consensus
Aggressive	500 mcg	Once daily, fasted	Upper end of clinical trial range; used for individuals over 200 lbs or those with significant fat loss goals

Weight-Based Reference

Body Weight	Conservative	Standard	Aggressive
120 lb (55 kg)	200 mcg	250 mcg	300 mcg
150 lb (68 kg)	200 mcg	300 mcg	400 mcg
180 lb (82 kg)	250 mcg	300 mcg	500 mcg
200 lb (91 kg)	300 mcg	400 mcg	500 mcg
220 lb (100 kg)	300 mcg	500 mcg	500 mcg

Dosage Selection: Most users start at 300 mcg once daily. AOD-9604 does not require dose titration the way GH secretagogues do — start at your target dose from day one. The critical factor is not the exact dose but the fasting state: inject on an empty stomach every morning, without exception.

Calculate Your AOD-9604 Dose

AOD-9604 is supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder, typically in 5 mg vials. You reconstitute it with bacteriostatic water, then draw your dose using an insulin syringe. The concentration depends on how much water you add to the vial.

Worked Example:

Vial size: 5 mg (5,000 mcg) of AOD-9604
Bacteriostatic water added: 2 mL
Concentration: 5,000 mcg ÷ 2 mL = 2,500 mcg per mL
Target dose: 300 mcg
Volume to draw: 300 ÷ 2,500 = 0.12 mL = 12 units on an insulin syringe

Quick Reference — 5 mg Vial

Bac Water Added	Concentration	300 mcg Dose	Doses per Vial
1 mL	5,000 mcg/mL	6 units (0.06 mL)	~16 doses
2 mL	2,500 mcg/mL	12 units (0.12 mL)	~16 doses
2.5 mL	2,000 mcg/mL	15 units (0.15 mL)	~16 doses
5 mL	1,000 mcg/mL	30 units (0.30 mL)	~16 doses

Skip the Math — Use Our

Enter your vial size, water volume, and desired dose — get instant calculations with zero manual math.

How to Reconstitute AOD-9604

AOD-9604 comes as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder that must be reconstituted with bacteriostatic water before injection. The process is identical to standard peptide reconstitution — clean technique is essential to maintain sterility and peptide integrity.

Supplies Needed:

AOD-9604 lyophilized vial (typically 5 mg)
Bacteriostatic water (BAC water) — contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol as preservative
Insulin syringes (29–31 gauge, 0.5 mL or 1 mL) for injection
Alcohol swabs (70% isopropyl alcohol)
Clean, flat workspace
Optional: larger syringe (1–3 mL) for drawing bacteriostatic water if using a separate drawing needle

Steps

Wash Hands & Prepare Workspace

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. Lay out supplies on a clean surface: AOD-9604 vial, bacteriostatic water, insulin syringe, and alcohol swabs.

Remove the Vial Caps

Flip off the plastic caps from both the AOD-9604 vial and the bacteriostatic water vial. Swab both rubber stoppers with alcohol pads and let them air-dry for 10–15 seconds.

Draw Bacteriostatic Water

Using a fresh insulin syringe, draw your desired volume of bacteriostatic water. For a 5 mg vial, 2 mL is standard (yields 2,500 mcg per mL).

Add Water to the Peptide Calculator Vial

Insert the needle into the AOD-9604 vial through the rubber stopper. Angle the needle so the water runs down the inside glass wall — never squirt directly onto the powder cake. Release the plunger slowly.

Dissolve Gently

Remove the syringe. Let the vial sit for 1–2 minutes, then gently swirl or roll between your palms until the powder is fully dissolved. The solution should be clear and colorless. Never shake.

Label & Refrigerate

Write the reconstitution date and concentration on the vial. Store refrigerated at 2–8°C. Use within 3–4 weeks.

Storage

Unreconstituted (powder): Store refrigerated (2–8°C) for maximum shelf life; room temperature is acceptable for short periods but reduces potency over time
Reconstituted (in bacteriostatic water): Must be refrigerated at 2–8°C; use within 3–4 weeks
Do not freeze: Freezing reconstituted AOD-9604 can damage the peptide structure through ice crystal formation
Protect from light and heat — keep the vial in its box or wrapped in foil, away from direct sunlight and temperatures above 25°C

For a detailed visual walkthrough, see our Reconstitution Guide.

AOD-9604 Dosage by Goal

While AOD-9604's core mechanism is consistent — lipolysis stimulation and lipogenesis inhibition in adipose tissue — the optimal dosing protocol and cycle duration vary by goal. All protocols require fasted-state injection.

Stubborn Fat Reduction

The primary and most well-supported use case. AOD-9604 targets fat metabolism directly, making it particularly useful for individuals who have reached a plateau with diet and exercise alone. Works best when combined with a moderate caloric deficit and regular physical activity.

Dose: 300 mcg per day (SubQ)
Frequency: Once daily, morning, fasted
Post-injection fast: Wait 30–60 minutes before eating
Duration: 12 weeks on, 4 weeks off
Key requirement: Caloric deficit is essential — AOD-9604 enhances fat release but does not override energy balance

Post-Weight-Loss Maintenance

After achieving target weight through diet, exercise, or GLP-1 agonists, AOD-9604 can support metabolic maintenance by continuing to promote fat oxidation and inhibit new fat storage. Lower doses are used in this context since the goal is prevention rather than active fat loss.

Dose: 200 mcg per day (SubQ)
Frequency: Once daily, morning, fasted
Post-injection fast: Wait 30–60 minutes before eating
Duration: 8–12 weeks as needed; cycle on and off

Joint & Cartilage Support

Emerging research suggests AOD-9604 may have chondroprotective properties, stimulating proteoglycan and collagen synthesis in cartilage tissue. The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration has investigated this application. This use case is less established than fat loss and relies on early-stage data.

Dose: 300–500 mcg per day (SubQ)
Frequency: Once daily
Injection site: Subcutaneous near the affected joint or abdominal
Duration: 8–12 weeks; data is limited, reassess after one cycle

Application Tip: For fat loss goals, the injection itself is less important than what happens around it. The fasted state, the post-injection fast, and a sustained caloric deficit are the three factors that determine whether AOD-9604 produces visible results. The peptide enhances your existing fat loss efforts — it does not replace them.

AOD-9604 Injection Guide

Subcutaneous (SubQ) Injection — Step by Step

Wake Up & Stay Fasted

Inject first thing in the morning before any food, coffee with cream/sugar, or caloric beverages. Black coffee or plain water is fine.

Wash Hands & Prepare Supplies

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. Prepare a clean workspace with your syringe, alcohol swab, and reconstituted AOD-9604 vial from the refrigerator.

Swab the Vial Stopper

Wipe the rubber stopper of the AOD-9604 vial with an alcohol swab. Let it air-dry for 10–15 seconds.

Draw Your Dose

Pull back the plunger to draw air equal to your dose volume. Insert the needle into the vial, push in the air, invert the vial, and slowly draw out your calculated dose. Tap out any air bubbles.

Choose the Injection Site

The lower abdomen is the standard injection site for AOD-9604. Choose a spot 2–3 inches from the navel, alternating sides daily. The abdominal area has consistent subcutaneous fat and is convenient for self-injection.

Clean the Injection Site

Swab the chosen injection site with a fresh alcohol pad. Allow to air-dry completely before injecting.

Inject

Pinch a fold of skin between your thumb and forefinger. Insert the needle at a 45-degree angle into the pinched skin fold. Push the plunger slowly and steadily. Withdraw the needle and apply light pressure with the alcohol swab if needed.

Wait Before Eating

Wait at least 30–60 minutes before consuming any food. This post-injection fast is critical — eating too soon raises insulin and blunts the lipolytic effect.

Dispose Safely

Place the used syringe immediately into a sharps container. Never recap or reuse needles.

Injection Site Rotation

Primary site: Lower abdomen — 2–3 inches from the navel, alternating left and right sides daily
Alternative sites: Upper outer thigh or back of the upper arm (if someone can assist)
Rotate injection sites to avoid localized irritation, bruising, or lipodystrophy from repeated injections in the same spot

Fasting reminder: The fasted state is not optional for AOD-9604. If you forget and eat first, skip the injection and take it the next morning fasted. Injecting in a fed state wastes the peptide — elevated insulin blocks the lipolytic mechanism.

AOD-9604 Cycle Duration & Timing

AOD-9604 is used in defined cycles to allow assessment of results and prevent unnecessary prolonged use. Meaningful body composition changes require consistent daily dosing over several weeks — short cycles of 2–4 weeks are insufficient.

Protocol	Duration	Frequency	Notes
Standard cycle	12 weeks on, 4 weeks off	Once daily, fasted	Most common; allows full evaluation of body composition changes
Extended cycle	16 weeks on, 4–6 weeks off	Once daily, fasted	For individuals with significant fat loss goals; reassess at 12 weeks
Maintenance cycle	8 weeks on, 4 weeks off	Once daily, fasted	Lower dose (200 mcg) for weight maintenance after achieving target

Time of Day

Morning, fasted: The only recommended time. Inject immediately upon waking, before any caloric intake.
Post-injection window: Wait at least 30–60 minutes before eating. Some users extend this to 60–90 minutes for maximum lipolytic effect.
Avoid evening dosing: Most people have eaten within the past few hours by evening, making the insulin environment unfavorable for AOD-9604.
Consistency is key — inject at the same time each morning to maintain a daily routine.

During the off-cycle: Continue your diet and exercise program during the 4–6 week break. The off-cycle is for assessment — evaluate how your body composition has changed and decide whether to continue for another cycle. AOD-9604 does not cause rebound weight gain when discontinued.

AOD-9604 Stacking Protocols

AOD-9604 is frequently combined with other compounds that target fat loss or body composition through different mechanisms. Because AOD-9604 does not affect the GH axis, insulin, or appetite, it pairs well with both GLP-1 agonists and GH secretagogues without overlapping side effects.

AOD-9604 + Semaglutide (Lipolysis + Appetite Suppression)

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that reduces appetite, slows gastric emptying, and improves insulin sensitivity. Combined with AOD-9604's direct fat-metabolizing action, this stack attacks fat loss from two complementary angles: reduced caloric intake (Semaglutide) and enhanced fat mobilization (AOD-9604).

Compound	Dose	Frequency	Purpose
AOD-9604	300 mcg SubQ	Once daily, morning, fasted	Direct lipolysis, lipogenesis inhibition
Semaglutide	0.25–2.4 mg SubQ (titrated)	Once weekly	Appetite suppression, gastric slowing, insulin sensitization

Protocol note: Semaglutide is titrated gradually (starting at 0.25 mg weekly and increasing monthly). AOD-9604 can be started immediately at 300 mcg daily. The two are injected independently — AOD-9604 in the morning fasted, Semaglutide once per week at any time. They do not need to be in the same syringe.

AOD-9604 + CJC-1295/Ipamorelin (Fat Loss + GH Elevation)

Combining AOD-9604 with GH secretagogues like CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin provides fat-specific lipolysis (AOD-9604) alongside broader growth hormone elevation (CJC/Ipa) for improved recovery, sleep quality, and body composition. The GH secretagogues add anabolic and recovery benefits that AOD-9604 does not provide on its own.

Compound	Dose	Frequency	Purpose
AOD-9604	300 mcg SubQ	Once daily, morning, fasted	Fat-specific lipolysis, lipogenesis inhibition
CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin	200–300 mcg each SubQ	Once daily (before bed, fasted 2–3 hours)	GH pulse, IGF-1 elevation, recovery, sleep quality, body composition

AOD-9604 is injected in the morning fasted, while CJC-1295/Ipamorelin is injected before bed on an empty stomach (fasted 2–3 hours) to synergize with the natural nocturnal GH pulse. The two injections are completely independent and do not interact pharmacologically.

Explore more combinations with our Peptide Stack Builder or browse the Top 10 Peptide Stacks guide.

Safety, Side Effects & Contraindications

Safety Profile: AOD-9604 has a favorable safety profile, largely because it does not affect IGF-1, insulin, blood sugar, or the GH receptor signaling pathway. Phase 2 clinical trials did not reveal significant adverse effects. The FDA has granted it GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status as a food supplement ingredient. Side effects are rare and mild.

Common Side Effects

Mild and generally transient (reported by a minority of users):

Injection site irritation — mild redness, soreness, or swelling at the injection site
Mild headache — occasionally reported in the first few days of use
Mild nausea — uncommon, typically transient, and often related to injecting on a completely empty stomach
Flushing or warmth at the injection site — usually resolves within minutes

Rare:

Lightheadedness — typically related to the fasting state rather than the peptide itself
Mild hypoglycemia symptoms — very rare; more likely in individuals who are already in a deep caloric deficit

Key point: AOD-9604's side effect profile is notably mild compared to other fat loss compounds because it does not affect insulin, IGF-1, or systemic GH signaling. Most reported side effects are related to the injection process or the fasting state, not to the peptide's pharmacological action.

Contraindications

Active cancer or history of cancer — while AOD-9604 does not elevate IGF-1, exercise caution with any compound that influences cell metabolism in the context of malignancy.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding — no safety data exists for AOD-9604 during pregnancy or nursing. Avoid use entirely.
Active infections at the injection site — do not inject through infected, inflamed, or broken skin.
Type 1 diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes — while AOD-9604 does not directly affect blood sugar, the required fasting protocol may interfere with glucose management. Consult an endocrinologist.

What AOD-9604 Does NOT Cause

Unlike full-length HGH, AOD-9604 does not produce the following side effects:

IGF-1 elevation or proliferative effects
Insulin resistance or glucose intolerance
Water retention or edema
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Joint pain from GH-related fluid shifts
Acromegaly-like symptoms

Regulatory Status: AOD-9604 has FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status as a food supplement ingredient. It is not FDA-approved as a drug for human use. It is prohibited by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) for competitive athletes. Regulations vary by jurisdiction — verify your local laws before purchasing.

Common AOD-9604 Dosing Mistakes

Avoid these common errors to get the most out of your AOD-9604 protocol:

Injecting after eating or with elevated insulin: AOD-9604 requires a low insulin environment to activate lipolysis. Injecting after a meal or snack blunts or eliminates the fat-releasing effect. Always inject fasted — first thing in the morning before any food.

Expecting results without a caloric deficit: AOD-9604 enhances the release and oxidation of fatty acids, but if you are consuming more calories than you burn, the released fat will simply be re-stored. A moderate caloric deficit is essential for visible fat loss.

Running too short a cycle (2–4 weeks): AOD-9604 works gradually through metabolic pathways. Meaningful body composition changes require 8–12 weeks of consistent daily use. Short cycles do not provide enough time for the lipolytic effects to accumulate.

Confusing AOD-9604 with unmodified HGH Fragment 176-191: AOD-9604 is a modified version of HGH Fragment 176-191 with a tyrosine residue added at the C-terminus. The modification improves stability and bioactivity. They are related but not identical peptides — ensure you are purchasing AOD-9604 specifically.

Eating immediately after injection: Even after injecting fasted, you should wait at least 30–60 minutes before eating. Consuming food too soon raises insulin and disrupts the lipolytic window that AOD-9604 creates.

Injecting in the evening instead of the morning: Morning fasted injection aligns with the body’s natural overnight fasting state and maximizes the low-insulin window. Evening injection is less effective because most people have eaten recently, and post-dinner insulin levels are elevated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways

AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone (amino acids 176–191 + tyrosine) that targets fat metabolism without affecting IGF-1, insulin, or blood sugar
Standard dose: 300 mcg SubQ once daily, fasted — inject first thing in the morning on an empty stomach
Fasting is mandatory: elevated insulin blocks the lipolytic mechanism. Wait 30–60 minutes after injection before eating
Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water — 2 mL per 5 mg vial yields 2,500 mcg/mL; 300 mcg = 12 units on an insulin syringe
Typical cycle: 12 weeks on, 4 weeks off — meaningful body composition changes require 8–12 weeks minimum
A caloric deficit is essential — AOD-9604 enhances fat release but does not override energy balance
Top stacks: AOD-9604 + Semaglutide (lipolysis + appetite suppression), AOD-9604 + CJC-1295/Ipamorelin (fat loss + GH elevation)
Favorable safety profile — no IGF-1 elevation, no insulin resistance, no water retention. FDA GRAS as a food supplement ingredient.
Store reconstituted vials refrigerated at 2–8°C and use within 3–4 weeks
Not the same as HGH Fragment 176–191 — AOD-9604 has a tyrosine modification that improves stability. Ensure you purchase AOD-9604 specifically.

This article is for educational and informational purposes only. See our Disclaimer.

References

Heffernan M, et al. “The effects of human GH and its lipolytic fragment (AOD9604) on lipid metabolism following chronic treatment in obese mice and beta(3)-AR knock-out mice.” Endocrinology. 2001;142(12):5182-5189. PubMed
Stier H, et al. “Safety and tolerability of the hexadecapeptide AOD9604 in humans.” J Endocrinol Invest. 2013;36(3):121-127.
Thomas A, et al. “Determination of growth hormone releasing peptides (GHRP) and their major metabolites in human urine for doping controls by means of liquid chromatography mass spectrometry.” Anal Bioanal Chem.2011;401(2):507-516. PubMed
Metabolic Pharmaceuticals Ltd. “Phase 2b clinical trial results for AOD-9604 in obese subjects.” ASX Announcement. 2007.

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