Compounded (503A/503B)Also: Anti-Obesity Drug 9604, hGH 177-191

AOD-9604 Dosage Chart

Daily subcutaneous protocol, fasted-morning timing, and reconstitution math — plus an honest read on what the Phase 2b trial data showed.

Written by
Megan Williams
Editor-in-Chief
Reviewed by
Brian Williams
Co-founder & Research Editor
Last updated
April 25, 2026

Educational tool — not medical advice. This calculator provides estimates based on population averages and published trial data. Outputs are not clinical recommendations and do not replace evaluation by a qualified prescriber. Do not start, stop, or change a peptide therapy based on the result of this tool.

AOD-9604 is a fragment of the C-terminus of human growth hormone (residues 177–191), originally developed by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals as an anti-obesity agent. The Phase 2b trial in obese patients failed to meet its primary endpoint — weight loss was not statistically significant versus placebo. It is now used off-label in compounded peptide therapy at the trial doses.

AOD-9604 at a Glance

Typical dose250–500 mcg subQ daily
Best timingAM fasted, before breakfast
Cycle length12 weeks on, 4 weeks off
FDA statusNot FDA-approved. Phase 2b trial did not meet weight-loss endpoint. Listed as a cosmetic ingredient in Australia.
Source qualityPhase 2b human trial data exists but did not demonstrate efficacy at primary endpoint.
Common vial size5 mg lyophilized powder

AOD-9604 Reconstitution Chart

How vial size, bacteriostatic water volume, and insulin-syringe units convert for AOD-9604. Use this to translate a prescribed mcg or mg dose into a syringe measurement.

Vial sizeBac waterConcentrationDose → insulin-syringe units (U-100)
5 mg2 mL2.5 mg/mL (250 mcg per 0.1 mL)
  • 250 mcg10 units
  • 500 mcg20 units
5 mg2.5 mL2 mg/mL (200 mcg per 0.1 mL)
  • 250 mcg12.5 units
  • 500 mcg25 units

AOD-9604 Dosing by Use Case

Commonly cited protocols vary by what AOD-9604 is being used for. The table below summarizes typical ranges reported in clinical practice and published literature.

Use caseTypical doseFrequencyCycle lengthNotes
Adjunctive fat loss250–500 mcgOnce daily, AM fasted12 weeksOften paired with caloric deficit and exercise; not effective as standalone weight-loss therapy.

Stacking AOD-9604

AOD-9604 is occasionally stacked with semaglutide or tirzepatide as an adjunctive 'metabolic support' add-on, but the evidence base for adding AOD-9604 to a GLP-1 protocol is essentially non-existent. The Phase 2b weight-loss data was not significant for AOD-9604 alone.

Safety profile

AOD-9604 has a clean safety profile in trials but did not demonstrate weight-loss efficacy at its primary endpoint — set expectations accordingly.

  • Phase 2b trial reported no significant adverse events vs. placebo.
  • Phase 2b trial did not show statistically significant weight loss vs. placebo at primary endpoint — this is the central editorial caveat.
  • Not FDA-approved.
  • Theoretical concern: as an HGH fragment, long-term effects on insulin sensitivity and metabolic homeostasis are not well characterized.
Do not use if
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Active malignancy (theoretical concern, class-effect for GH-related peptides)

AOD-9604 Dosing FAQ

The Phase 2b trial in obese patients failed to meet its primary weight-loss endpoint vs. placebo. Practitioner-reported anecdotal results vary. If you're looking for evidence-backed weight loss, FDA-approved options like semaglutide or tirzepatide have substantially stronger data.

Some practitioners use it as a low-side-effect metabolic adjunct on the theory that the trial endpoint was insufficient to detect benefit, or that it works synergistically with caloric restriction. The honest framing is that the formal evidence is weak.

Sources

Related Dosage Charts

Want the full AOD-9604 guide?

Mechanism, clinical evidence, side effects, costs, and provider listings for AOD-9604 therapy.

See AOD-9604 guide

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any peptide therapy treatment.