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The Peptide Effect
Dosage Guide

AOD-9604 Dosage Guide: Fat Loss Protocol

Educational reference for AOD-9604 (hGH fragment 176-191) dosage protocols discussed in research literature. Covers subcutaneous injection and oral administration approaches for fat loss.

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Medical Disclaimer

This guide is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Dosages described reflect ranges discussed in published research and clinical practice literature — they are not recommendations. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before using any peptide. Legality and availability vary by jurisdiction.

Overview

AOD-9604 is a synthetic modified fragment of human growth hormone encompassing amino acids 176-191, originally developed as an anti-obesity agent by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals. Unlike full-length hGH, AOD-9604 stimulates lipolysis and inhibits lipogenesis without elevating IGF-1 levels or affecting blood glucose and insulin sensitivity. The peptide interacts with the beta-3 adrenergic receptor pathway in adipose tissue, selectively targeting fat metabolism while avoiding the growth-promoting and diabetogenic effects associated with exogenous growth hormone. Phase 2 clinical trials demonstrated a favorable safety profile, though weight loss results were modest by pharmaceutical standards. It remains one of the most widely discussed peptides in fat-loss research contexts due to its targeted mechanism and tolerability profile.

Dosing Protocols

Standard Fat Loss Protocol

Route: Subcutaneous injection
Dose: 300 mcg
Frequency: Once daily
Duration: 12–20 weeks

Administered in the morning on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before food. Injection into abdominal subcutaneous fat is commonly discussed in research literature. For educational reference only — not a medical recommendation.

Higher Dose Protocol

Route: Subcutaneous injection
Dose: 500 mcg
Frequency: Once daily
Duration: 8–12 weeks

A higher dose discussed in some research contexts. Some protocols describe starting at 500 mcg for 1–2 weeks before reducing to 300 mcg maintenance. Limited clinical evidence supports the higher dose over the standard 300 mcg.

Oral Administration Protocol

Route: Oral
Dose: 600–1200 mcg
Frequency: Once daily
Duration: 12–24 weeks

Higher oral doses are discussed due to reduced bioavailability compared to subcutaneous injection. Phase 2b clinical trials used oral dosing. Taken on an empty stomach. Bioavailability is significantly lower than injectable routes.

Reconstitution & Storage

Vial sizes5 mg lyophilized powder
Recommended water volume2 mL bacteriostatic water (BAC water)
StorageRefrigerate at 2–8°C after reconstitution. Do not freeze.
Stability once reconstitutedUse within 30 days of reconstitution when stored properly.

Use our reconstitution calculator to determine exact syringe units for your dose.

Cycle Guidance

Protocols discussed in research literature typically describe cycles of 12–20 weeks followed by a break of at least 4–8 weeks. AOD-9604 does not suppress natural growth hormone production, so the rationale for cycling is primarily to assess individual response and prevent receptor desensitization rather than to allow hormonal recovery. Some research contexts discuss continuous use for longer periods given the peptide's favorable safety profile in clinical trials.

Stacking Considerations

  • Discussed alongside CJC-1295/Ipamorelin in some research protocols for complementary GH-axis stimulation and fat metabolism support.
  • BPC-157 is sometimes referenced in combination protocols for its reported anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Unlike GLP-1 receptor agonists (tirzepatide, semaglutide), AOD-9604 does not affect appetite — it targets fat metabolism directly, so it may be discussed as a complement rather than replacement.
  • No clinical trial data exists for peptide combination protocols — stacking information is derived from research community discussions and should not be considered validated.

Potential Side Effects

  • Injection site reactions (redness, swelling, mild discomfort) — reported as the most common adverse effect in clinical trials
  • Headache — reported in a small percentage of trial participants
  • Mild fluid retention — occasionally reported, typically transient
  • Nausea — infrequent, more commonly associated with oral dosing
  • Limited long-term safety data due to clinical development being discontinued after phase 2

Contraindications & Cautions

  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding — no safety data exists for these populations
  • Active malignancy — although AOD-9604 does not elevate IGF-1, caution is warranted with any growth-hormone-related peptide in the context of cancer
  • Known hypersensitivity to growth hormone fragments or any component of the formulation
  • Prohibited by WADA — not suitable for competitive athletes subject to anti-doping testing
  • Children and adolescents — no pediatric safety data available

Related

AOD-9604 Profilefat lossweight losstirzepatide dosagesemaglutide dosagemk-677 dosage

References

  1. A synthetic fragment of human growth hormone (AOD9604) that reduces body fat in obese Zucker rats (2001) — PubMed
  2. Effects of a synthetic lipolytic fragment of human growth hormone on lipid metabolism in mice (2011) — PubMed
  3. AOD9604, a novel lipolytic peptide: safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics in healthy subjects (2003) — PubMed
  4. Metabolic effects of a synthetic lipolytic domain (AOD9604) of human growth hormone (2000) — PubMed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most commonly discussed AOD-9604 dosage for fat loss?
The most frequently referenced dosage in research literature is 300 mcg administered via subcutaneous injection once daily, typically in the morning on an empty stomach. This dose is derived from the ranges explored in clinical trials. Some protocols describe doses up to 500 mcg daily, though evidence for superior efficacy at higher doses is limited.
Does AOD-9604 need to be injected or can it be taken orally?
AOD-9604 has been studied via both subcutaneous injection and oral administration. The phase 2b clinical trial used oral dosing at 1 mg daily. However, oral bioavailability is significantly lower than injectable routes, which is why oral doses discussed in research are typically 2–4 times higher than injectable doses. Subcutaneous injection is the more commonly referenced route in research contexts.
How long does it take to see results with AOD-9604?
Research literature and anecdotal reports generally describe noticeable changes in body composition after 4–8 weeks of consistent use. AOD-9604 does not produce rapid weight loss — its mechanism targets fat metabolism gradually. Clinical trial endpoints were assessed at 12 weeks. Individual response varies based on factors including diet, exercise, baseline body composition, and metabolic health.
Does AOD-9604 affect growth hormone levels or IGF-1?
No. One of the defining characteristics of AOD-9604 is that it does not affect circulating levels of growth hormone, IGF-1, insulin, or blood glucose. This was demonstrated in clinical trials and is a key differentiator from full-length hGH therapy. The peptide selectively activates the lipolytic pathway without triggering the growth-promoting or metabolic effects of complete growth hormone.
Should AOD-9604 be taken on an empty stomach?
Yes — research protocols consistently describe administration on an empty stomach, typically first thing in the morning at least 30 minutes before eating. Food intake, particularly fats and proteins, may interfere with peptide absorption and bioactivity. This timing also aligns with the natural circadian pattern of growth hormone secretion and fasting-state fat metabolism.
Is AOD-9604 the same as hGH fragment 176-191?
They are closely related but not identical. AOD-9604 is a modified version of hGH fragment 176-191 with an additional tyrosine residue at the N-terminus, making it Tyr-hGH(177-191). This modification was designed to improve stability and bioactivity. Some sources use the terms interchangeably, but AOD-9604 specifically refers to the tyrosine-modified variant used in clinical trials by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals.