AOD-9604 vs Melanotan II
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 →Melanotan II
Melanotan II is a synthetic peptide analog of α-MSH with broader receptor activity than Melanotan I. It produces tanning effects and has notable effects on sexual function and appetite suppression.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | AOD-9604 | Melanotan II |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 300 mcg–500 mcg | 250 mcg–1 mg |
| Frequency | 1x daily | 1x daily |
| Cycle Length | 12–24 weeks | 1–2 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. | Non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist affecting MC1R (tanning), MC3R and MC4R (sexual function and appetite). This broader activity explains its multiple effects beyond tanning. |
| 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 protocols: 0.25-0.5mg daily during loading phase for 1-2 weeks, then 0.5-1mg before UV exposure for maintenance. Start low to assess tolerance. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection, typically in the abdominal area. Best administered on an empty stomach. Can be combined with exercise for enhanced effects. | Subcutaneous injection. Usually combined with UV exposure for tanning effects. Nasal spray formulations exist but have lower bioavailability. |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated. May cause headaches, injection site reactions, or temporary lethargy. Does not affect blood glucose like full GH. | Nausea (common initially), facial flushing, spontaneous erections, increased libido, appetite suppression, and mole darkening. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
AOD-9604, Melanotan II are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to Melanotan II:
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
- Fat Loss: AOD-9604 has stronger research support.
| Goal | AOD-9604 | Melanotan II |
|---|---|---|
| Fat Loss | medium | low |
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
Melanotan II
- Melanotan II nasal spray: a possible risk factor for oral mucosal malignant melanoma?
International journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery, 2025
- Melanotan II User Experience: A Qualitative Study of Online Discussion Forums.
Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland), 2021
- Melanotan II, a melanocortin agonist, partially rescues the impaired thermogenic capacity of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide deficient mice.
Experimental physiology, 2021
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