Follistatin vs AOD-9604 & CJC-1295 & Ipamorelin (Stack)
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Follistatin
Follistatin is a glycoprotein that inhibits myostatin, the protein responsible for limiting muscle growth. By blocking myostatin, follistatin can theoretically allow for increased muscle development beyond natural limits.
Full details →AOD-9604 & CJC-1295 & Ipamorelin (Stack)
A targeted fat loss stack combining AOD-9604 (the fat-burning fragment of HGH) with CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin for comprehensive body recomposition. This blend addresses fat loss directly while supporting lean mass through GH optimization.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Follistatin | AOD-9604 & CJC-1295 & Ipamorelin (Stack) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to and neutralizes myostatin and activin, both of which are negative regulators of muscle mass. This removes the natural brake on muscle growth, allowing for enhanced hypertrophy. | AOD-9604 stimulates lipolysis and inhibits lipogenesis without affecting IGF-1 or blood glucose. CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin provide sustained and pulsatile GH release to support metabolism and lean tissue. The combination targets fat loss through multiple mechanisms while preserving muscle. |
| Typical Dosage | Research protocols typically use 100-300mcg daily, though optimal dosing is not well established. Gene therapy approaches have also been studied. | Typical protocol: AOD-9604 200-400mcg, CJC-1295 100-200mcg, Ipamorelin 100-200mcg daily. Usually administered in the morning fasted or before exercise. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection. Different isoforms exist (FS344, FS315) with varying properties. Requires careful sourcing due to complexity. | Subcutaneous injection. Best administered fasted to maximize fat-burning effects. Can be taken as a pre-mixed blend or separate injections. Cycles typically run 8-16 weeks. |
| Side Effects | Limited human data. Theoretical concerns about effects on other organs where activin signaling is important. | Mild injection site reactions, headache, nausea. Generally well-tolerated as AOD-9604 lacks many HGH side effects. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both Follistatin and AOD-9604 & CJC-1295 & Ipamorelin (Stack) are commonly used for: