Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| AOD-9604 | MOTS-c | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Growth Factors | Peptides |
| Standard Dose | Research indicates 250-300 mcg daily via subcutaneous injection, administered in the morning on an empty stomach. | Research indicates 5-10 mg administered 3-5 times per week via subcutaneous injection. |
| Timing | Morning administration on empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before eating. Fasted state enhances lipolytic effect. | Morning administration preferred. Can be dosed pre-workout for enhanced exercise performance. |
| Cycle Duration | 12-20 week cycles. | 8-16 week cycles. |
| Evidence Level | moderate_human | Emerging (strong preclinical) |
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.
MOTS-c is a 16-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded by the 12S rRNA gene of the mitochondrial genome. It primarily acts through the folate-AICAR-AMPK pathway: by regulating the folate cycle and de novo purine biosynthesis, it increases AICAR accumulation, which phosphorylates and activates AMPK. This enhances glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, improves insulin sensitivity, and mimics exercise-mediated physiological responses. Skeletal muscle MOTS-c levels increase 11.9-fold in response to acute exercise in young men.
Research indicates 5-10 mg administered 3-5 times per week via subcutaneous injection.
Morning administration preferred. Can be dosed pre-workout for enhanced exercise performance.
8-16 week cycles.
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