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ToolsCompareMelanotan II vs AOD-9604

Melanotan II vs AOD-9604

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

Sexual Health & Libido
Melanotan II
Fat Loss & Metabolic
AOD-9604
Summary
Melanotan II is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that stimulates melanin production (skin tanning), suppresses appetite, and enhances sexual function. It is not FDA-approved and has significant safety concerns including mole changes and cardiovascular 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
1–2 hours
30-45 minutes injectable; longer with nasal spray formulation
Admin Route
SubQ
SubQ, Intranasal, Oral
Research
Typical Dose
0.25–0.5 mg
300-600 mcg
Frequency
Once daily
Once daily
Key Benefits
  • Promotes skin tanning and melanin production
  • Reduces UV exposure needed to tan
  • Enhances libido and sexual function
  • May suppress appetite
  • Faster, deeper tan development
  • Longer-lasting tan maintenance
  • Potential photoprotective effects
  • 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
  • Nausea (very common, especially in first days)
  • Facial flushing
  • Spontaneous erections in men
  • Darkening or changes in existing moles (monitor closely)
  • +3 more
  • Localized injection site reactions
  • Headache (rare)
  • Hypoglycemia risk in combination with insulin (very rare)
Stacks With