Comparison
AOD-9604 vs. Ipamorelin
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Growth
Growth
CAS no.
221231-10-3
170851-70-4
Molecular weight
1815.09 g/mol
711.86 g/mol
Half-life
0.4 h
2 h
Sequence
Tyr-Leu-Arg-Ile-Val-Gln-Cys-Arg-Ser-Val-Glu-Gly-Ser-Cys-Gly-PheAib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2Mechanism of action
AOD-9604
AOD-9604 corresponds to the C-terminal fragment 176-191 of human growth hormone with an additional N-terminal tyrosine. In animal models, lipolytic effects without GH-typical adverse events (insulin resistance, IGF-1 rise) were reported. In humans, these preclinical findings did not translate into clinically relevant weight reduction in the four phase-2 obesity trials. The exact human mechanism of action is unclear; the GH receptor is not classically activated by the fragment.
Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is a selective agonist at the GH secretagogue receptor (GHSR-1a). Compared to GHRP-2 and GHRP-6 its selectivity for the growth-hormone axis is higher; ACTH, cortisol and prolactin are not significantly stimulated in clinical studies. This selectivity was the main reason for its development over older GHRPs.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human RCT
Human RCT
Studies
3
4
of which in humans
2
3
Effects recorded
3
3
Open conflicts
1
1
Documented adverse events
1
1
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between AOD-9604 and Ipamorelin?
- AOD-9604 is classified as "Growth", while Ipamorelin is classified as "Growth". AOD-9604: Synthetic 16-amino-acid peptide corresponding to the C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone (hGH 176-191). Originally developed by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals as an oral obesity therapy; all phase-2 trials missed the primary endpoint. No marketing approval. The Australian TGA Schedule 4 classification is often misunderstood. Ipamorelin: Synthetic pentapeptide and selective growth-hormone secretagogue. Developed at Novo Nordisk in the 1990s as a pentapeptide GHRP successor; clinical development was discontinued after phase 2 (post-operative ileus). This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, AOD-9604 or Ipamorelin?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human RCT" for AOD-9604 and "Human RCT" for Ipamorelin. A higher evidence level means more robust data, but says nothing about suitability for an individual. The full body of evidence is on each peptide's own page.
- What is the legal status of AOD-9604 and Ipamorelin in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: AOD-9604 — Unapproved, Ipamorelin — Unapproved. United States: AOD-9604 — Unapproved, Ipamorelin — Unapproved. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.