WHAT IS AOD 9604

AOD9604 is a peptide therapy often called the fat-burning peptide, derived from the C-terminus of human growth hormone, meaning the tail end of the molecule. It’s a modified form of amino acids 176-191 that helps to burn fat without affecting muscle. 

Research on AOD 9604 focuses on isolating the lipolytic (fat-breaking) properties of hGH while avoiding the adverse metabolic effects of the full hormone. Its hypothesized mechanisms have been explored exclusively in laboratory models.

Primary Research Focus:

• Targeted Lipolysis: In animal and cell models, AOD 9604 is reported to promote the breakdown of stored fats (lipolysis) from adipose tissue and inhibit the formation of new fat (lipogenesis).

• Metabolic Specificity: A key research finding is that AOD 9604 does not appear to bind to the primary hGH receptor responsible for adverse effects:

  • No IGF-1 Response: It does not stimulate the production of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), avoiding risks like potential organ growth linked to long-term hGH use (Stier, H., et al. 2013).

  • No Glucose Effect: Clinical trial data indicated no negative effects on glucose tolerance or insulin sensitivity (Stier, H., et al. 2013).

  • Fat reduction: Targets stubborn adipose tissue, especially in the abdomen and hips.

  •   Metabolism support: Can slightly boost metabolic rate.

  •   Joint and cartilage repair: Some research suggests it may help cartilage regeneration.
     

  • No change in blood sugar: Doesn’t affect glucose or insulin sensitivity.

Secondary Research Areas:

• Cartilage and Joint Studies: Research in animal models has suggested a potential for promoting cartilage repair and regeneration in cases of induced osteoarthritis (Kwon, D. R., et al. 2015).

WHAT DOES AOD 9604 DO?

AOD 9604 functions by targeting specific receptors involved in fat metabolism, particularly those that trigger the breakdown of fats into fatty acids. It also increases the body's ability to use fat for energy while slowing down the process that converts excess calories into fat.

BENEFITS & CLINICAL TRIALS

AOD 9604 is known for helping with weight management and metabolism. In fact, research shows that participants who took it lost three times more weight than those in the placebo group. But beyond weight loss, AOD 9604 offers other benefits, including:

• No increase in hunger
• Manage osteoarthritis
• No increase in cortisol levels
• Reduced risk of osteoporosis
• Support body weight reduction
• Improve cholesterol levels
• Support cartilage repair and regeneration
• Avoid negative effects on blood sugar or growth hormone levels
• Prevent the conversion of non-fatty foods into body fat
• Regulate fat metabolism
• Encourage fat release from larger fat cells rather than smaller ones

SIDE EFFECTS

Patients taking AOD-9604 have reported various issues after taking AOD-9604, including:

• Upset stomach
• Headaches
• Swelling, redness, or pain at the injection site

Little is known about AOD 9604's interactions and side effects when combined with other clinical or research drugs. 

In isolated testing, no serious adverse events or withdrawals were attributed to the compound.

IS AOD 9604 SAFE?

AOD-9604 is seen by researchers as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) and has no health risks associated with its use, there are some potential side effects.

While it is classified as GRAS, it has also not undergone proper testing.

Note: AOD 9604 is a chemical intended for research purposes only. It has not been approved by the FDA, nor gone through clinical trials. The long-term benefits and side effects are unknown within the human body.

Administration

Testing has shown two viable options to metabolize AOD 9604. The first option, administration through an ingestible tablet, shows reduced results, with the bloodstream being unable to absorb the highest effective dose. The second, and more viable option, is a subcutaneous injection into an area with the fattest tissue. Testing has shown the bloodstream breakdown of the peptide to have a much higher efficacy. 

Other testing has shown that injecting AOD 9604 during high metabolic times (I.E., early morning before ingesting food) produces the best results. In some studies, patients have been administered injections periodically throughout the day. 

For a 5mg vial, inject 1 ml of bacteriostatic water into the vial (1ml = 100 units). You will need to inject 1 full 1ml syringes of water into the vial. May become cloudy, which is perfectly normal and safe for hydrophobic molecules such as AOD.

Reconstitution

When testing AOD 9604. It is recommended to inject 1 mL of bacteriostatic water into the vial (1 mL = 100 units). Inject 1 full 1ml syringe of water into the vial. AOD may become cloudy, which is perfectly normal for hydrophobic molecules such as AOD 9604. When conducting research, it is crucial to ensure proper reconstitution to establish a baseline for testing results. 

WHERE TO BUY AOD 9604

Researchers should always vet their sources to ensure that a few key factors are present in their test subjects. With the rise in peptide popularity in recent years, many companies have created peptides that undergo little to no testing, quality standards, or regulations. As it is not regulated by the FDA, researchers must do their due diligence and look closely at the company's practices and standards. 

When selecting a supplier for AOD 9604, focus on transparency and quality assurance, not customer testimonials:

1. Quality Documentation: A reputable supplier must provide:
   •  Certificate of Analysis (COA): This document must be recent (corresponding to the batch/lot number purchased) and demonstrate a minimum purity of >95% via High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) testing.
   • Mass Spectrometry (MS) Data: The COA must include mass spectrometry (MS) confirmation to verify the compound’s exact molecular weight, confirming its chemical identity.
   • Contaminant Testing: Look for reports on heavy metals, microbial load, and solvent residues (e.g., residual trifluoroacetic acid, or TFA). The presence of these contaminants can severely compromise research and introduce unknown toxicity.
2. Vendor Verification and Transparency 

   • Specialization: Prioritize vendors who specialize in the manufacturing and distribution of peptides for academic and biotechnology research, rather than general supplement vendors.

   • Manufacturing Origin: Inquire about the source of the raw materials and the manufacturing protocols. Ideal suppliers adhere to strict quality control processes.

   • Handling & Storage: The supplier must provide clear documentation on the proper storage and handling procedures for the peptide to maintain its stability and integrity.

Conclusion on Procurement: Given the high risk of contamination, mislabeling, and legal ambiguity. The use of AOD 9604 outside of this defined research context poses unacceptable, unquantified risks to human health.

REFERENCES

Wellness, Uptown Medical. “AOD 9604 Side Effects You Should Know about: Uptown Medical Wellness & Anti-Aging Center.” Uptown Medical Wellness & Anti-Aging Center |, 16 Apr. 2025, uptownmedicalwellness.com/beauty-tips/aod-9604-side-effects-you-should-know-about/.  

“Ultimate Guide to AOD: The Fat-Burning Peptide.” Thin MD Med Spa, www.thinmdmedspa.com/ultimate-guide-to-aod-the-fat-burning-peptide/. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025. 

“AOD-9604.” DC Chemicals, www.dcchemicals.com/product_show-DC60225.html. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025. 

https://www.news-medical.net/news/2004/12/16/6878.aspx

https://www.vitalityhrt.com/blog/aod-9604-peptide-therapy/ 

https://happyhormonesmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/AOD-9604-Patient-Information.docx.pdf