AOD-9604 vs MOTS-c
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 →MOTS-c
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the Twelve S rRNA type-c) is a mitochondrial-derived peptide that plays a key role in metabolic regulation and has emerged as a significant longevity research target.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | AOD-9604 | MOTS-c |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 300 mcg–500 mcg | 5 mg–10 mg |
| Frequency | 1x daily | Less than 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. | Activates AMPK pathway, enhances glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, improves insulin sensitivity, and regulates mitochondrial function. Acts as a metabolic hormone affecting whole-body energy homeostasis. |
| 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 typically use 5-10mg administered subcutaneously several times per week. Optimal dosing not yet established. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection, typically in the abdominal area. Best administered on an empty stomach. Can be combined with exercise for enhanced effects. | Subcutaneous injection. Often combined with exercise protocols as it enhances exercise capacity and metabolic adaptation. |
| 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. Animal studies show good tolerability. May affect energy levels and exercise performance. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
AOD-9604, MOTS-c are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to MOTS-c:
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
| Goal | AOD-9604 | MOTS-c |
|---|---|---|
| Fat Loss | medium | medium |
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
MOTS-c
- MOTS-c improves intrinsic muscle mitochondrial bioenergetic health and efficiency in a PGC-1α/AMPK-dependent manner.
Free radical biology & medicine, 2026
- MOTS-c attenuates lung ischemia-reperfusion injury via MYH9-Dependent nuclear translocation and transcriptional activation of antioxidant genes.
Redox biology, 2025
- MOTS-c: Magical Molecule for Diabetic Cardiomyopathy?
Cardiovascular drugs and therapy, 2025
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