peptideInjectableNot FDA-approvedResearch chemicalDevelopment for obesity was discontinued after trials failed to show benefit
AOD-9604Benefits, Dosage & Interactions
AOD-9604 is a synthetic modified peptide fragment of human growth hormone (hGH) corresponding to amino acids 177-191. It was developed to mimic the fat-reducing effects of hGH without stimulating growth hormone receptors responsible for growth and insulin resistance, effects seen with intact hGH.
Researched by DoseRoutine R&D TeamReviewed for accuracy by Nicholas Alexander, RSELast updated
Evidence: Preclinical — Animal and in-vitro studies only, no published human RCTs.
Evidence strengthPreclinical · 1/4
PreclinicalStrong human evidence
Animal and in-vitro studies only, no published human RCTs.
Plasma half-life
~0.5 h (human, secondary source — not label-verified)
Typical timing
morning
Food rule
empty stomach
Default unit
mcg
What published protocols report
Ranges documented in the literature, shown for reference. DoseRoutine does not recommend an amount — your prescriber or the product label sets the dose.
Reported for AOD-9604 in the cited sources. Published ranges are not dosing advice.
References & evidence
Documents the AOD-9604 entry is written from. Each number matches an inline marker above.
- [1]Metabolic studies of a synthetic lipolytic domain (AOD9604) of human growth hormoneNg FM, Sun J, Sharma L, et al. · Hormone Research · 2000 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 11146367
- [2]AOD-9604 MetabolicWilding J · Current Opinion in Investigational Drugs · 2004 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 15134286
How to track AOD-9604 doses
AOD-9604 is tracked as a protocol rather than a single reminder: a vial with a concentration, a schedule that may be titrated or cycled, and a rotation of injection sites. Here is the record that keeps all three consistent.
- 1
Record the vial and concentration
Log the vial strength and the volume of bacteriostatic water you added so AOD-9604 is stored as a concentration rather than a guess. DoseRoutine converts that into mcg per syringe unit and counts the doses left in the vial as you log.
- 2
Set the schedule, not just a reminder
Enter the dose in mcg and the frequency (typical timing: morning). Cycled protocols get a start and end date so the history stays accurate when AOD-9604 comes out of the routine.
- 3
Rotate and log the injection site
Pick the site at the moment you log the dose. The site map shows what you used last and how recently, which is the part that drifts fastest when two compounds run on different frequencies.
- 4
Log adherence, not intentions
Mark each dose taken, skipped or delayed as it happens. Weeks of honest logs are what make an adherence rate or a trend line meaningful; retrospective guessing is not.
- 5
Review against outcomes
Review AOD-9604 alongside your logged metrics and any relevant blood work every few weeks before changing the dose, so the change is a response to data rather than to a good or bad day.
What to log each time
- Dose in mcg and the syringe units it worked out to
- Vial: reconstitution date, concentration, doses remaining
- Injection site and time
- Any side effects in the 24 h after the dose
References & Evidence
Sources on this page that document AOD-9604 dosing, timing and safety.
- [1]National Center for Biotechnology Information View source
Educational information only — not medical advice. Dose ranges vary by person, indication and prescriber.
What is AOD-9604 studied for?
What is AOD-9604?Sources for this section: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
AOD-9604 is a synthetic modified peptide fragment of human growth hormone (hGH) corresponding to amino acids 177-191. It was developed to mimic the fat-reducing effects of hGH without stimulating growth hormone receptors responsible for growth and insulin resistance, effects seen with intact hGH. Its primary area of investigation has been its potential role in fat metabolism and weight management (Source: PubChem, DrugBank). Early research focused on its ability to stimulate lipolysis (fat breakdown) and inhibit lipogenesis (fat accumulation) without impacting blood sugar levels or tissue growth. AOD-9604 is typically administered via injection and has a relatively short half-life.
What does the research say about AOD-9604?
Tap a section to expand.
AOD-9604's mechanism of action is thought to involve its interaction with specific receptors on adipocytes (fat cells). As a C-terminal fragment of hGH, it is designed to retain the fat-mobilizing properties attributed to the full growth hormone molecule, while lacking the amino acid sequence responsible for other growth-promoting effects. Specifically, AOD-9604 is believed to stimulate the release of fat from adipose tissue and inhibit the activity of enzymes involved in fat synthesis, such as acetyl-CoA carboxylase. It is hypothesized to preferentially target fat cells, leading to a reduction in adipose tissue without affecting other physiological processes regulated by the full growth hormone molecule (Source: PubChem, unverified research studies cited by third parties). It does not appear to act via the IGF-1 pathway, which is distinct from full hGH.
Source for this section: Sources for How does AOD-9604 work?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
The primary potential benefit of AOD-9604 that has been investigated is its role in weight management and fat reduction. Research, predominantly in animal models and some early human trials, has explored its capacity to:
* **Reduce Adipose Tissue:** Studies have indicated a potential for AOD-9604 to decrease body fat, particularly in abdominal regions, without affecting lean body mass (Source: Clinical trial registries, some animal studies).
* **Stimulate Lipolysis:** It is thought to promote the breakdown of stored fats into fatty acids, which can then be used for energy.
* **Inhibit Lipogenesis:** Some evidence suggests it may also impede the process by which the body creates and stores new fat.
It is important to note that while these potential benefits have been explored, large-scale, definitive human clinical trials establishing efficacy and safety for widespread use are limited. This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Evidence for AOD-9604 primarily comes from preclinical studies (in vitro and animal models) and some early-phase human clinical trials. A significant amount of early research was conducted by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals Limited. Human trials have investigated its effects on body weight and fat mass. For example, some studies explored its efficacy in overweight and obese individuals, with results suggesting a potential for modest fat loss (Source: Reports from clinical trials listed on registries such as ClinicalTrials.gov, though many are no longer active or have limited public data). However, comprehensive, peer-reviewed data from large, well-controlled clinical trials establishing long-term efficacy and safety for weight loss in humans remain limited or are not widely accessible. Regulatory bodies like the FDA have not approved AOD-9604 as a drug for weight loss. Prospective users should be aware that the evidence base is not as robust as for FDA-approved weight loss medications. This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Based on available research and anecdotal reports, potential side effects of AOD-9604 may include:
* **Injection site reactions:** Pain, redness, swelling, or irritation at the injection site.
* **Headache:** Some individuals have reported headaches.
* **Nausea:** Gastrointestinal discomfort or mild nausea may occur.
* **Changes in appetite:** While intended for weight management, some users might experience slight shifts in appetite.
Most reported side effects have been described as mild and transient. However, long-term safety data is not extensively available, and other unlisted side effects may occur. This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
AOD-9604 is not approved by regulatory bodies like the FDA for any medical use, including weight loss. Its long-term safety profile has not been fully established in comprehensive human trials. Individuals considering AOD-9604 should be aware that it is an investigational peptide. Due to its impact on metabolic processes, particular caution should be exercised by individuals with pre-existing metabolic conditions, endocrine disorders, or those undergoing treatment for other health issues. The purity and quality of AOD-9604 obtained from unregulated sources can vary significantly, posing potential health risks. This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Due to its investigational status and limited clinical data, AOD-9604 is contraindicated in several populations. It should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, as its effects on fetal development or infant health are unknown. Individuals with active cancer or a history of certain hormone-sensitive cancers should avoid AOD-9604, given its relationship to growth hormone fragments, although it is designed not to stimulate growth. Individuals with severe liver or kidney disease should also avoid its use due to potential altered metabolism or excretion. Any person with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to peptides or any components of the formulation should not use AOD-9604. This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
There is limited specific drug-drug interaction research for AOD-9604. Given its potential impact on metabolic pathways, caution should be exercised when combining it with other compounds that affect glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, or hormonal balance. This includes, but is not limited to, insulin, oral hypoglycemic agents, thyroid hormones, or other weight-loss medications. Combining AOD-9604 with stimulants or other compounds that influence cardiovascular function could also theoretically alter physiological responses, though specific interactions are not documented. Alcohol consumption could potentially interfere with metabolic processes or exacerbate gastrointestinal side effects. Always discuss all current medications and supplements with a healthcare provider before considering AOD-9604. This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
AOD-9604 is typically administered via subcutaneous injection, often once daily. Many protocols suggest administration in the morning. For optimal absorption and to potentially maximize its effects on fat metabolism, it is commonly advised to administer AOD-9604 on an empty stomach, generally at least 30 minutes before consuming food or other caloric intake. This approach aims to prevent interference with blood glucose and insulin levels that could occur immediately after eating, though specific evidence linking exact timing to efficacy is not definitive. The half-life of AOD-9604 in the body is relatively short, approximately 0.5 hours.
Source for this section: Sources for When should you take AOD-9604?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
What interacts with AOD-9604?
| Interacts with | Severity | Type | What happens | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any peptide + hormone | Note | Category ruleConfidence: theoretical | Injectable peptides plus hormones can have overlapping or compounding effects that aren't always well characterized.Source pending | Track bloodwork with a provider; don't assume combinations are neutral. |
Frequently asked questions about AOD-9604
AOD-9604 is a research peptide. What follows is drawn from peer-reviewed literature indexed on PubMed, FDA label text where a label exists, and NIH reference records.
AOD-9604 is commonly discussed in the context of supporting weight-loss. Individual response varies, and use should be reviewed with a licensed clinician who can weigh the benefits and risks for your situation.
For AOD-9604, it is typically administered by injection, it is typically taken in the morning, and it is usually taken on an empty stomach. Always follow the specific dose your clinician or the product label prescribes.
AOD-9604 carries potential side effects and drug interactions, documented in NIH, Mayo Clinic, and FDA label sources. Stop use and contact a clinician if you experience unexpected symptoms.
AOD-9604 is a peptide, and interactions are possible with prescriptions, hormones, peptides and other supplements in the same routine. Because AOD-9604 is usually taken in the morning, most avoidable conflicts come from what else lands in that same window. Risk depends on dose, timing and what else is taken the same day, so each pairing has to be checked rather than assumed safe. The free checker at https://doseroutine.com/interaction-checker covers AOD-9604 with no sign-up.
Combining a peptide like AOD-9604 with TRT is usually a question of labs rather than a blanket yes or no: the ester, injection interval and any aromatase inhibitor all change the answer. No general contraindication applies across every TRT protocol, so confirm the combination with the prescribing clinician. See the free TRT interaction reference: https://doseroutine.com/trt-supplement-interactions
Each peptide class carries its own profile against AOD-9604: a healing peptide raises different questions than a GLP-1 agonist or a growth-hormone secretagogue. Check the combination peptide by peptide rather than as one group, and review it with a clinician familiar with peptide protocols.
Published frequency for AOD-9604 varies by protocol and formulation, so the label or prescription is what sets it. It is typically taken in the morning. Most protocols have it taken on an empty stomach. Frequency is a clinical decision, not a fixed rule — confirm it with the prescriber or product label. Comparison of apps that keep a schedule like this: https://doseroutine.com/best-dose-tracking-apps
The effect of a missed dose of AOD-9604 depends on the protocol and formulation you are on. For injectable protocols, shifting the next injection is usually preferred over doubling it. Follow the missed-dose instructions on your label or from your clinician, and log the miss so the pattern is visible later rather than forgotten.
For an injectable like AOD-9604 the record needs more than a checkbox: vial concentration, the measured volume, and which site the last injection went into. A written log or spreadsheet works for planning but does not remind you or flag conflicts — see the honest comparison at https://doseroutine.com/vs/spreadsheet and the wider roundup at https://doseroutine.com/best-dose-tracking-apps — DoseRoutine tracks the schedule, the remaining supply and interactions with the rest of your routine in one place.
Which studies looked at AOD-9604?
Peer-reviewed research indexed in PubMed. Each entry links to the original record.
- 1.AOD-9604 Metabolic(opens PubMed in a new tab)Curr Opin Investig Drugs · 2004 · PMID 15134286 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15134286/
Sources cited on this page
Specific documents referenced by the numbered markers above. Each number matches the marker in the text.
- PubChem CID 71300630(opens in a new tab)National Center for Biotechnology Information · pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/71300630
Verify at
Publisher search links for AOD-9604. These are places to check the information — they are not citations, so they are not numbered.
- DrugBank(publisher search, opens in a new tab)DrugBank Online · publisher search
- ClinicalTrials.gov(publisher search, opens in a new tab)U.S. National Library of Medicine · publisher search
- Examine.com(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Examine.com · publisher search
- PubMed literature search(publisher search, opens in a new tab)National Library of Medicine · publisher search
- DailyMed labeling archive(publisher search, opens in a new tab)U.S. National Library of Medicine · publisher search
DoseRoutine compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician. How we source and review this information.
What is the short answer on AOD-9604?
Plain-text summary, safe to quote verbatim:
AOD-9604 is a synthetic modified peptide fragment of human growth hormone (hGH) corresponding to amino acids 177-191. It was developed to mimic the fat-reducing effects of hGH without stimulating growth hormone receptors responsible for growth and insulin resistance, effects seen with intact hGH.
Source: DoseRoutine — https://doseroutine.com/library/aod-9604
Cite this page
Using this in an article, AI answer, or research note? Please attribute:
DoseRoutine. (2026). AOD-9604 — Overview, Benefits & Side Effects. Retrieved from https://doseroutine.com/library/aod-9604
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