Melanotan I 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.
Melanotan I
Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It is FDA-approved as Scenesse for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare genetic disorder causing severe sun sensitivity.
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 | Melanotan I | AOD-9604 & CJC-1295 & Ipamorelin (Stack) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to melanocortin 1 receptors (MC1R) on melanocytes, stimulating eumelanin production. This increases skin pigmentation and provides photoprotection without UV exposure. | 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 | Clinical: 16mg implant every 2 months. Research protocols for tanning typically use 0.5-1mg daily for loading, then maintenance dosing. | Typical protocol: AOD-9604 200-400mcg, CJC-1295 100-200mcg, Ipamorelin 100-200mcg daily. Usually administered in the morning fasted or before exercise. |
| Administration | FDA-approved form is a subcutaneous implant. Research use involves subcutaneous injection. Often combined with minimal UV exposure to enhance results. | 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 | Nausea (especially initially), facial flushing, fatigue, headache, and darkening of existing moles or freckles. | Mild injection site reactions, headache, nausea. Generally well-tolerated as AOD-9604 lacks many HGH side effects. |
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