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Reviewed by MyPeptideMatch Editorial TeamLast reviewed February 2026Updated February 2026

AOD-9604 Dosing Protocol: 5 mg Vial — Fat Loss Peptide Dosing Guide

AOD-9604 lipolytic HGH fragment dosing guide for the 5 mg vial — subcutaneous injection protocol for targeted fat loss without IGF-1 elevation.

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Quickstart highlights

AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide comprising residues 177–191 of human growth hormone (hGH), modified with a tyrosine residue at the N-terminus for stability.

  • Concentration: 2 mg/mL (5 mg vial + 2.5 mL bacteriostatic water).
  • At 2 mg/mL: 300 µg = 15 units, 500 µg = 25 units once daily, fasted.
  • AOD-9604 does not elevate IGF-1 — safe for patients avoiding full GH axis stimulation.
  • Heffernan et al. 2001: 300 µg/day reduced body weight in obese mice by 50% at 12 weeks.
  • One 5 mg vial provides ~16 doses at 300 µg — approximately 2.3 weeks at once-daily dosing.

Dosing table

For educational reference only. Your prescribing provider may adjust doses based on your clinical profile and response.

WeekDose (µg)UnitsFrequencyNotes
1-430015Once daily (morning, fasted)300 µg — 15 units; standard FDA-studied dose; 5 mg vial provides ~16 doses at this level
5-1250025Once daily (morning, fasted)500 µg — 25 units; higher off-label dose used in clinical weight loss protocols; 5 mg vial provides 10 doses

Reconstitution steps

  1. Draw 2.5 mL bacteriostatic water; inject slowly down the vial wall.
  2. Swirl gently until dissolved; do not shake.
  3. Final concentration: 2 mg/mL. At 2 mg/mL: 300 µg = 15 units, 500 µg = 25 units.
  4. Label with date; refrigerate at 2–8 °C. Use within 28 days.

Supplies needed

12-week plan

  • 4 vials
  • 84 syringes
  • 10 mL bac water
  • 84 alcohol swabs
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Protocol overview & cycle notes

Accelerate lipolysis and fat oxidation through the hGH fragment 177-191 (AOD-9604) mechanism, targeting abdominal and visceral fat without growth hormone receptor activation or IGF-1 elevation.

Cycle length: 12 weeks on.

Off-cycle: 8 weeks off after each 12-week cycle; assess body composition before resuming.

Storage & handling

Lyophilized: store below 25 °C. Reconstituted at 2 mg/mL: refrigerate 2–8 °C; use within 28 days.

Injection & tracking tips

  • Inject subcutaneously in the morning on an empty stomach — AOD-9604 works best when fasting insulin is low, allowing maximum lipolytic signaling.
  • Avoid eating for 30–60 minutes after injection to maintain low insulin and maximize fat mobilization.
  • AOD-9604 does not elevate IGF-1 or cause glucose dysregulation — it is suitable for diabetic patients and those avoiding full GH axis activation.

Tracking

Logging helps you and your provider spot patterns and adjust dose or timing.

  • Measure DEXA body composition at baseline and every 8 weeks (fat mass, lean mass, visceral fat area).
  • Track waist circumference weekly as a proxy for abdominal fat reduction.
  • Monitor fasting glucose and insulin weekly — AOD-9604 does not impair glucose metabolism and may improve insulin sensitivity.
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How this works & references

AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide comprising residues 177–191 of human growth hormone (hGH), modified with a tyrosine residue at the N-terminus for stability. It activates the beta-3 adrenergic receptor pathway and inhibits lipogenesis via fatty acid synthase (FAS) suppression. Unlike full-length hGH, AOD-9604 does not bind the GHR extracellular domain and does not stimulate IGF-1 production. Heffernan et al. (2001, J Endocrinol) demonstrated AOD-9604 (300 µg/day) reduced body weight in obese mice by 50% over 12 weeks. Phase 2 human clinical trials (Metabolic Pharmaceuticals) showed significant visceral fat reduction at 500 µg/day after 12 weeks; Phase 3 failed to achieve primary endpoint of total body weight loss.

Sources

  • Source: Heffernan MA et al. — The effects of human GH and its lipolytic fragment on adiposity and metabolism. J Endocrinol. 2001;168(1):1-9
  • Source: Sönksen PH et al. — AOD-9604 in human obesity: safety and efficacy (Phase 2). J Endocrinol. 2007

Frequently asked questions

Does AOD-9604 cause the same muscle-building effects as HGH?
No — AOD-9604 is specifically the lipolytic fragment of hGH (residues 177–191) and does not bind the GH receptor responsible for IGF-1 stimulation and anabolic effects. It targets only the fat-mobilizing action of hGH, making it appropriate for patients who want fat loss without anabolic side effects (water retention, IGF-1 elevation, glucose disruption).
Why did the Phase 3 AOD-9604 trial fail?
Phase 3 (METRO study) was powered for total body weight as the primary endpoint. While visceral fat and waist circumference improved significantly, total body weight did not meet the pre-specified threshold. This may reflect lean mass preservation or modest patient compliance variability. The compound was never approved for obesity but remains widely used off-label for visceral fat reduction.
Should I inject AOD-9604 in my abdomen?
Abdominal subcutaneous injection (2 inches from the navel) is preferred for targeted abdominal fat reduction — local delivery increases regional lipolytic signaling. Systemic effects (non-local fat mobilization) occur regardless of injection site, but abdominal injection may provide an additive local advantage.
Can AOD-9604 be combined with GLP-1 agonists?
Yes — AOD-9604 (lipolysis/fat mobilization) and GLP-1 agonists (appetite suppression, gastric slowing) are mechanistically complementary. Some practitioners combine AOD-9604 with semaglutide or tirzepatide for enhanced body composition improvement versus either alone. No formal interaction studies exist.
How quickly does AOD-9604 reduce visceral fat?
Human Phase 2 data showed significant visceral fat reduction at 12 weeks of 500 µg/day. Mouse data shows metabolic changes within 4 weeks. Most users report measurable waist circumference reduction at 6–8 weeks with consistent fasting injection.

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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any peptide therapy. Dosing and protocols may vary by formulation and prescriber.

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