AOD 9604

Introduction

AOD 9604 (Anti-Obesity Drug 9604) is a synthetic 16-amino-acid analogue of the C-terminal lipolytic domain of human growth hormone, originally developed at Monash University and advanced into obesity trials in the early 2000s. The compound was designed to retain HGH's fat-metabolism effects while avoiding its broader somatogenic actions. Not FDA-approved in the United States; classified as an investigational research peptide.

Mechanism of Action

AOD 9604 mimics the lipolytic regulatory domain of growth hormone without engaging the GH receptor in the classical somatogenic pathway. Proposed effects include stimulation of fat oxidation and inhibition of lipogenesis. Published trials reported no elevation in IGF-1 or alteration of glucose tolerance — a key differentiator from full-length HGH.

Research Indications

Clinical research has focused on adjunctive treatment for obesity and metabolic syndrome. Preclinical work has also examined cartilage repair in osteoarthritis models. No approved clinical indication exists.

Reconstitution

Typical 2 mg lyophilized vial: add 2 mL of bacteriostatic water with a 21–25g drawing needle, swirl gently (do not shake) until clear. Final concentration 1000 mcg/mL (1 mg/mL) — at this concentration each 0.1 mL on an insulin syringe (10 units on a U-100 syringe) delivers 100 mcg. Use a 27–31g insulin syringe for administration.

Dosing Protocol (research literature)

Research protocols typically dose 250–500 mcg subcutaneously once daily, morning, on an empty stomach (food blunts response). Common schedule: 5 days on, 2 days off, run for 12–16 weeks with body-composition reassessment at 8 and 16 weeks. Often paired with structured diet and resistance training.

Administration

Subcutaneous injection into abdominal fat, rotating sites to minimize injection-site reactions. Inject AM on empty stomach; wait 20–30 minutes before eating.

Storage & Handling

Lyophilized: room temperature for shipping; refrigerate (2–8°C) on receipt for long-term storage. Reconstituted: refrigerate immediately; stable approximately 14–21 days under refrigeration. Protect from light. Do not freeze reconstituted product.

Side Effects

Mild injection-site reactions are most commonly reported. No significant impact on insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, or IGF-1 in published trials.

Contraindications

Active malignancy, pregnancy, lactation, prior hypersensitivity to peptide therapies, and uncontrolled endocrine disease.

Monitoring

Baseline metabolic panel, fasting lipid panel, and body composition (DEXA where available). Re-evaluate at 8 and 16 weeks. Discontinue for unexplained weight loss or persistent injection-site reactions.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational and research-reference purposes only. Nothing in this document constitutes medical advice, a prescription, or a recommendation from a physician. The reconstitution, dosing, and protocol information above reflects ranges commonly cited in published research and clinician-directed protocols — it is provided as reference material only, not as instructions, an endorsement of off-label use, or a substitute for individualized medical evaluation.

Customers should do their own research and consult their own physician before considering any peptide protocol. Whether a given compound is appropriate for an individual — and at what dose, for what duration, and alongside what monitoring — is a decision that only a licensed clinician with knowledge of that individual's medical history, current medications, and conditions can make.

The platform and the author make no claim that any compound described here is safe, effective, or appropriate for any particular person or purpose, and accept no responsibility for outcomes arising from self-directed use of the information.