Semaglutide vs AOD-9604
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
GLP-1 / Weight Loss Agonists
SemaglutideFat Loss & Metabolic
AOD-9604- Summary
- Semaglutide is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist originally developed for type 2 diabetes that has proven remarkably effective for weight loss. Clinical trials show average 15–20% body weight reduction. It is marketed as Ozempic (diabetes) and Wegovy (weight management).
- 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
- ~7 days
- 30-45 minutes injectable; longer with nasal spray formulation
- Admin Route
- SubQ, Oral
- SubQ, Intranasal, Oral
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.25 mg → 0.5 mg → 1 mg → 1.7 mg → 2.4 mg
- 300-600 mcg
- Frequency
- Once weekly, subcutaneous
- Once daily
- Key Benefits
- Average 15–20% body weight reduction in clinical trials (STEP trials)
- Significant reduction in appetite and food cravings
- Improvement in blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity
- Reduces cardiovascular risk (SELECT trial: 20% reduction in MACE)
- May reduce risk of kidney disease
- Improves metabolic markers (cholesterol, blood pressure)
- FDA-approved — extensively studied with robust safety data
- Weekly dosing convenience
- 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 (most common, especially during titration)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Abdominal discomfort
- +4 more
- Localized injection site reactions
- Headache (rare)
- Hypoglycemia risk in combination with insulin (very rare)
- Stacks With
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