AOD-9604 vs Cartalax
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.
- Cartalax is a tetrapeptide bioregulator (Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro) developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson for cartilage and connective tissue. It is tissue-specific for chondrocytes and cartilaginous structures, supporting cartilage matrix synthesis, slowing degenerative changes, and promoting joint longevity. It is used in the context of osteoarthritis, joint aging, and athletic cartilage preservation.
- Half-Life
- 30-45 minutes injectable; longer with nasal spray formulation
- Short (minutes); gene-regulatory effects are sustained
- Admin Route
- SubQ, Intranasal, Oral
- SubQ, Oral
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 300-600 mcg
- 10 mg per day
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Daily for 10–30 days
- 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
- Supports cartilage matrix synthesis and maintenance
- May slow progression of osteoarthritic cartilage degradation
- Reduces chondrocyte apoptosis
- Promotes joint longevity in aging and high-impact sports
- Anti-aging effects on connective tissue
- Complementary to BPC-157 and TB-500 in joint recovery protocols
- Well tolerated in available human and animal research
- Side Effects
- Localized injection site reactions
- Headache (rare)
- Hypoglycemia risk in combination with insulin (very rare)
- Generally well tolerated
- Mild injection site reactions
- No significant adverse events reported at standard doses
- Stacks With
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