AOD-9604 (5 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
AOD-9604 is a synthetic 16-amino acid C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone (Tyr-hGH 177–191) with a stabilizing tyrosine substitution at the N-terminus. Originally developed at Monash University in Australia, it retains the lipolytic domain of HGH — promoting fat breakdown and inhibiting fat storage — without elevating IGF-1 or causing insulin resistance.
⚡ Quickstart Highlights
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
Route: Subcutaneous | Frequency: Once daily, fasted (AM preferred)
| Phase | Daily Dose | U-100 Units | Volume | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 300 mcg | 18 units | 0.18 mL | Starting dose |
| Weeks 3–4 | 400 mcg | 24 units | 0.24 mL | |
| Weeks 5–12 | 500 mcg | 30 units | 0.30 mL | Target range; administer fasted |
Reconstitution Steps
- Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the inside glass wall of the vial; avoid foaming.
- Gently swirl until dissolved. Do not shake.
- Label with reconstitution date. Refrigerate at 2–8°C; use within 28 days.
Supplies Planning
| Item | 8 Weeks (500 mcg/day) | 12 Weeks |
|---|---|---|
| AOD-9604 vials (5 mg) | 5–6 vials | 9 vials |
| Insulin syringes (30–50 unit) | 56 | 84 |
| Bacteriostatic water (10 mL) | 2 × 10 mL | 3 × 10 mL |
| Alcohol swabs | 2 × 100-pack | 2 × 100-pack |
Mechanism of Action
AOD-9604 is derived from the lipolytic domain of human GH — specifically amino acids 176–191 — with an N-terminal tyrosine addition that improves stability and lipolytic potency. The disulfide bridge between Cys-7 and Cys-14 creates a cyclic conformation mimicking this region of full-length HGH.
Mechanistically, AOD-9604 upregulates β3-adrenergic receptors (β3-AR) in adipose tissue. β3-AR expression is suppressed in obese adipose tissue; AOD-9604 reverses this suppression, restoring sensitivity to endogenous catecholamines that drive lipolysis. Simultaneously, it activates hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) — the primary triglyceride hydrolysis enzyme — and inhibits acetyl-CoA carboxylase in hepatocytes, reducing de novo fatty acid synthesis. Unlike full HGH, AOD-9604 does not bind the GH receptor, does not stimulate IGF-1, and does not impair glucose tolerance.
Research Findings & Safety Profile
- Human Phase 2b RCT (Gastroenterology): statistically significant weight loss (~2.6 kg vs placebo) over 24 weeks in obese adults.
- Placebo-like safety profile in clinical studies: no anti-AOD-9604 antibodies; no adverse IGF-1 or glucose effects.
- FDA Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee (2024) meeting reviewed AOD-9604 as a bulk substance candidate.
- Preferential abdominal fat loss pattern observed in clinical data — resembles pattern seen with low-dose HGH.
- Emerging preclinical data suggests possible cartilage repair and bone health benefits beyond fat metabolism.
- Possible effects: mild injection-site redness/itch; generally very well tolerated per clinical data.
Storage
| State | Temperature | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lyophilized | −20°C (−4°F) | Up to 24 months | Dry, dark conditions |
| Reconstituted | 2–8°C (35–46°F) | Up to 28 days | Avoid freeze-thaw; protect from light |