AOD-9604 (5mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
Synthetic hGH (176-191) fragment studied for lipolysis — research/educational dosing reference.
Why AOD-9604 draws research interest
These are the directions researchers and the peptide community most often explore AOD-9604 for — so you know you’re in the right place. They describe what is being studied, not proven benefits, approved uses, or promised results.
Fat metabolism / lipolysis
The primary draw: studied in preclinical models for how the hGH 176-191 fragment may stimulate fat breakdown.
Weight & obesity research
Investigated in early human obesity trials; not FDA-approved, and studies did not confirm a clear weight-loss benefit.
Cartilage & joint repair
Explored in animal osteoarthritis models and studied in investigational (not approved) human trials as an intra-articular injection for knee joints.
Metabolic & lipid markers
Researched as a GH-fragment probe for effects on lipid handling without the blood-sugar changes linked to full hGH.
Research context, not medical advice. Nothing here says AOD-9604 treats, cures, or improves any condition. Evidence ranges from early laboratory work to clinical trials depending on the use — the sections below cover the actual data and sources.
Mix & measure AOD-9604 · 5 mg
Pre-filled with this protocol’s recommended BAC water and documented starting dose — edit any field to run your own numbers.
Reconstitution math only — not dosing advice. U-100 syringe: 100 units = 1 mL. Full reconstitution guide → · Advanced calculator →
Quickstart Highlights
AOD-9604 is a modified synthetic fragment of the C-terminus of human growth hormone (residues ~176–191), designed to mimic GH’s fat-burning (lipolytic) action without affecting blood sugar or raising IGF-1[1][5]. This educational page outlines a once-daily subcutaneous approach with a dilution chosen so doses land on easy-to-read insulin-syringe marks. Honest efficacy note: human clinical trials — including a Phase 2b obesity study — did not show significant weight loss versus placebo, and pharmaceutical development was discontinued around 2007. It is an unapproved research chemical whose human weight-loss efficacy remains unproven; presented for research and educational use only.
Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water to one 5 mg vial → ~1.67 mg/mL (1,667 mcg/mL), a large, easy-to-measure dilution.
300–500 mcg once daily, often fasted or pre-workout, titrated gradually across an 8–16 week course.
At ~1.67 mg/mL, 1 unit ≈ 16.7 mcg; 300 mcg ≈ 18 units and 500 mcg ≈ 30 units on a U-100 syringe.
Lyophilized: store frozen at −20 °C (−4 °F); once reconstituted, refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and do not freeze the solution.
Important: Start with the Prep & Injection Guide — it covers the preparation and safety basics every protocol on this site assumes.
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
A single practical dilution with accurate once-daily dosing, step by step
Standard / Gradual Approach (3 mL = ~1.67 mg/mL)
Reconstitute: Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water to one 5 mg vial → final concentration ~1.67 mg/mL (1,667 mcg/mL).
Typical daily range: 300–500 mcg once daily, often fasted or pre-workout, raised gradually over an 8–16 week course.
Easy measuring: At ~1.67 mg/mL, 1 unit ≈ 16.7 mcg on a U-100 syringe, so 300 mcg ≈ 18 units and 500 mcg ≈ 30 units.
Storage: Lyophilized: store frozen at −20 °C (−4 °F); after reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and do not freeze the mixed solution.
Frequency: one subcutaneous injection each day, increasing by roughly 100 mcg every 2–4 weeks as tolerated. These figures come from commonly cited reference protocols, not approved human dosing — and human weight-loss efficacy has not been demonstrated[3][4].
Advanced / Split-Dose Approach (3 mL = ~1.67 mg/mL)
Splitting the daily total into a morning and evening injection is sometimes used to keep peptide levels steadier and may support fat oxidation. Doses above ~500 mcg/day are not generally linked to added benefit in the reference literature, and none of this reflects proven human efficacy.
Reconstitution Steps
Draw 3.0 mL of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
Release it slowly down the vial’s inner wall to limit foaming.
Swirl or roll gently until fully dissolved — don’t shake.
Label with the date and concentration, then refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), shielded from light.
The 3.0 mL dilution keeps each dose at roughly 18 units or more, where U-100 syringe markings are easiest to read accurately. Avoid freezing the reconstituted solution, since freeze–thaw can denature the peptide.
Important: This guide is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. For research use only. Not for human consumption.
Supplies Needed
Quantities below assume an 8–16 week course of once-daily injections with gradual titration.
At ~300–500 mcg/day, a 5 mg vial lasts roughly 10–16 days, so plan a few vials per month.
- 8 weeks: ~4 vials
- 12 weeks: ~6 vials
- 16 weeks: ~8 vials
- Per injection: 1 syringe
- 8 weeks (once daily): ~56 syringes
- 16 weeks (once daily): ~112 syringes
Use ~3.0 mL per 5 mg vial for reconstitution.
- 8 weeks (4 vials): ~12 mL → 2 bottles
- 16 weeks (8 vials): ~24 mL → 3 bottles
One for the vial stopper + one for the injection site each day.
- Per injection: 2 swabs
- 8 weeks (once daily): ~112 swabs → 1–2 boxes
Protocol Overview
A concise summary of the once-daily fat-loss-oriented regimen, drawn from commonly cited reference protocols.
- ▪Goal: Explore targeted lipolysis and metabolic support via a GH (176–191) fragment — effects described preclinically and not established in humans[1][5].
- ▪Schedule: Daily subcutaneous injections for 8–12 weeks, optionally extended to ~16 weeks.
- ▪Dose Range: Start at ~300 mcg/day, titrating up to ~500 mcg/day if desired; over ~1 mg/day shows no added benefit in references.
- ▪Reconstitution: 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water per 5 mg vial gives ~1.67 mg/mL for accurate unit measurements.
- ▪Storage: Keep the dry vial frozen at −20 °C (−4 °F); once mixed, refrigerate at 2–8 °C and do not freeze the solution.
Dosing Protocol
A suggested daily titration approach based on common reference doses.
- ▪Start: Begin at 300 mcg once daily, often fasted or pre-workout, to gauge tolerability.
- ▪Titrate: Increase by roughly 100 mcg every 2–4 weeks as tolerated.
- ▪Target: Reach about 400–500 mcg daily by weeks 5–12, or split as 250 mcg twice daily.
- ▪Cycle Length: Typically 8–12 weeks; some references extend to ~16 weeks.
- ▪Maximum: Up to ~500 mcg/day; doses over ~1 mg/day are not associated with added benefit.
Storage Instructions
Correct storage is what preserves the peptide’s stability and activity.
- ▪Lyophilized: Hold the dry vial at −20 °C (−4 °F) in dry, dark conditions and limit moisture exposure[7].
- ▪Reconstituted: Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and use within about 28 days; do not freeze the mixed solution, as freezing can denature peptides[8].
- ▪Handling: Let frozen vials warm to room temperature before opening so condensation won’t form, and keep the solution clear of heat and direct light.
- ▪Freeze–thaw: Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles of the reconstituted solution.
Important Notes
Practical points that keep daily administration safe and consistent.
- ▪Sterile technique: Use a fresh sterile U-100 insulin syringe each time and drop it straight into a puncture-proof sharps container afterward.
- ▪Site rotation: Move between abdomen, thighs and upper arms to reduce local irritation and lipohypertrophy[9].
- ▪Consistency: Keep a consistent dosing time each day; many users inject AOD-9604 fasted in the morning.
- ▪Recordkeeping: Log the daily dose, injection site and any observations to keep the protocol consistent.
- ▪Regulatory note: AOD-9604 is an unapproved research chemical, is not FDA-approved for human use, and its weight-loss efficacy in humans is unproven[3][6].
How This Works
AOD-9604 is a modified synthetic peptide based on the C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone — roughly residues 176–191, with a small structural modification[1][2]. It was engineered to isolate GH’s fat-metabolising region from the rest of the hormone.
Its proposed mechanism is to stimulate lipolysis (the breakdown of stored fat) and to inhibit lipogenesis (the formation of new fat), apparently through β-adrenergic-related pathways, while — unlike full-length GH — not raising IGF-1 and not impairing glucose tolerance[1][5]. These properties were the basis for its original development as a candidate obesity drug.
Most of the encouraging fat-loss data come from preclinical (animal) studies[2][5]. Early human safety work suggested AOD-9604 was generally well tolerated, with a placebo-like adverse-event profile and no IGF-1 elevation[5][6].
Critical honesty: the pivotal human efficacy data are negative. In a Phase 2b obesity trial, AOD-9604 did not produce statistically significant weight loss versus placebo, and pharmaceutical development was discontinued around 2007[3][4]. Claims of meaningful human fat loss should therefore be read as unproven hypotheses, not established outcomes.
AOD-9604 is not an approved medicine. It is an unapproved research chemical presented here for research and educational purposes only.
Lifestyle Factors
Habits that may support a fat-loss focus alongside the protocol.
- ▪Nutrition: Follow a nutrient-dense, calorie-appropriate diet with adequate protein to help preserve lean mass.
- ▪Activity: Pair regular exercise — especially cardio — with the protocol to complement any fat-loss goal.
- ▪Sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours to support the body’s natural metabolic and repair processes.
- ▪Stress: Manage stress with evidence-based practices, since it influences appetite and metabolism.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
What preclinical and early safety literature describe; human efficacy is unproven and individual results vary.
Potential Benefits (mostly preclinical)
- ▪Lipolysis (preclinical): Animal and lab studies report stimulation of fat breakdown and inhibition of fat formation[2][5].
- ▪No IGF-1 / glucose impact: Unlike full GH, it does not appear to raise IGF-1 or impair glucose tolerance[5][6].
- ▪Tolerability (early human safety): Short human studies reported a placebo-like safety profile with no serious adverse events[5][6].
- ▪Honest caveat: A Phase 2b human trial showed no significant weight loss vs placebo; human efficacy is unproven[3][4].
Common Side Effects
- ▪Injection-site reactions: Mild redness, tenderness or soreness can occur; rotating sites helps.
- ▪Transient effects: Some users report mild fatigue or nausea, generally short-lived in the limited data.
- ▪Unknown long-term profile: Human long-term safety data are limited, so caution and monitoring are advised.
Injection Technique
General subcutaneous technique, following established clinical best-practice guidance[10][11].
Pre-Injection Preparation
- ▪Wash your hands well with soap and water.
- ▪Wipe the vial stopper with an alcohol swab and let it air-dry.
- ▪Choose a site (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm) and clean it with a fresh alcohol swab, letting it dry fully[11].
- ▪Draw the intended dose, then check for air bubbles and push any out.
Injection Procedure
- ▪Pinch a skinfold at the chosen site between thumb and forefinger.
- ▪Insert the needle into the pinch at a 45–90-degree angle (use 45 degrees if the fat layer is thin)[10].
- ▪Skip aspiration for subcutaneous shots — it isn’t needed[10].
- ▪Press the plunger slowly and steadily until it’s fully down.
- ▪Wait 5–10 seconds, then pull the needle straight out to prevent leakage.
Post-Injection Care
- ▪Drop the used syringe straight into a puncture-proof sharps container — never recap a needle.
- ▪Return the reconstituted vial to the fridge right away.
- ▪Rotate the injection site each day to prevent irritation and lipohypertrophy[9].
- ▪Watch the site for excess redness, swelling, or signs of infection.
Recommended Source
For high-purity research peptides, we point researchers to Prime Lab Peptides for AOD-9604 (5 mg).
Why Prime Lab Peptides?
- ▪Top-rated on Trustpilot: Independently reviewed as the highest-rated peptide lab on Trustpilot — making it the best current source in the USA.
- ▪Third-party tested: Every batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) confirming purity and composition.
- ▪Consistent quality: ISO-aligned manufacturing and handling keep product integrity reliable batch to batch.
- ▪Cold-chain integrity: Temperature-controlled shipping and storage across the whole fulfilment chain.
- ▪Research-grade purity: Fit for educational and research use that demands high-quality peptides.
Note: Product availability and specifications subject to change. Verify current product details on supplier website.
References
- 1
Endocrinology (OUP)hGH C-terminal fragment AOD-9604: lipid metabolism and β-adrenergic pathway insights (preclinical).
- 2
PubMedCharacterisation of the synthetic hGH (176–191) fragment and its lipolytic activity.
- 3
News-Medical / Metabolic pressCoverage of the AOD-9604 Phase 2b obesity trial outcome (development discontinued ~2007).
- 4
BioSpace (PR Newswire)Announcement on completion of the Phase 2b obesity trial of AOD-9604.
- 5
Journal of Endocrinology & Metabolism (2013)Safety & tolerability of AOD-9604 in humans (no IGF-1 increase; placebo-like safety).
- 6
Journal of Endocrinology & Metabolism (2014)Safety and metabolism overview of AOD-9604 across human studies (oral and IV).
- 7
Peptide Storage GuideBest practices for storing lyophilized peptides (temperature, humidity and light protection).
- 8
Bacteriostatic Water GuidanceBacteriostatic water for injection: multi-dose vial stability and handling.
- 9
NCBI BookshelfBest practices for subcutaneous injection: aseptic technique and site rotation.
- 10
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Subcutaneous injection technique: angle, site and no-aspiration guidance.
- 11
Subcutaneous Injection Technique (Patient Education)How to administer a subcutaneous injection: clinical technique guidelines.
- 12
Prime Lab PeptidesAOD-9604 (5 mg) product page — purity specifications and certificates of analysis.
How to reconstitute AOD-9604
- 1Wipe the vial stopper and your bacteriostatic-water vial with an alcohol swab.
- 2Draw your chosen amount of bacteriostatic water and inject it slowly down the inner wall of the AOD-9604 vial.
- 3Let it rest, then gently swirl until fully dissolved — do not shake.
- 4Refrigerate the reconstituted vial and draw each dose with a U-100 insulin syringe.
AOD-9604 — frequently asked questions
How do I reconstitute a 5 mg vial of AOD-9604?
Wipe the stopper with an alcohol swab, then inject your bacteriostatic water slowly down the inside wall of the vial. Let it sit and gently swirl until dissolved — never shake. Store the mixed vial in the refrigerator and draw doses with an insulin syringe. Use the calculator above to turn any dose into syringe units.
How much bacteriostatic water should I add to AOD-9604?
There is no single correct amount — more water simply spreads the same 5 mg of peptide across a larger volume, which makes small doses easier to measure accurately. 1 to 3 mL per vial is typical. Enter your chosen volume in the calculator above to see the resulting concentration and syringe units.
What do the "units" on an insulin syringe mean?
On a U-100 insulin syringe, 100 units equal 1 mL, so 1 unit equals 0.01 mL. The calculator above converts your draw volume into these units automatically so you can measure without doing the math by hand.
How should I store AOD-9604 after mixing?
Keep the reconstituted vial refrigerated at roughly 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, away from light, and avoid freezing it. Reconstituted research peptides are generally used within a few weeks. Always follow the specific guidance supplied with your product.
How many doses does a 5 mg vial of AOD-9604 provide?
Divide the vial strength of 5 mg by the amount you use per injection. The calculator above reports this as "doses per vial" the moment you enter a dose.
Is AOD-9604 approved for human use?
No. AOD-9604 is sold strictly for laboratory and research purposes and is not approved by the FDA or other regulators for human use. Everything on this page is research information, not medical advice — consult a licensed healthcare professional before any use.
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