AOD-9604

AOD-9604

Research use only. AOD-9604 is not FDA-approved. This is educational content and not medical advice.

Description

AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide fragment corresponding to the C-terminal region of human growth hormone (hGH 176–191). It was developed to retain lipolytic (“fat loss”) signaling while avoiding the growth-promoting and diabetogenic effects associated with full-length growth hormone. Research has explored its anti-obesity potential and possible cartilage-related effects.

Concept: Separate GH’s fat-metabolism signaling from its IGF-1–mediated growth effects. Real-world outcomes vary and clinical use is limited.

Potential Benefits (as studied)

  • Investigated for effects on body fat reduction in overweight/obesity studies.
  • May promote lipolysis and inhibit lipogenesis in experimental models.
  • Explored for cartilage-related signaling in some preclinical contexts.
  • Often described as having minimal impact on blood glucose/IGF-1 compared with GH (study-dependent).

Side Effects

  • Injection site irritation (SubQ).
  • Headache (reported in some studies).
  • Nausea or fatigue (occasionally).
  • Allergic reactions possible.

Contraindications / Who Should Avoid

  • Pregnancy/breastfeeding (avoid).
  • Active malignancy or uncontrolled endocrine disease without clinician oversight.
  • Known hypersensitivity to peptide or excipients.

Dosing Protocols (Research/Reference)

Subcutaneous daily (common reference range)

  • 250–500 mcg daily subcutaneously.
  • Often run for 8–12 weeks in “fat loss” research discussions (varies).

Reconstitution (lyophilized vial reference)

  • Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water using sterile technique.
  • Example: add 2 mL to a 5 mg vial → 2.5 mg/mL.
  • At 2.5 mg/mL, a 300 mcg dose = 0.12 mL (12 IU on a U-100 syringe).

Body composition context

  • Diet adherence and step count dominate outcomes; peptides won’t beat a calorie surplus.
  • Track weight + waist + photos; don’t rely on scale alone.
Note: Claims that AOD-9604 “doesn’t affect blood sugar or growth” are based on selective study findings; effects can be context- and dose-dependent.

Stacking Suggestions (Research Context)

  • Often discussed with GLP-1 therapies or lifestyle fat-loss plans; avoid stacking multiple appetite/weight agents without clinician oversight.
  • If pairing with training, prioritize protein intake and resistance training to preserve lean mass.

Research Sources (PubMed)

  1. Ng FM et al. J Endocrinol. 2005. PMID: 15677463
  2. Heffernan M et al. Int J Obes (Lond). 2004. PMID: 15126546
  3. Francois M et al. Obes Res. 2005. PMID: 16204365
  4. Harris M et al. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2003. PMID: 14584155
  5. Vickers MH et al. Endocrinology. 2003. PMID: 12865320
  6. Bach LA. Growth Horm IGF Res. 2006. PMID: 17135376
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