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AOD-9604

A small fragment of growth hormone (the tail end, residues 176–191) that keeps GH’s fat-burning signal but not its blood-sugar or IGF- 1 effects. So it nudges fat metabolism without the insulin-resistance or tumor-growth concerns of full GH.

Research referenceCommunity compiled

Molecular profile

The molecule itself: sequence, composition, mass, target, and registry identifiers.

Molecular formula
C₇₈H₁₂₃N₂₃O₂₃S₂
Average mass
1815.1 Da
CAS number
221231-10-3
Registry
PubChem CID 71300630
Receptor / pathway
LipolysishGH fragment 176-191
Formula, mass and identifiers from PubChem CID 71300630.
Research & reference information

This profile compiles research and community-sourced reference information for educational purposes. Information may evolve as research and community knowledge develop. It is not individualized medical advice.

Overview

AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide fragment representing the lipolytic C-terminal region (amino acids 176–191) of human growth hormone, modified with an added tyrosine.

What problem it targets: It is researched for targeted body fat reduction, lipolysis enhancement, and metabolic optimization without the unwanted side effects of full-length growth hormone.

What It Does

• Ignites fat breakdown (lipolysis): Mimics the natural fat-burning activity of human growth hormone by activating beta-3 adrenergic pathways and mobilizing stored triglycerides.

• Inhibits new fat formation (lipogenesis): Signals fat cells to halt the conversion of circulating calories into stored fatty tissue, helping prevent fat regain.

• Zero impact on blood sugar or IGF-1: Because it isolates only the fat-burning sequence of HGH, it does not elevate insulin, cause insulin resistance, or trigger systemic tissue growth.

• Realistic expectations: AOD-9604 acts as an accelerator for fat mobilization rather than a stand-alone miracle; it produces optimal results when paired with a calorie deficit and cardiovascular activity.

Reconstitution

Vial SizeBAC Water / SolventConcentration
2 mg2ml1 mg/mL
5 mg2ml2.5 mg/mL
10 mg2ml5 mg/mL
Interactive tool

Reconstitution Calculator

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Solubility & Preparation Notes

The C-terminal region of growth hormone is lipophilic/hydrophobic. In plain neutral BAC water, the powder frequently clumps into a gel-like ring or produces a cloudy, milky suspension that won’t dissolve.

Solution: Reconstituting first with sterile 0.6% acetic acid breaks the electrostatic aggregation immediately, resulting in a completely crystal-clear liquid.

Step 1 — Solubilize (The Acid Step):
Draw 0.5 mL of sterile 0.6% acetic acid.
Inject it slowly down the inside glass wall of the vial (never spray directly onto the lyophilized cake).
Gently roll the vial between your palms until the liquid is 100% crystal clear.
Verification: Do not add BAC water while the solution is still hazy or clumped. It must be completely transparent first.

Step 2 — Dilute (The BAC Water Top-Off):
Once completely dissolved and clear, add the remaining volume of standard Bacteriostatic Water required by your dosing math.
Why this works: The acetic acid establishes the charge state needed to break the peptide apart into solution; the remaining BAC water dilutes the acid concentration down so it will not sting or irritate tissue upon injection.

Step 3 — Note on reconstituting the entire vial with Acetic Acid:
Users can choose to reconstitute the entire vial using only 0.6% acetic acid if they prioritize maximum long-term chemical stability (standard practice for extended IGF-1 storage). However, note that injecting an unbuffered, full-acid solution will cause a noticeable local sting and burning sensation at the injection site.

Protocol

PhaseFrequencyAmountNotes
Weeks 1–8Daily (5 on / 2 off)300 mcgAM, fasted, into abdominal fat. 300–500 mcg range; 300 is standard.
Off4–8 weeks–Weekly 2-day break during the cycle helps avoid receptor desensitization.
Cycle & Timing

8–12 weeks on (5 days on / 2 off each week) / 4–8 weeks off.

Timing

first thing AM on an empty stomach, fasted state favors fat oxidation. Note: does not raise IGF-1 or glucose, so it lacks the GH-class metabolic warnings.

Population Considerations

Unisex (a GH fragment for fat loss without GH’s growth signaling), same protocol for men and women, no cycle effect. Avoid in pregnancy.

Handling & Stacking

Injection site
SubQ, abdomen. Rotate.
Storage
Freeze-dried: -4°F. Reconstituted: 36–46°F. Best used within 28 days, otherwise potency gradually fades over ~3–4 weeks (community estimate, no published data).
Side effects
Generally minimal, occasional injection-site reaction or mild headache. No appetite, glucose, or IGF-1 effect.
What to expect
  • Subtle, gradual fat-loss support over 8–12 weeks; best as an adjunct to diet/training or stacked with a GLP-1 or GH peptide, not a standalone fix.
  • Supply math 2mg → 6 vials | 5mg → 3 vials | 10mg → 2 vials (8-wk @ 300 mcg, 5/wk)
Pairs well with
Semaglutide / Tirzepatide (appetite + lipolysis); Tesamorelin / CJC + Ipamorelin (GH-axis fat loss); Lipo-C / L-Carnitine
Avoid
Pregnancy. (No major interactions, one of the more benign fat-loss peptides)
Approved drug
Approved weight-loss drugs are far better proven: semaglutide (Wegovy), tirzepatide (Zepbound), orforglipron (Foundayo, oral, 2026), plus phentermine, Qsymia, Contrave and orlistat.

Safety & Patient Education

Contraindications
Pregnancy and lactation Hypersensitivity to the peptide
Warnings
Does not raise IGF-1 or glucose, lacks the usual GH-class metabolic risks, but human efficacy data are modest Quality varies between sources, request a COA Marketed claims often exceed the evidence, treat as an adjunct
Drug interactions
No significant known interactions Stacks cleanly with GLP-1s and GH-axis peptides
Labs
None compound-specific required; general metabolic panel if part of a larger fat-loss protocol Weight / body-composition tracking
Stop criteria
Persistent injection-site reactions Any unexpected systemic reaction Pregnancy
Patient education
One of the gentler fat-loss peptides, no blood-sugar or IGF-1 impact Effects are subtle; it works best alongside diet, training, or a stronger agent Fasted AM dosing is standard Source quality matters, request a COA
References
researchdosing · peptidedosages · PubMed · thepeptidereport