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ToolsCompareAOD-9604 vs Somatropin (HGH)

AOD-9604 vs Somatropin (HGH)

Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.

Fat Loss & Metabolic
AOD-9604
Growth Hormone PeptidesAnti-Aging & Longevity
Somatropin (HGH)
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.
Somatropin is recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH), identical in structure to the 191-amino acid pituitary-derived growth hormone. It is FDA-approved for growth hormone deficiency, short stature, and wasting conditions. Off-label, it is widely explored for body composition, anti-aging, and performance enhancement, though significant risks accompany unsupervised use.
Half-Life
30-45 minutes injectable; longer with nasal spray formulation
2-3 hours (subcutaneous); 20-30 minutes (intravenous)
Admin Route
SubQ, Intranasal, Oral
Subcutaneous, Intramuscular (less common)
Research
Typical Dose
300-600 mcg
0.15-0.3 mg/day (adults); titrated to IGF-1 levels
Frequency
Once daily
Once daily
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
  • Increases lean muscle mass and reduces body fat (particularly visceral)
  • Restores growth hormone deficiency (FDA-approved)
  • Improves bone mineral density
  • Enhances exercise capacity and recovery
  • Supports skin thickness and collagen synthesis
  • Improves lipid profile in GHD patients
  • Explored for anti-aging and cellular regeneration
Side Effects
  • Localized injection site reactions
  • Headache (rare)
  • Hypoglycemia risk in combination with insulin (very rare)
  • Fluid retention and edema (common, dose-dependent)
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Joint and muscle pain
  • Insulin resistance and elevated blood glucose
  • +3 more
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