AOD-9604 vs Cagrilintide vs CJC-1295
A three-way comparison to help you find the right peptide for your research goals.
AOD-9604
AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone (HGH fragment 176-191). It was developed to have the fat-reducing effects of growth hormone without the adverse effects on blood sugar or growth.
Full details →Cagrilintide
Cagrilintide is a long-acting amylin analog in development, showing promising results when combined with semaglutide (CagriSema). Amylin is a hormone co-secreted with insulin that promotes satiety.
Full details →CJC-1295
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) that stimulates the pituitary gland to produce more growth hormone.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | AOD-9604 | Cagrilintide | CJC-1295 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 300 mcg–500 mcg | 300 mcg–4.5 mg | 1 mg–2 mg |
| Frequency | 1x daily | Less than daily | Less than daily |
| Cycle Length | 12–24 weeks | 26–68 weeks | 8–12 weeks |
| Route | subcutaneous | subcutaneous | subcutaneous |
| Mechanism | Stimulates lipolysis (fat breakdown) and inhibits lipogenesis (fat accumulation) without affecting blood sugar or growth. Works specifically on adipose tissue through a mechanism independent of GH receptors. | Activates amylin receptors (calcitonin receptor with RAMP proteins) to slow gastric emptying, suppress glucagon secretion, and reduce food intake through central satiety mechanisms distinct from GLP-1. | CJC-1295 binds to GHRH receptors in the pituitary, triggering increased production and release of growth hormone. The DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) version extends half-life significantly. |
| Typical Dosage | Research dosing typically ranges from 250-500mcg daily, often split into morning and afternoon doses. Some protocols use higher doses up to 1mg. | Clinical trials: 2.4mg weekly as monotherapy or in combination with semaglutide 2.4mg (CagriSema). Optimal dosing still being determined. | CJC-1295 DAC: 1-2mg weekly. CJC-1295 no DAC (Mod GRF 1-29): 100-300mcg 2-3 times daily. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection, typically in the abdominal area. Best administered on an empty stomach. Can be combined with exercise for enhanced effects. | Subcutaneous injection once weekly. Currently only available in clinical trials - not yet FDA approved. | Subcutaneous injection, often combined with a GHRP like Ipamorelin for synergistic effects. Best administered before sleep or fasted. |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated. May cause headaches, injection site reactions, or temporary lethargy. Does not affect blood glucose like full GH. | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation similar to other incretin-based therapies. Combination with semaglutide may increase GI effects initially. | Water retention, tingling in extremities, potential increase in cortisol and prolactin levels. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
AOD-9604, Cagrilintide, CJC-1295 are all commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to CJC-1295:
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
| Goal | AOD-9604 | Cagrilintide | CJC-1295 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fat Loss | medium | high | high |
Key Studies
AOD-9604
- AOD-9604 does not influence the WADA hGH isoform immunoassay.
Drug testing and analysis, 2013
- AOD-9604 Metabolic.
Current opinion in investigational drugs (London, England : 2000), 2004
Cagrilintide
- Efficacy and safety of co-administered cagrilintide and semaglutide versus semaglutide alone in adults with overweight or obesity with or without type 2 diabetes in Japan and Taiwan (REDEFINE 5): a multicentre, randomised, active-controlled, phase 3a trial.
The lancet. Diabetes & endocrinology, 2026
- A cross-species atlas of the dorsal vagal complex reveals neural mediators of the effects of cagrilintide on energy balance.
Nature metabolism, 2026
- Cagrilintide-Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes.
The New England journal of medicine, 2025
CJC-1295
- A method for confirming CJC-1295 abuse in equine plasma samples by LC-MS/MS.
Drug testing and analysis, 2019
- An immuno polymerase chain reaction screen for the detection of CJC-1295 and other growth-hormone-releasing hormone analogs in equine plasma.
Drug testing and analysis, 2019
- Netnography of Female Use of the Synthetic Growth Hormone CJC-1295: Pulses and Potions.
Substance use & misuse, 2016
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