01 / RESEARCH SUMMARY
AOD-9604 Research Summary
AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone (amino acids 177–191). It was designed to keep growth hormone's fat-breaking (lipolytic) activity without affecting blood sugar, IGF-1 or tissue growth. Animal studies showed increased fat breakdown and reduced fat storage. Human trials found it well tolerated, but a larger phase 2b study did not show significant weight loss compared with placebo, and it has since been explored for cartilage and joint repair.
Read the full guide →02 / WHY RESEARCHERS STUDY IT
Why AOD-9604 draws research interest
These are the areas researchers and the peptide community explore AOD-9604 for most often. They describe what is being studied — not proven benefits, approved uses, or promised results.
Fat metabolism
Designed to keep growth hormone's fat-breaking effect.
Joint & cartilage
Explored for cartilage repair and joint support.
No growth effects
Does not raise IGF-1 or affect blood sugar in studies.
Evidence ranges from early lab work to large clinical trials depending on the use — see the sections below for the data and sources.
03 / DOSING & RECONSTITUTION
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
A single practical dilution with accurate dosing, step by step
Standard Approach (2 mL = 2.5 mg/mL)
- Reconstitute: Add 2 mL bacteriostatic water to one 5 mg vial → final concentration 2.5 mg/mL (2,500 mcg/mL).
- Typical range: 250–500 mcg 1x daily am · 5 on 2 off or daily, 8–12 weeks · fasted.
- Easy measuring: At 2.5 mg/mL, 1 unit ≈ 25 mcg on a U-100 syringe, so doses read at 10–20 units — a 0.3 mL (30-unit) syringe makes them easier to read.
- Storage: Lyophilized: store at −20 °C (−4 °F); after reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and do not freeze the mixed solution.
| Protocol | Dose range | Frequency | Cycle | Time off | Half-life | Fasted | Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Injectable · Subq | 250–500 mcg | 1x daily AM · 5 on 2 off or daily | 8–12 weeks | 4–8 weeks | ~30 min | Yes | Subq |
04 / RECONSTITUTION CALCULATOR
Mix & measure AOD-9604 · 5 mg
Pre-filled with this protocol's recommended BAC water and starting dose — edit any field to run your own numbers.
- CONCENTRATION
- 2.50 mg/mL
- DRAW VOLUME
- 0.100 mL
- ON THE SYRINGE
- 10.0 units
- DOSES / VIAL
- 20
Reconstitution math only. U-100 syringe: 100 units = 1 mL.
Reconstitution GuideFull calculator →05 / STORAGE
Storage Instructions
Lyophilized (powder)
Store in the freezer at −20 °C (−4 °F) for long-term storage, or refrigerated at 2–8 °C for shorter periods. Keep dry, sealed and away from light. Let a frozen vial reach room temperature before opening to avoid condensation.
Reconstituted
Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and use within about 28 days. Do not freeze. Keep away from heat and direct light, and avoid repeated temperature swings. Swirl gently — never shake.
Reconstitution steps
- Wipe the vial stopper with an alcohol swab.
- Draw the BAC water and release it slowly down the inside wall of the vial.
- Swirl or roll gently until fully dissolved — don't shake.
- Label with the date and concentration and refrigerate.
06 / RESEARCH FINDINGS
What Research Shows
Human research
- Lipid metabolism and body-weight outcomes have been investigated.
- The proposed metabolic effects of a growth-hormone fragment are not proof of weight-loss efficacy.
Research context
Human investigation does not establish a clinically effective research-vial weight-loss regimen.
07 / MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Mechanism of Action
Investigational mechanism
Growth hormone fragment and lipid metabolism
A modified C-terminal growth hormone fragment investigated for effects on lipid metabolism. The proposed lipolytic activity does not establish an effective human weight-loss treatment or a settled clinical mechanism.
Adamantane & the blood–brain barrier
Chemically attaching an adamantane group to a peptide can increase its lipid (fat) solubility. Researchers hypothesize that this modification may help certain compounds cross the tightly regulated blood–brain barrier. The effect depends on the specific modified molecule; greater lipid solubility alone does not establish brain delivery or clinical benefit. This does not apply automatically to the unmodified peptide and is not a reconstitution additive.
08 / LIFESTYLE FACTORS
Lifestyle Factors
- Exercise: these compounds work alongside, not instead of, regular training — especially zone 2 cardio.
- Sleep and circadian rhythm: keep a consistent sleep schedule.
- Nutrition: whole-food diet with adequate protein; avoid chronic overeating.
- Track bloodwork (glucose, lipids, liver markers) before and during longer cycles.
09 / BENEFITS & SIDE EFFECTS
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits
- Improved energy and exercise capacity
- Better insulin sensitivity and metabolic markers
- Support for mitochondrial function
- Potential fat-loss support (5-Amino-1MQ, AOD-9604, SLU-PP-332)
Side Effects
- Injection-site irritation
- NAD+: flushing, chest tightness or nausea if pushed too fast
- Fatigue or restlessness early in a cycle
- GI discomfort with oral compounds
10 / STUDIES
Studies & references
11 / SAFETY
Safety considerations
- Verify the active identity, lot number, and matching certificate of analysis. Testing does not by itself establish sterility or suitability for human use.
- Follow documented product-specific storage and preparation requirements; stability and diluent compatibility depend on the formulation.
- Research powders are not interchangeable with prescription formulations. Do not infer an injection or nasal protocol from a concentration calculation.
- For medical care, pregnancy, existing conditions, or medication interactions, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
12 / RECOMMENDED SOURCE
Recommended Source
For research peptides, we point researchers to Orbitrex Peptides for AOD-9604.
Why Orbitrex?
- Family-owned & independently tested: Multiple laboratories verify quality, with batch-specific testing in every COA.
- Everyday value: Buy 4, Get 1 Free on eligible products.
- Loyalty credit: 5% back in loyalty credit for future purchases.
- VerifyPass discount: 20% off for qualifying groups — stacks with affiliate codes.
- Free 2nd Day shipping: Free UPS 2nd Day Air on orders $200+, applied automatically at checkout.
All products are for research use only. Availability and offers subject to change.