GHK-Cu vs AOD-9604
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper complex that declines with age. It is one of the most studied anti-aging peptides, known for powerful skin rejuvenation, wound healing, and tissue remodeling effects.
- 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.
- Half-Life
- 2–4 hours
- 30-45 minutes injectable; longer with nasal spray formulation
- Admin Route
- SubQ, Topical
- SubQ, Intranasal, Oral
- Research
- —
- —
- Typical Dose
- 1–3 mg
- 300-600 mcg
- Frequency
- 3–5 times per week
- Once daily
- Key Benefits
- Reduces wrinkles and fine lines
- Improves skin firmness and elasticity
- Accelerates wound healing
- Reduces inflammation and oxidative damage
- Promotes hair growth and thickness
- Supports collagen and elastin production
- May improve overall skin health and appearance
- Resets aged fibroblast behavior
- Anti-fibrotic — reduces scar tissue formation
- 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
- Side Effects
- Temporary blue-green discoloration at injection site (from copper — harmless)
- Post-injection sting (brief)
- Skin irritation with topical use (rare)
- Localized injection site reactions
- Headache (rare)
- Hypoglycemia risk in combination with insulin (very rare)
- Stacks With
- —
- —