A modified fragment of human growth hormone that targets fat cells for breakdown without affecting blood sugar or muscle growth—your metabolism's precision tool.
Written by Michael Carroll — Owner, Director of Research · Reviewed by the Peptide Initiative Research Team · Editorial standards
Subcutaneous
Route
3 recommended
Sites
Once daily
Frequency
Preparation
Bacteriostatic water (BAC water)
Insulin syringe (29-31 gauge)
Alcohol swabs
Sterile AOD-9604 vial (typically 5mg)
Pro tip
Prepare all supplies on a clean surface before you begin. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more sterile.
Mixing
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Gather all supplies on a clean, flat surface.
Remove the plastic cap from the peptide vial and wipe the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab. Let it air dry.
Draw the appropriate amount of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
Insert the needle into the vial at an angle, aiming at the inside wall of the vial. Slowly push the plunger to let the water trickle down the glass wall -- do NOT squirt directly onto the powder.
Once all water is added, gently swirl the vial in a slow circular motion. Never shake the vial, as this can damage the peptide bonds.
Continue swirling until the powder is completely dissolved and the solution is clear. If particles remain, let the vial sit for a few minutes and swirl again.
Label the vial with the date of reconstitution, the peptide name, and the concentration (e.g. 250mcg per 0.1mL).
Example calculation
5mg vial + 2mL BAC water = 2.5mg/mL (2500mcg/mL). For 250mcg dose, draw 0.1mL (10 units on insulin syringe).
Dose calculation
At 2500mcg/mL concentration: 0.1mL = 250mcg, 0.15mL = 375mcg, 0.2mL = 500mcg
Pro tip
Always add the bacteriostatic water slowly, letting it run down the side of the vial. Never shake the vial -- swirl gently to avoid damaging the peptide.
Location
Site 01
Abdomen
Pinch the skin 2 inches from navel. Avoid the area directly around the belly button. Rotate between left and right sides.
Site 02
Flank / Love Handle
The soft tissue area on the side of the torso, above the hip. Pinch the skin and inject at a 45-degree angle.
Site 03
Outer Thigh
Middle third of the outer thigh. Keep at least 4 inches above the knee and below the hip. Alternate legs each injection.
Rotate between 3 sites to prevent tissue buildup and ensure consistent absorption.
Pro tip
Rotate your injection sites with each dose to prevent lipohypertrophy (buildup of fatty tissue). Keep a simple log of where you last injected.
Step by step
Clean injection site thoroughly with alcohol swab and let dry
Pinch a fold of skin between thumb and forefinger
Insert needle at 45-90 degree angle into the pinched fold
Inject slowly and steadily
Remove needle and apply light pressure—do not rub
Pro tip
This peptide uses subcutaneous injection into fatty tissue. Inject at a 45-90 degree angle into pinched skin. Aspirate before injecting to ensure you haven't hit a blood vessel.
Timing
Optimal timing
Best time
Morning on an empty stomach, 30-60 minutes before food or exercise
With food?
Best taken on an empty stomach for optimal absorption. Wait at least 30 minutes before eating.
Stacking notes
Can be combined with GHRP peptides like Ipamorelin at the same time. If using with CJC-1295, inject together for synergistic effects on fat metabolism.
Sample daily schedule
Morning (upon waking, 6-8 AM)
250-500mcg injection
Site: Abdomen or target fat area
Inject on empty stomach. Wait 30-60 minutes before eating. Best before fasted cardio if exercising.
Alternative: Before bed (optional split dose)
250mcg injection
Site: Abdomen or outer thigh
If splitting a 500mcg daily dose, take second injection before bed on empty stomach. Allow 3+ hours after last meal.
Dosing tiers
Dose
250 mcg
Frequency
Once daily
Duration
2-4 weeks
AOD9604 is a research peptide and not an approved medicine. Doses around 250 mcg under the skin are a common starting point in practice. In a human trial the most effective amount was about 1 mg per day. [1][5]
Preservation
Before mixing
Refrigerate at 36-46°F (2-8°C) for up to several months. Can also be stored frozen at -4°F (-20°C) for longer-term storage. Keep in original packaging away from light.
After mixing
Refrigerate immediately at 36-46°F (2-8°C). Never freeze after mixing with bacteriostatic water. Store away from light. Discard after 28 days or if any degradation signs appear.
Shelf life after mixing
28 days
Signs of degradation
Discard the vial immediately if you notice any of these:
Cloudy or milky appearance (should be clear)
Visible particles or floaters in solution
Unusual color change
Clumping or precipitation at bottom of vial
Important
When to stop
Signs of allergic reaction (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
Persistent side effects that don't improve after dose reduction
Pregnancy confirmed or suspected
Development of any new medical condition—consult your provider
No noticeable benefits after 8-12 weeks of consistent use
Prior to any surgical procedure—discuss timing with your surgeon
Always consult with a healthcare provider before stopping or if you experience any concerning symptoms. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.
Clean technique checklist
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling supplies
Swab vial tops and injection site with alcohol and let dry
Never touch the needle tip or allow it to contact non-sterile surfaces
Use a new syringe and needle for each injection
Dispose of used sharps in a proper sharps container
Store reconstituted peptides according to the storage instructions above
Published research
Ng FM et al. · 2000
AOD-9604 reduced body weight gain by over 50% in obese rats without affecting insulin sensitivity—showing it targets fat metabolism safely without diabetic side effects.
Heffernan MA et al. · 2001
Both growth hormone and AOD-9604 increased fat oxidation and reduced weight gain, but unlike HGH, AOD-9604 did not cause high blood sugar or reduce insulin—making it a safer option.
Heffernan M et al. · 2001
AOD-9604 works through beta-3 adrenergic receptors on fat cells—it increases expression of these fat-burning receptors, explaining its targeted fat loss mechanism.
Kwon DR et al. · 2015
AOD-9604 injections enhanced cartilage regeneration in arthritic joints, with the combination of AOD-9604 plus hyaluronic acid showing the best results for joint repair.
Metabolic Pharmaceuticals; Stier H, et al. · 2007
In a 12-week randomized trial of ~300 obese adults, AOD9604 was tested at 1, 5, 10, 20 and 30 mg daily; the 1 mg dose produced the greatest weight loss versus placebo, with no added benefit from higher doses.
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