AOD-9604 vs Humanin
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose 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 →Humanin
Humanin is a mitochondrial-derived peptide with potent cytoprotective effects. Discovered in 2001, it has shown promise in protecting against age-related diseases including Alzheimer's, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | AOD-9604 | Humanin |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 300 mcg–500 mcg | 100 mcg–500 mcg |
| Frequency | 1x daily | 1x daily |
| Cycle Length | 12–24 weeks | 4–8 weeks |
| Route | 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. | Binds to IGFBP-3 and BAX, inhibiting apoptosis. Activates STAT3 signaling and enhances cellular survival under stress. Protects mitochondrial function and reduces oxidative stress. |
| 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. | Research protocols vary widely. Studies have used doses from micrograms to milligrams depending on the analog and route. HNG (S14G-Humanin) is a more potent analog. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection, typically in the abdominal area. Best administered on an empty stomach. Can be combined with exercise for enhanced effects. | Subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injection in research. Various analogs exist with different potencies and stabilities. |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated. May cause headaches, injection site reactions, or temporary lethargy. Does not affect blood glucose like full GH. | Limited human data. Generally well-tolerated in animal studies. May affect glucose metabolism. |
| Best For |
Key Differences
Unique to AOD-9604:
Unique to Humanin:
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
Humanin
- Humanin Mitigates Aβ-Induced Retinal Pigment Epithelium Injury via AMPK-Beclin1-Dependent Mitophagy.
Aging cell, 2026
- HUMANIN produced by human efferocytic macrophages promotes the resolution of inflammation.
Cell death & disease, 2025
- The neuroprotective role of Humanin in Alzheimer's disease: The molecular effects.
European journal of pharmacology, 2025
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