Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| AOD-9604 | GHK-Cu | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Growth Factors | Growth Factors |
| Standard Dose | Research indicates 250-300 mcg daily via subcutaneous injection, administered in the morning on an empty stomach. | Research indicates 1-2 mg daily via subcutaneous injection, or topical application at 1-3% concentration in cream/serum. |
| Timing | Morning administration on empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before eating. Fasted state enhances lipolytic effect. | Evening administration preferred for skin rejuvenation (aligns with nocturnal repair cycles). Topical can be applied morning and evening. |
| Cycle Duration | 12-20 week cycles. | 8-12 weeks for injectable cycles. Topical use can be ongoing. |
| Evidence Level | moderate_human | moderate_human |
AOD-9604 is a synthetic 16-amino acid fragment (residues 176-191) of the C-terminal domain of human growth hormone with a tyrosine substitution at the N-terminus. It selectively stimulates lipolysis by upregulating beta-3 adrenergic receptors in adipose tissue while inhibiting lipogenesis. It modulates lipid and glucose metabolism through beta-adrenergic and AMPK-related pathways without influencing IGF-1 activity, growth, or insulin sensitivity — retaining GH's fat-burning properties without its growth-promoting effects.
Research indicates 250-300 mcg daily via subcutaneous injection, administered in the morning on an empty stomach.
Morning administration on empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before eating. Fasted state enhances lipolytic effect.
12-20 week cycles.
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) that modulates gene expression affecting 31.2% of human genes. It activates Wnt/beta-catenin signaling for hair follicle growth, stimulates TGF-beta pathway for tissue remodeling, and promotes collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis while modulating metalloproteinase activity. The copper ion serves as a cofactor for enzymes essential to wound healing including superoxide dismutase and lysyl oxidase.
Research indicates 1-2 mg daily via subcutaneous injection, or topical application at 1-3% concentration in cream/serum.
Evening administration preferred for skin rejuvenation (aligns with nocturnal repair cycles). Topical can be applied morning and evening.
8-12 weeks for injectable cycles. Topical use can be ongoing.
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