Overview
AOD-9604, also known as human growth hormone fragment 177–191, is a short peptide investigated for its effects on fat metabolism. Research suggests it demonstrates lipolytic and anti‑lipogenic activity without elevating IGF‑1 or impairing glucose tolerance.
Quick Reference
– Starting Dose: 200–300 mcg once daily
– Target Dose: 400–500 mcg daily (gradual titration)
– Reconstitution: 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water per 2 mg vial (≈0.667 mg/mL)
– Syringe Math: 10 units ≈ 66.7 mcg on a 100‑unit insulin syringe
– Storage: Lyophilized at ≈−20 °C; reconstituted at 2–8 °C
– Frequency: Once daily subcutaneous injection
– Duration: 8–12 weeks (optional extension to 16 weeks)
Dosing Protocol
Standard Gradual Approach (3 mL Reconstitution)
| Week | Daily Dosage | Units | mL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | 200 mcg | 30 | 0.30 |
| 3–4 | 300 mcg | 45 | 0.45 |
| 5–6 | 400 mcg | 60 | 0.60 |
| 7–8 | 500 mcg | 75 | 0.75 |
| 9–12+ | 500 mcg | 75 | 0.75 |
Reconstitution Instructions
1. Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe
2. Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming
3. Gently swirl until dissolved; do not shake vigorously
4. Label the vial and refrigerate at 2–8 °C, protected from light
Alternative: Some practitioners prefer 2.0 mL reconstitution (1 mg/mL) to reduce injection volume to 0.50 mL at 500 mcg dosing.
Supplies Needed
For 8-Week Cycle
– AOD-9604 Vials: ~10 vials (≈19.6 mg total)
– Insulin Syringes (100-unit): ~56
– Bacteriostatic Water: ~30 mL
For 12-Week Cycle
– AOD-9604 Vials: ~17 vials (≈33.6 mg total)
– Insulin Syringes (100-unit): ~84
– Bacteriostatic Water: ~51 mL
For 16-Week Cycle
– AOD-9604 Vials: ~24 vials (≈47.6 mg total)
– Insulin Syringes (100-unit): ~112
– Bacteriostatic Water: ~72 mL
Additional supplies: One box alcohol swabs
Storage Instructions
– Lyophilized Form: Store at approximately −20 °C, protected from light
– Reconstituted Solution: Refrigerate at 2–8 °C
– Stability: Most peptides remain stable for approximately one week at 4 °C in solution; minimizing pH extremes and avoiding repeated freeze–thaw cycles improves stability
How It Works
AOD-9604 represents the C‑terminal region of hGH that maintains fat‑metabolism activity while minimizing classical growth‑related actions. The mechanism involves:
– Lipid Metabolism: Decreases lipogenesis and supports lipolysis
– Energy Expenditure: Increases fat oxidation in preclinical models
– Hormonal Profile: Does not raise IGF‑1 in clinical studies measuring this parameter
Research associates the peptide with increased β3‑adrenergic receptor expression in adipose tissue and favorable shifts in energy balance.
Potential Benefits
– Supports fat‑metabolism‑oriented body‑composition strategies
– Generally well tolerated in early clinical studies
– No notable effect on IGF‑1 or glucose tolerance reported
– Demonstrates lipolytic activity in preclinical models
Side Effects & Considerations
Common mild effects reported in early studies include:
– Headache
– Transient nausea
– Injection‑site irritation
Important Notes:
– Clinical weight‑loss efficacy findings remain mixed across trials
– Most human obesity trials employed oral dosing (e.g., 1 mg/day)
– High‑quality studies of daily subcutaneous dosing for body‑weight outcomes remain limited
– Preclinical cartilage research explored intra‑articular models at 0.25 mg per injection; these data do not establish systemic dosing for humans
Injection Technique
1. Clean the vial stopper and skin with alcohol swabs
2. Pinch subcutaneous tissue (abdomen, thigh, or posterior upper arm)
3. Insert needle at 45–90° angle
4. Inject slowly and steadily
5. Rotate injection sites to minimize irritation
6. Dispose of sharps responsibly
Lifestyle Support
Combine the protocol with:
– Nutrient‑dense diet emphasizing adequate protein and fiber
– Aerobic and resistance training
– Prioritized sleep and recovery
– Limited alcohol and ultra‑processed foods
– Stress management
Important Disclaimers
This content is intended for therapeutic educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before initiating or modifying any protocol.
Discontinue use and seek professional guidance if significant adverse reactions occur.