Weight loss: GLP-1 vs GH fragment

AOD-9604 vs Semaglutide

Comparing AOD-9604 and Semaglutide across evidence, dosing, mechanisms, and research areas.

Compound A

Compound B

AOD-9604—

Semaglutide—

Category

metabolic

weightloss

Molecular weight

1815.08 g/mol

4113.58 g/mol

Half-life

~30-45 minutes

~7 days (168 hours)

Admin routes

subcutaneousoral (under investigation)intra-articular (cartilage)

subcutaneousoral

Research areas

Fat metabolism / lipolysisObesityCartilage repairOsteoarthritisMetabolic syndrome

Weight loss / obesityType 2 diabetesCardiovascular risk reductionNASH / MASH (fatty liver)Chronic kidney diseaseAlcohol use disorder

Typical dosing

250–500 mcg · 1x daily · 12-20 weeks

250–2400 mcg · 1x weekly · Ongoing (titrate up over 16-20 weeks)

FDA status

Not FDA-approved as a drug. GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status granted by FDA for use as a food ingredient (2013). Not on the 503A bulks list and in none of FDA's interim Category 1, 2, or 3 lists — there is no lawful 503A or 503B compounding route.

FDA-approved (Ozempic for T2D 2017, Wegovy for weight management 2021, Rybelsus oral for T2D 2019)

WADA status

Prohibited at all times (S2 — Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors)

Not prohibited (as of 2026)

PubMed studies

4,559

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