AOD-9604 vs Carnosine
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone (residues 177-191) with an additional tyrosine residue that significantly enhances bioavailability. Originally developed as an anti-obesity drug by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals, it stimulates lipolysis and inhibits lipogenesis without the diabetogenic effects of full GH.
- Carnosine is an endogenous dipeptide (beta-alanine + histidine) found in high concentrations in muscle and brain. It is a potent anti-aging molecule with broad spectrum antioxidant, anti-glycation, anti-carbonylation, and metal chelating properties, making it one of the most protective naturally occurring dipeptides.
- Half-Life
- 30-45 minutes injectable; longer with nasal spray formulation
- ~1.5 minutes (rapidly hydrolyzed to beta-alanine and histidine by carnosinase in blood; tissue levels maintained via constant synthesis)
- Admin Route
- SubQ, Intranasal, Oral
- Oral, Topical
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 300-600 mcg
- 1,000–2,000 mg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Once to twice daily with meals
- Key Benefits
- Selective fat loss without anabolic side effects
- No effect on blood glucose or insulin resistance
- Improved bioavailability over Fragment 176-191
- GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status in Australia
- Potential cartilage repair and anti-inflammatory properties
- Does not suppress natural GH production
- Potent anti-glycation (prevents protein cross-linking/aging)
- Broad-spectrum antioxidant in muscle and brain
- Extends cell lifespan and protects telomeres
- Improves muscle performance and delays fatigue (pH buffering)
- Neuroprotective against Alzheimer's amyloid-beta
- Wound healing acceleration
- Anti-cataract properties (eye health)
- Improves diabetes complications via AGE prevention
- Chelates excess copper and zinc
- Side Effects
- Localized injection site reactions
- Headache (rare)
- Hypoglycemia risk in combination with insulin (very rare)
- Very well tolerated
- Rare: mild GI discomfort at high doses
- No significant adverse effects in human studies
- Stacks With
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