library.onepin.app/aod-9604 Peptide Education Library
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OnePin Peptide Library · Metabolic

Metabolic Synthetic GH fragment (176-191) Not FDA-approved · investigational

AOD-9604

AOD9604 · AOD

Synthetic GH fragment (176-191)Lipolysis activator / lipogenesis inhibitorBeta-3 adrenergic receptor pathway activatorModified GH C-terminal peptide

AOD-9604 (Advanced Obesity Drug) is a synthetic 16-amino acid peptide corresponding to the C-terminal fragment (amino acids 176-191) of human growth hormone, with an additional tyrosine residue at the N-terminus. It was designed to isolate the fat-metabolizing activity of GH from its growth-promoting and diabetogenic effects. AOD-9604 stimulates lipolysis (fat breakdown) and inhibits lipogenesis (fat formation) through activation of the beta-3 adrenergic receptor pathway, without affecting IGF-1 levels, blood glucose, or insulin sensitivity. It underwent Phase 2 clinical trials for obesity but was not pursued to Phase 3 due to commercial rather than safety reasons. AOD-9604 is now also available as a chondroprotective agent under the brand name AOBG (Australia) for joint health.

Quick Start
Route
SubQ injection, preferably near target fat deposits
Start low
250 to 300 mcg daily
Frequency
Daily, morning fasted
Timing
Fasted. Morning on empty stomach. Wait 30-60 min before eating. Ideal before fasted cardio.

Best administered in the morning on an empty stomach. Wait 30 minutes before eating. Some research protocols suggest injection into abdominal subcutaneous fat for localized effect. Fasted administration essential for fat metabolism effects.

Start here. Every protocol below is ordered lowest-first. Begin at the smallest effective dose, hold about a week to assess tolerance, and step up only if needed.

Tiered Protocols · lowest first
Quick Start
Conservative start
250 to 300 mcg daily · SubQ injection, preferably near target fat deposits · Daily, morning fasted
Lowest starting point. Hold about a week to assess tolerance before stepping up.
250 to 300 mcg daily
Daily, morning fasted
Standard
Lipolysis Targeting
300-500 mcg · SubQ · Daily
animal study · Ng et al. 2000 (Horm Res)
300-500 mcg
Daily
Reconstitution CalculatorU-100
050100u
Draw to
units
01

How it works

AOD-9604 activates beta-3 adrenergic receptors on adipocytes, stimulating hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) and increasing lipolysis (triglyceride breakdown into free fatty acids and glycerol). Simultaneously, it inhibits lipogenesis by suppressing fatty acid synthase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity, reducing de novo fat formation. Unlike full-length GH, AOD-9604 does not activate the JAK2-STAT5 signaling pathway responsible for IGF-1 production, meaning it does not elevate IGF-1 levels or affect blood glucose homeostasis. The 4-minute plasma half-life means AOD-9604 acts primarily as a metabolic trigger rather than sustained signaling molecule. Its effects on fat metabolism are independent of growth hormone receptor activation. Additional chondroprotective effects have been documented, with AOD-9604 shown to stimulate proteoglycan synthesis in cartilage.

AOD-9604 activates beta-3 adrenergic receptors on adipocytes, stimulating hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) and increasing lipolysis (triglyceride breakdown into free fatty acids and glycerol). Simultaneously, it inhibits lipogenesis by suppressing fatty acid synthase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity, reducing de novo fat formation. Unlike full-length GH, AOD-9604 does not activate the JAK2-STAT5 signaling pathway responsible for IGF-1 production, meaning it does not elevate IGF-1 levels or affect blood glucose homeostasis. The 4-minute plasma half-life means AOD-9604 acts primarily as a metabolic trigger rather than sustained signaling molecule. Its effects on fat metabolism are independent of growth hormone receptor activation. Additional chondroprotective effects have been documented, with AOD-9604 shown to stimulate proteoglycan synthesis in cartilage.

02

What to expect

Early
Days 1–7

Days 1-14: No significant visible changes. AOD works at the cellular level on lipid metabolism. No subjective effects expected (no hunger changes, no energy boost, no water retention).

Mid
Weeks 2–4

Weeks 2-6: Body composition changes may begin to become apparent, particularly in combination with caloric deficit and exercise. DEXA or body composition measurements more reliable than scale weight.

Later
Weeks 4–12

Weeks 6-12: Cumulative fat loss effects. Phase 2 trials showed statistically significant weight loss vs placebo at 12 weeks. Most visible in stubborn fat areas when combined with proper nutrition. Lab work should confirm no changes in IGF-1, glucose, or insulin.

03

Evidence

HumanPresent
AnimalPresent
In-vitroPresent
2001The effects of human GH and its lipolytic fragment (AOD9604) on lipid metabolism following chronic treatment in obese mice and beta(3)-AR knock-out mice · Heffernan M et al, Endocrinology ↗peer reviewed
2001Increase of fat oxidation and weight loss in obese mice caused by chronic treatment with human growth hormone or a modified C-terminal fragment · Heffernan M et al, International Journal of Obesity ↗peer reviewed
2000Metabolic studies of a synthetic lipolytic domain (AOD9604) of human growth hormone · Ng FM et al, Hormone Research ↗peer reviewed
2014Detection and in vitro metabolism of AOD9604 · Esposito S et al, Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry ↗peer reviewed
04

The honest take

Fat loss without GH side effects

Supported

Confirmed by clinical trial data. AOD-9604 does not elevate IGF-1, does not affect glucose, and does not cause water retention or joint pain. This is its primary design advantage.

Spot reduction

Injecting near target fat deposits is commonly discussed. There is no clinical data confirming localized fat reduction. The 4-minute half-life limits systemic distribution, which is the theoretical basis for this claim.

Joint / cartilage health

TGA (Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration) approved AOD-9604 as a food supplement for joint health. Proteoglycan synthesis stimulation demonstrated. Marketed as AOBG for osteoarthritis.

05

Interactions & stacking

What's safe to combine, and what belongs in a separate pin.

Safe & synergistic

BPC-157Non-overlapping (fat metabolism vs tissue repair)
TB-500Non-overlapping mechanisms
GHK-CuNon-overlapping (fat vs collagen)
GHKNon-overlapping mechanisms

Keep separate

CJC-1295 with DACAOD-9604 contains a cysteine disulfide bridge. DAC maleimide reacts with cysteine thiol groups. Thiol reactivity risk in syringe. Pin CJC-DAC separately.
06

Side effects & safety

Commonly reported

  • Very well tolerated in clinical trials
  • Mild injection site reaction possible
  • No significant side effects reported in Phase 2 data

Less common & notes

  • Phase 2 trials showed a safety profile comparable to placebo.
  • No effect on IGF-1, glucose homeostasis, or insulin sensitivity.
  • No growth-promoting effects.
  • The short 4-minute plasma half-life limits systemic exposure.
  • Long-term data beyond 12 weeks is limited.
  • AOD-9604 is one of the best-tolerated peptides available based on clinical trial safety data.
07

Pharmacokinetics

Illustrative plasma concentration · 24 h
Half-life
0.5h
Peak · Tmax
0.25h
Elimination
2.5h
Activity
4-6 hours (lipolytic signaling cascade persists after peptide clearance)

Storage. Store unreconstituted vials frozen (-20C) or refrigerated (2-8C). After reconstitution with BAC water, refrigerate at 2-8C. Stable for 28 days. Disulfide bridge adds structural stability. Protect from light. Inspect before use.

08

Regulatory status

WADA prohibits AOD-9604 under S0 Non-Approved Substances and S2 (peptide hormones category). FDA does not approve AOD-9604 for any human use. TGA (Australia) lists AOD-9604 as a scheduled substance for certain therapeutic uses. Available through research chemical and compounding channels.

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The guide & community

The complete AOD-9604 walkthrough, real protocol discussion and coaching live inside the BlessUp community on Skool.

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