AOD-9604 vs Ipamorelin
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 →Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue that stimulates the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland without significantly affecting cortisol or prolactin.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | AOD-9604 | Ipamorelin |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 300 mcg–500 mcg | 100 mcg–300 mcg |
| Frequency | 1x daily | 2x daily |
| Cycle Length | 12–24 weeks | 8–12 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. | Acts as a ghrelin mimetic, binding to the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R) in the pituitary to stimulate GH release. Highly selective with minimal effect on other hormones. |
| 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. | Typical dosing ranges from 200-300mcg administered 2-3 times daily, often combined with CJC-1295. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection, typically in the abdominal area. Best administered on an empty stomach. Can be combined with exercise for enhanced effects. | Subcutaneous injection. Best results when administered fasted or before sleep. Often stacked with GHRH peptides. |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated. May cause headaches, injection site reactions, or temporary lethargy. Does not affect blood glucose like full GH. | Generally well-tolerated. May cause mild headaches, lightheadedness, or increased hunger initially. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
AOD-9604, Ipamorelin are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to Ipamorelin:
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
- Fat Loss: Ipamorelin has stronger research support.
| Goal | AOD-9604 | Ipamorelin |
|---|---|---|
| Fat Loss | medium | 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
Ipamorelin
- The influence of ghrelin agonist ipamorelin acetate on the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis in a cichlid fish, Oreochromis mossambicus.
Animal reproduction science, 2024
- The growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a agonists, anamorelin and ipamorelin, inhibit cisplatin-induced weight loss in ferrets: Anamorelin also exhibits anti-emetic effects via a central mechanism.
Physiology & behavior, 2024
- Prospective, randomized, controlled, proof-of-concept study of the Ghrelin mimetic ipamorelin for the management of postoperative ileus in bowel resection patients.
International journal of colorectal disease, 2014
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