AOD-9604 — Research, Dosing & Price Guide

AOD-9604 is a modified 16-amino-acid fragment of human growth hormone (corresponding to amino acids 176–191 of the hGH sequence) that retains the potent fat-metabolizing properties of growth hormone while completely lacking its growth-promoting, diabetogenic, and IGF-1-elevating effects. Developed at Monash University in Australia, it stimulates lipolysis and inhibits lipogenesis through a mechanism distinct from full-length GH, making it one of the most targeted and well-characterized anti-obesity peptides available. The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has granted it GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status for food use, and it has also shown promising cartilage-regenerative properties.

AOD-9604 operates through a unique mechanism that selectively activates the lipolytic pathway of growth hormone signaling without engaging the broader GH receptor cascade. It binds to the beta-3 adrenergic receptor (β3-AR) on adipocytes — a receptor predominantly expressed on white and brown fat cells — activating hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) through a cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) signaling cascade. HSL catalyzes the hydrolysis of stored triglycerides, releasing free fatty acids and glycerol for oxidation. Simultaneously, AOD-9604 inhibits lipogenesis (new fat synthesis) by reducing the activity of two key lipogenic enzymes: acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) in adipose tissue. This dual action — enhanced fat breakdown plus reduced fat creation — produces a net reduction in adipose tissue mass that is more targeted than what full-length GH achieves. The critical pharmacological advantage of AOD-9604 is what it does NOT do. Because it is a fragment comprising only the C-terminal loop of GH (stabilized by a disulfide bond between Cys182 and Cys189, with a tyrosine modification), it does not activate the JAK2-STAT5 signaling pathway that drives IGF-1 production, cell proliferation, and insulin resistance. This means: no increase in IGF-1 levels (eliminating cancer proliferation concerns), no insulin resistance or hyperglycemia (safe for diabetics), no organ or bone growth, and no water retention. It is purely lipolytic. Additionally, preclinical research has revealed that AOD-9604 stimulates proteoglycan and collagen synthesis in chondrocytes, suggesting meaningful cartilage-regenerative potential. This unexpected property has led to clinical investigation for osteoarthritis, where it may offer dual benefits: reducing visceral fat (which produces inflammatory adipokines that worsen joint disease) while directly supporting cartilage repair.

• A Phase IIb randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in obese subjects demonstrated significant reduction in body fat vs. placebo over 12 weeks, with the 1 mg/day dose group showing the most consistent results. Importantly, weight loss was predominantly fat mass with preservation of lean tissue.
• Metabolic safety confirmed: AOD-9604 does not affect IGF-1 levels, fasting glucose, insulin levels, or HbA1c at any therapeutic dose tested in human clinical trials — a critical distinction from full-length GH.
• The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) reviewed the safety data and granted AOD-9604 GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status for oral food use, a designation given to very few peptide compounds.
• In vitro and animal studies at Monash University demonstrated that AOD-9604 stimulates proteoglycan synthesis in human chondrocytes and promotes cartilage regeneration in animal models of osteoarthritis, opening a second major clinical application.
• A study published in the Journal of Endocrinology confirmed that AOD-9604 stimulates lipolysis in adipose tissue with a potency comparable to full-length hGH, while producing none of the diabetogenic effects — demonstrating true functional selectivity.
• Research showed AOD-9604 does not induce antibody formation against human growth hormone, eliminating immune-mediated concerns even with long-term use.
• Preclinical data demonstrated dose-dependent fat loss in obese Zucker rats, with treated animals showing 50% greater fat loss than controls without changes in food intake, confirming a direct metabolic rather than appetite-suppressive mechanism.
• Clinical investigation for osteoarthritis (intra-articular injection) is ongoing, with early results showing improved joint function scores and cartilage thickness on MRI in a Phase II setting.

• Standard subcutaneous dose: 250–300 mcg once daily, injected into the abdominal subcutaneous fat. The abdomen is preferred as it targets the largest depot of visceral-adjacent fat and mimics the injection site used in clinical trials.
• Timing: Inject first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before eating. GH-related peptides are blunted by elevated insulin and blood glucose, so fasted administration is critical for optimal lipolysis.
• Loading protocol: Some practitioners use 500 mcg/day for the first 2 weeks, then reduce to 250 mcg/day for maintenance. This may accelerate initial results but increases cost.
• Standard cycle: 12 weeks on, 4 weeks off. AOD-9604 does not cause desensitization in the same way that full GH does, but cycling is recommended to assess ongoing need and maintain receptor sensitivity.
• Extended protocol: Some users run continuous cycles of 16–20 weeks at 250 mcg/day with positive results and no reported adverse effects, consistent with the GRAS safety designation.
• Stacking with CJC-1295/Ipamorelin: AOD-9604 250 mcg in the morning (fasted), with CJC-1295/Ipamorelin 100 mcg each at bedtime. This covers fat loss (AOD) and GH-mediated recovery/body composition (CJC/Ipa) without overlapping mechanisms.
• Stacking with 5-Amino-1MQ: AOD-9604 250 mcg SC in the morning + 5-Amino-1MQ 50 mg oral. Different fat loss mechanisms (β3-AR lipolysis + NNMT/NAD+ metabolic enhancement) for additive results.
• For cartilage/joint applications: 300 mcg daily subcutaneous or intra-articular injection (clinic setting only for IA). Joint-focused protocols typically run 8–12 weeks.
• Rotate injection sites within the abdominal area to prevent lipodystrophy. Inject at a 45-degree angle with an insulin syringe (29–31 gauge).

Known Side Effects

• Injection site reactions — mild redness, itching, or transient pain at the injection site, reported by approximately 10–15% of users. Usually resolves within minutes and diminishes with continued use.
• Headache — reported infrequently (5–8% of clinical trial participants), typically mild and resolving within the first week of use.
• Mild flu-like symptoms — rare, occurring in the first few days of treatment. May be related to increased metabolic activity or an immune response to the peptide.
• Transient hypoglycemia — very rare and mild, occurring primarily in individuals who are also fasting or on very low carbohydrate diets. Much less common than with full GH due to the absence of IGF-1/insulin axis effects.
• Mild water retention — uncommon and much less pronounced than with full GH. Some users report slight bloating in the first week that resolves spontaneously.
• No significant adverse events were reported in clinical trials at doses up to 1 mg/day for 12 weeks, and the GRAS designation reflects a high level of regulatory confidence in safety.

Safety Profile

AOD-9604 has one of the strongest safety profiles of any peptide in research use, supported by human clinical trial data and a GRAS designation from the Australian TGA. Its key safety advantage is mechanistic: by acting exclusively on the C-terminal lipolytic domain of GH without activating the JAK2-STAT5/IGF-1 cascade, it avoids the insulin resistance, organ growth, fluid retention, and cancer proliferation risks associated with exogenous growth hormone. In clinical trials involving hundreds of subjects dosed at up to 1 mg/day for 12 weeks, no serious adverse events were attributed to AOD-9604. Blood glucose, insulin, IGF-1, and other metabolic markers remained within normal ranges throughout treatment. The compound does not produce antibodies against endogenous growth hormone. Contraindications are minimal but include: known hypersensitivity to GH-derived peptides, active malignancy (as a precaution, though AOD-9604 does not raise IGF-1), and pregnancy/breastfeeding (insufficient data). It can be used safely by diabetics, unlike full-length GH. Drug interactions are negligible — it does not affect CYP450 enzymes or interact with common medications. Individuals on thyroid replacement should monitor levels, as improved metabolic rate could theoretically alter thyroid hormone requirements. Overall, AOD-9604 is considered one of the safest peptides available for metabolic optimization.

Week 1–2: Subtle metabolic changes begin. Some users report feeling slightly warmer, particularly in the abdominal area after injection. The lipolytic process is initiating at the cellular level. Injection site reactions are most common during this period. No visible body composition changes yet. Weeks 3–4: The first noticeable changes appear. Users typically report reduced abdominal bloating, improved definition around the midsection, and a general sense of metabolic efficiency. Clothes may begin fitting slightly looser around the waist. Fasted morning energy often improves as fat oxidation pathways are upregulated. Weeks 5–8: This is the primary fat loss window. Most users see measurable reductions in waist circumference (0.5–1.5 inches is typical by week 8) and body fat percentage. The effects are most pronounced with concurrent exercise and reasonable nutrition. Visceral fat reduction may be reflected in improved inflammatory markers on blood work. Weeks 9–12: Continued steady fat loss, though the rate typically slows compared to weeks 5–8 as the body approaches a new metabolic set point. Total fat loss over a 12-week cycle is commonly reported as 4–8 lbs of pure fat mass (not water weight), with best results in those combining AOD-9604 with regular exercise. Joint-focused users may begin noticing improved mobility and reduced stiffness during this phase. Post-cycle, some fat loss benefits persist for 2–4 weeks as the metabolic adaptations gradually revert.

Prices sourced from peptides.gg marketplace. Prices may vary.