AOD-9604

Metabolic & weight Research compound (not approved for human use)

Modified fragment of human growth hormone (residues 177-191) · also known as AOD9604, Tyr-hGH 177-191, Anti-Obesity Drug 9604

For reference only — not medical advice. Figures are commonly reported values compiled from published sources and may be wrong or out of date. Many compounds listed are not approved for human use. Talk to a licensed clinician before using any compound.

AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide modelled on the fat-metabolism region at the end of the growth hormone molecule, with a tyrosine added at one end. It was developed in the early 2000s as an anti-obesity candidate that would keep growth hormone's lipolytic signal without its effects on blood sugar or IGF-1. Human trials, including an oral formulation, did not show a meaningful weight benefit, and development as a weight-loss drug stalled.

Commonly reported dosing (5 mg vial)

Reconstituted with 3 mL → 1.667 mg/mL.

Also sold in 2 mg vials.

Phase	Dose	Volume	U-100 units
Starting	300 mcg	0.18 mL	18
Standard	500 mcg	0.3 mL	30

Frequency: Once daily, subcutaneous (commonly reported in the morning) · Half-life: Short; limited published pharmacokinetic data

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Commonly reported dose escalation

Weeks	Dose	Volume	U-100 units
Weeks 1-4	300 mcg	0.18 mL	18
Week 5+	500 mcg	0.3 mL	30

Higher steps may need a larger vial or more than one draw. Escalation schedules vary; dosing decisions belong to a licensed clinician.

Commonly reported reconstitution steps

Vials are usually brought to room temperature (about 15-20 minutes) first.
3 mL of bacteriostatic water is added slowly down the inside wall of the 5 mg vial.
The vial is swirled gently until clear, not shaken.
This gives 1.67 mg/mL. Mixed vials are typically labeled with the date and refrigerated.

Storage

Before mixing: Lyophilized vials are commonly stored frozen (around -20 °C) and protected from light.

After mixing: Reconstituted solution is commonly kept refrigerated (2-8 °C), protected from light, and not frozen. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles are commonly avoided.

How it works

Preclinical work suggests the fragment stimulates fat breakdown and limits new fat storage without engaging the growth hormone receptor in the way full-length hormone does, so it is not expected to raise IGF-1 or impair glucose handling.

Researched for

Studied for body-fat reduction in obese rodent models.
Evaluated in human trials for safety and weight change, with modest results.
Investigated in animal and early human work for cartilage and joint effects, typically with different routes (for example intra-articular).

Notes

Community charts report 300 mcg daily for 4 weeks followed by 500 mcg daily, commonly reconstituted with 3 mL so that the volumes stay large enough to read on an insulin syringe.
Six randomized human studies reported tolerability similar to placebo and no rise in IGF-1, but efficacy for weight loss was not established.
Not an approved drug in the US, and US regulators have raised immunogenicity and limited-data concerns about compounded use. It is generally regarded as a prohibited substance in competitive sport.