This information is for research and educational purposes only. No medical recommendations. Products are not approved for human use. For health questions, consult a doctor.

Lexicon

Weight management

AOD-9604

A modified, more stable variant of the lipolytic GH fragment, meant for fat loss without the other GH effects.

2 min read 1 sources Calculator Updated May 2026
Class
Modified GH fragment (lipolytic)
Use
Subcutaneous (in mcg)
Half-life
short
Status
Limited efficacy in human weight studies

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Equipment

Equipment you need

For reconstitution and injection you need a bit of basic gear. Here are solid, cheap options:

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What is AOD-9604?

AOD-9604 is a modified variant of the lipolytic GH fragment 176-191, which you also find individually in the lexicon. An extra chemical group makes it more stable. The idea is the same: use the fat-mobilizing part of growth hormone without its growth and blood-sugar effects.

Up front: in human weight-loss studies the effect was limited.

How it works

AOD-9604 stimulates fat burning in fat cells and inhibits the formation of new fat, without notably affecting IGF-1, insulin sensitivity or blood sugar. That is the selling point: the fat-loss part of GH without the typical GH side effects.

What you need

  • The AOD-9604 vial (lyophilized powder).
  • Bacteriostatic water, U-100 insulin syringes, alcohol swabs.

Reconstitution

Use the calculator above. A 5mg vial with 2ml water gives 2500mcg per ml, 300mcg is then 12 units on the U-100 syringe. Just add the water to the vial and let it dissolve.

Dosing

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Injection

Subcutaneous into the subcutaneous fat, ideally fasted before cardio. Disinfect the site, pinch a skin fold, rotate sites.

What the research shows

The basis comes from the GH fragment (Heffernan, 2001): in obese mice GH and the fragment triggered weight loss and increased fat burning. Important: in later human weight-loss studies AOD-9604 showed only limited effects. Stay realistic, it does not replace a calorie deficit.

Side effects

  • Generally well tolerated, mainly local reactions at the injection site.
  • Since little effect on blood sugar and IGF-1, the typical GH side effects are largely absent.
  • The effect itself is less established in humans than hoped.

Storage

Before mixing the powder is robust, normal room temperature (around 20 to 25 degrees) is fine, ideally kept in the dark. After mixing, keep in the fridge (2 to 8 degrees), do not freeze. It stays good there for at least 8 to 10 weeks with barely any loss of potency, in practice considerably longer. Swirl or shake to mix, both are fine.

Evidence

Sources

  1. 1 Effects of human GH and the lipolytic fragment AOD9604 on lipid metabolism (mouse, preclinical). Heffernan et al., Endocrinology, 2001

Keep reading

More in the lexicon

In the shop

AOD-9604 in the catalog

Sizes, prices and availability for research use. Straight from the lexicon to the product page.

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