AOD-9604 & MOTS-c

AOD-9604 (Advanced Obesity Drug) is a modified fragment (amino acids 177-191) of human growth hormone that retains the lipolytic (fat-burning) properties of GH without its growth-promoting or diabetogenic effects. It stimulates lipolysis and inhibits lipogenesis (new fat creation) by mimicking the way natural growth hormone regulates fat metabolism. AOD-9604 has been shown to reduce body fat in obese individuals in clinical trials, particularly abdominal fat, without affecting blood sugar levels or causing the insulin resistance that full-dose growth hormone can produce.

Typical dosing for AOD-9604 is 300mcg per day, administered subcutaneously on an empty stomach (usually first thing in the morning or before bed). The peptide should be taken at least 30 minutes before eating, as food intake can blunt its effects on fat metabolism. Cycles typically run 12-20 weeks. AOD-9604 is often stacked with GH secretagogues like Ipamorelin/CJC-1295 for a comprehensive body composition approach, or with GLP-1 agonists for enhanced metabolic restoration.

MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the Twelve S rRNA-c) is a mitochondrial-derived peptide that functions as an exercise mimetic. It activates AMPK signaling, the same pathway triggered by exercise, improving glucose uptake by muscles independent of insulin signaling. This makes it particularly valuable for insulin-resistant individuals whose cells cannot respond properly to insulin. MOTS-c is typically dosed at 5-10mg per week, administered subcutaneously. Research has shown it improves metabolic flexibility, enhances fatty acid oxidation, and reduces fat mass while preserving lean muscle. In the Three Root Causes framework, MOTS-c uniquely spans both the insulin resistance and ATP shortage root causes, making it one of the most versatile metabolic peptides available.