Comparisons
Peptide Comparisons
Head-to-head analysis of popular peptide pairs. Each comparison covers mechanisms, dosing protocols, efficacy, cost, and a clear verdict on which peptide to choose.
5-Amino-1MQ vs AOD-9604
5-Amino-1MQ and AOD-9604 are both used for fat loss but work through entirely different biochemical pathways. 5-Amino-1MQ is a small molecule inhibitor of the NNMT (nicotinamide N-methyltransferase) enzyme, which increases intracellular NAD+ levels and activates SIRT1-mediated metabolic pathways to boost cellular energy expenditure and reduce fat accumulation. AOD-9604 is a synthetic fragment of human growth hormone (amino acids 176–191) that stimulates lipolysis and inhibits lipogenesis through GH-receptor-mediated signaling without the diabetogenic or growth-promoting effects of full-length GH. 5-Amino-1MQ is oral and newer with less clinical data; AOD-9604 has a longer research history but notably failed a Phase 3 obesity trial despite continued use in clinical settings.
AOD-9604 vs Semaglutide
AOD-9604 and semaglutide take fundamentally different approaches to fat loss. AOD-9604 (Advanced Obesity Drug) is a modified fragment of human growth hormone (amino acids 177-191) that stimulates lipolysis and inhibits lipogenesis without the metabolic side effects of full HGH. Semaglutide is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist that suppresses appetite centrally and produces ~15% total body weight loss. While AOD-9604 is popular in anti-aging clinics and far cheaper, it has failed to demonstrate meaningful weight loss in human clinical trials, whereas semaglutide has the strongest clinical evidence base of any obesity medication ever developed.
BPC-157 vs GHK-Cu
BPC-157 and GHK-Cu are both regenerative peptides but target different tissues and work through distinct mechanisms. BPC-157, a body protection compound derived from human gastric juice, excels at deep tissue repair through angiogenesis and growth hormone receptor upregulation — particularly in tendons, ligaments, and the GI tract. GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper tripeptide that drives collagen synthesis, elastin production, and extracellular matrix remodeling, making it the superior choice for skin rejuvenation, wound healing, and cosmetic anti-aging applications.
BPC-157 vs KPV
BPC-157 and KPV are both used for gut healing but operate through fundamentally different mechanisms. BPC-157 is a 15-amino-acid peptide derived from human gastric juice that promotes tissue repair through angiogenesis, growth hormone receptor upregulation, and nitric oxide system modulation — working broadly across tendons, muscles, and the GI tract. KPV is a tripeptide fragment of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) that acts primarily as a potent anti-inflammatory agent, directly suppressing NF-kB activation and pro-inflammatory cytokines, with promising IBD research showing oral bioavailability in nanoparticle formulations.
BPC-157 vs TB-500
BPC-157 and TB-500 are the two most popular peptides for healing and tissue repair. BPC-157 excels at localized healing — especially tendons, ligaments, and gut tissue — through angiogenesis and growth hormone receptor upregulation. TB-500 provides systemic healing via actin upregulation and cell migration, making it better for widespread or hard-to-reach injuries. Many users stack both for synergistic results.
CJC-1295 (no DAC) vs CJC-1295 DAC
CJC-1295 (no DAC), also known as Modified GRF 1-29 or MOD-GRF, and CJC-1295 DAC are two formulations of the same base growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog, but they differ dramatically in pharmacokinetics and physiological effect. The no-DAC version has a ~30-minute half-life, requires daily injection, and preserves the natural pulsatile pattern of growth hormone release. The DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) version binds to albumin for an ~8-day half-life, requires only weekly dosing, but produces constant elevated GH levels that override natural pulsatility. Most experienced users and clinics prefer the no-DAC version for its more physiological GH release pattern.
CJC-1295 vs Ipamorelin
CJC-1295 and ipamorelin are the most frequently combined growth hormone peptides, but they work through fundamentally different pathways. CJC-1295 is a modified GHRH analog that stimulates the GHRH receptor on pituitary somatotrophs to increase baseline GH output, while ipamorelin is a selective GHRP that mimics ghrelin to trigger acute GH pulses. Together they produce a powerful synergistic effect — the GHRH + GHRP combination can amplify GH release 3–5× compared to either peptide used alone.
CJC-1295 vs Sermorelin
CJC-1295 and sermorelin are both GHRH analogs that stimulate pituitary growth hormone release, but they represent different generations of peptide engineering. Sermorelin is bioidentical GHRH(1-29) — the minimal active fragment of native GHRH — with decades of clinical history and a former FDA approval. CJC-1295 is a modified GHRH analog with amino acid substitutions for protease resistance, and its DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) variant extends the half-life from minutes to approximately 8 days by binding serum albumin. This pharmacokinetic difference is the key distinction: CJC-1295 allows less frequent dosing and produces more sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation, while sermorelin creates shorter, more physiologic GH pulses.
Epithalon vs GHK-Cu
Epithalon (also spelled epitalon) and GHK-Cu are both anti-aging peptides but operate through entirely different mechanisms at different biological levels. Epithalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson that activates telomerase, the enzyme responsible for maintaining telomere length — targeting aging at the chromosomal level. GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper tripeptide that combats aging at the tissue level through collagen synthesis, gene expression remodeling, and antioxidant defense. Epithalon addresses cellular longevity while GHK-Cu addresses tissue quality and regeneration.
Follistatin vs IGF-1 LR3
Follistatin and IGF-1 LR3 both promote muscle growth but through opposite strategies. Follistatin is a naturally occurring glycoprotein that binds and inhibits myostatin and activin — effectively removing the molecular brakes on muscle growth. IGF-1 LR3 is a modified insulin-like growth factor that directly stimulates muscle protein synthesis and hyperplasia by activating the IGF-1 receptor (pressing the accelerator). Follistatin is a large protein (~36 kDa) that is extremely expensive and difficult to produce, with very limited availability, while IGF-1 LR3 is more accessible. Both remain largely preclinical for muscle-building applications in humans.
GHK vs GHK-Cu
GHK and GHK-Cu are closely related — GHK is the free tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) while GHK-Cu is the same peptide chelated with a copper(II) ion. GHK-Cu is the naturally occurring bioactive form found in human plasma, saliva, and urine, with copper binding essential for most of its regenerative activities including collagen synthesis, antioxidant defense, and gene expression modulation. While GHK alone can chelate endogenous copper in vivo, the vast majority of published research specifically studies the copper-bound GHK-Cu complex, making it the preferred and more predictable form for therapeutic use.
GHRP-2 vs GHRP-6
GHRP-2 and GHRP-6 are both hexapeptide growth hormone releasing peptides that stimulate GH secretion through the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a), but they differ in potency, selectivity, and side effect profiles. GHRP-2 is considered the more potent GH releaser with less appetite stimulation, making it preferred for lean body composition goals. GHRP-6 triggers a stronger ghrelin-like hunger response, which can be beneficial during bulking phases but problematic for those trying to control caloric intake. Both peptides also moderately elevate cortisol and prolactin — a key disadvantage compared to the newer, more selective ipamorelin.
Hexarelin vs GHRP-6
Hexarelin and GHRP-6 are both growth hormone releasing peptides (GHRPs) that stimulate GH secretion through the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a), but they differ significantly in potency, sustainability, and side effect profiles. Hexarelin produces the strongest acute GH release of any GHRP — up to 2–3× the peak GH of GHRP-6 — but undergoes rapid desensitization (tachyphylaxis) within 2–4 weeks of continuous use, making it impractical for long-term protocols. GHRP-6 delivers a more moderate but sustainable GH release without significant desensitization, though it strongly stimulates appetite via ghrelin mimicry. Both elevate cortisol and prolactin to varying degrees.
Humanin vs MOTS-c
Humanin and MOTS-c are both mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) — small peptides encoded within the mitochondrial genome rather than nuclear DNA — making them unique among bioactive peptides. Humanin is a 24-amino acid cytoprotective peptide that inhibits apoptosis and protects neurons, with primary research applications in Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular protection, and age-related cellular decline. MOTS-c is a 16-amino acid peptide that functions as an exercise mimetic, activating AMPK to improve insulin sensitivity, enhance metabolic regulation, and promote cellular energy homeostasis. Together they represent two faces of mitochondrial signaling: Humanin protects cells from death, while MOTS-c optimizes cellular energy metabolism.
IGF-1 LR3 vs MK-677
IGF-1 LR3 and MK-677 (ibutamoren) both elevate IGF-1 levels but through fundamentally different approaches. IGF-1 LR3 is a modified version of insulin-like growth factor 1 with an extended half-life of over 20 hours that directly activates IGF-1 receptors, bypassing the entire GH axis. MK-677 is an oral growth hormone secretagogue that stimulates the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) to increase endogenous GH and IGF-1 secretion naturally. IGF-1 LR3 is more potent and direct but carries greater risks including hypoglycemia and uncontrolled tissue growth, while MK-677 offers a gentler, oral approach with predictable side effects like increased appetite and water retention.
Ipamorelin vs Sermorelin
Ipamorelin and sermorelin both stimulate natural growth hormone release but work through entirely different receptor pathways. Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP) that mimics ghrelin at the pituitary level without significantly raising cortisol or prolactin, while sermorelin is a growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) analog that acts on the GHRH receptor to trigger GH secretion. Because they target different receptors, the two are often stacked for a synergistic GH pulse far greater than either peptide alone.
MK-677 (Ibutamoren) vs Ipamorelin
MK-677 (ibutamoren) and ipamorelin both stimulate growth hormone release through ghrelin receptor activation, but they differ dramatically in pharmacology, administration, and side effect profiles. MK-677 is an oral, non-peptide small molecule with a 24-hour half-life that produces sustained, round-the-clock GH and IGF-1 elevation. Ipamorelin is an injectable pentapeptide with a 2-hour half-life that creates clean, pulsatile GH spikes with virtually no impact on cortisol, prolactin, or appetite — making it the more selective and side-effect-friendly option despite requiring injections.
PT-141 vs Melanotan II
PT-141 (bremelanotide, brand name Vyleesi) and Melanotan II are both melanocortin receptor agonists that enhance sexual arousal, but they differ significantly in selectivity and side-effect profile. PT-141 is a selective MC4R agonist developed specifically for sexual dysfunction and is FDA-approved for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. Melanotan II is a non-selective melanocortin agonist that activates MC1R through MC5R, producing skin tanning, appetite suppression, and sexual arousal simultaneously — but remains an unapproved research chemical with a broader risk profile.
Retatrutide vs Liraglutide
Retatrutide and liraglutide represent two different generations of incretin-based weight loss therapies separated by a massive efficacy gap. Retatrutide is a novel triple agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors simultaneously, producing unprecedented weight loss of up to 24% body weight in Phase 2 trials. Liraglutide (Saxenda/Victoza), a single GLP-1 receptor agonist approved since 2014, achieves a more modest ~8% weight loss. While liraglutide has over a decade of real-world safety data and widespread insurance coverage, retatrutide may redefine the upper limits of pharmacological weight loss once approved.
Retatrutide vs Semaglutide
Retatrutide and semaglutide represent two different generations of incretin-based obesity treatments. Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) is a single GLP-1 receptor agonist that pioneered the modern obesity pharmacotherapy era with ~15% weight loss. Retatrutide (LY3437943) is a triple GLP-1/GIP/glucagon receptor agonist in Phase 3 development that achieved ~24% weight loss in Phase 2 — a roughly 60% improvement over semaglutide. The gap is driven by retatrutide's additional GIP and glucagon receptor activation, which enhance satiety and increase energy expenditure respectively.
Retatrutide vs Tirzepatide
Retatrutide (LY3437943) is a next-generation triple hormone receptor agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors, currently in Phase 3 clinical trials by Eli Lilly. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) is the dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist from the same company, already FDA-approved. Phase 2 data for retatrutide showed up to 24.2% body weight loss at 48 weeks — potentially surpassing even tirzepatide — driven by the added glucagon receptor activity that increases energy expenditure and hepatic fat oxidation.
Selank vs Semax
Selank and Semax are both Russian-developed regulatory peptides with nootropic and neuroprotective properties, but they target different neurochemical pathways. Selank, a synthetic tuftsin analog, primarily modulates GABA and serotonin systems to produce anxiolytic and calming effects. Semax, an ACTH(4-10) fragment analog, upregulates BDNF and enhances dopaminergic and cholinergic signaling for cognitive stimulation and focus. Together they represent two complementary approaches to cognitive optimization — calm clarity vs. energized focus.
Semaglutide vs Liraglutide
Semaglutide and liraglutide are both GLP-1 receptor agonists made by Novo Nordisk, but they represent a significant generational improvement. Liraglutide (Victoza/Saxenda), approved in 2010, requires daily injections and produces ~8% weight loss. Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy), a structurally optimized successor approved in 2017, achieves ~15% weight loss with once-weekly dosing thanks to superior albumin binding and enzymatic resistance. The STEP 8 head-to-head trial directly confirmed semaglutide's superiority, showing nearly double the weight loss compared to liraglutide.
Semaglutide vs Survodutide
Semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic) and survodutide (Boehringer Ingelheim's BI 456906) represent single vs. dual incretin agonist approaches to obesity and metabolic disease. Semaglutide, a pure GLP-1 receptor agonist, is the current gold standard with ~15% weight loss and robust cardiovascular outcomes data (SELECT trial). Survodutide is a dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist in Phase 3 trials showing ~19% weight loss with particularly promising data for liver fat reduction in MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis). While semaglutide dominates the current market, survodutide's glucagon component may offer a differentiated profile for patients with fatty liver disease.
Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide
Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) are the two dominant FDA-approved peptides for weight loss and type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide is a pure GLP-1 receptor agonist, while tirzepatide is a first-in-class dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist. Head-to-head trials (SURMOUNT and SURPASS programs) consistently show tirzepatide delivers superior weight loss (~22.5% vs ~15% body weight) and comparable or better glycemic control, though both represent a paradigm shift in obesity treatment.
Sermorelin vs Tesamorelin
Sermorelin and tesamorelin are both growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) analogs that stimulate the pituitary to produce natural GH, but they occupy very different positions in clinical medicine. Tesamorelin (brand name Egrifta) is the only GHRH analog currently FDA-approved — specifically for reducing excess abdominal fat (lipodystrophy) in HIV-infected patients — and has robust clinical trial data demonstrating significant visceral fat reduction. Sermorelin is an older GHRH(1-29) analog with decades of clinical history, formerly FDA-approved for pediatric GH deficiency (brand Geref, now discontinued), and widely used off-label in anti-aging clinics for general GH optimization.
SS-31 vs MOTS-c
SS-31 (elamipretide) and MOTS-c are both mitochondria-targeting peptides, but they work through fundamentally different mechanisms. SS-31 is a synthetic tetrapeptide that binds cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane to stabilize electron transport chain complexes and reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. MOTS-c is an endogenous mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) encoded by mitochondrial DNA that activates AMPK signaling to regulate cellular metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and exercise adaptation. SS-31 is further along in clinical development with Phase 3 trials for mitochondrial myopathy and heart failure, while MOTS-c remains primarily in preclinical research with emerging human data on metabolic function.
TB-500 vs GHK-Cu
TB-500 (a fragment of thymosin beta-4) and GHK-Cu are both regenerative peptides with distinct healing profiles. TB-500 provides systemic healing by upregulating actin, promoting cell migration, and reducing inflammation in deep tissues including cardiac muscle, joints, and connective tissue. GHK-Cu is a copper-chelated tripeptide that drives extracellular matrix remodeling, collagen synthesis, and anti-inflammatory gene expression, making it the go-to peptide for skin rejuvenation, wound healing, and hair restoration.
Thymosin Alpha-1 vs Thymosin Beta-4
Thymosin alpha-1 and thymosin beta-4 are both derived from the thymus gland but serve fundamentally different biological roles. Thymosin alpha-1 (marketed as Zadaxin) is a 28-amino-acid immunomodulatory peptide that enhances T-cell maturation, dendritic cell activation, and antiviral/antitumor immune responses — it is approved in over 35 countries for hepatitis B and used as an immune adjuvant. Thymosin beta-4 is a 43-amino-acid peptide that drives tissue repair through actin sequestration, cell migration, and angiogenesis, making it the primary healing peptide of the thymosin family. Despite sharing a name origin, they target entirely different systems.
Tirzepatide vs Liraglutide
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) and liraglutide (Saxenda/Victoza) are both FDA-approved for weight management, but they represent different generations of incretin therapy. Liraglutide was the first GLP-1 agonist approved for obesity (2014) and requires daily injections, producing ~8% weight loss. Tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist approved in 2023 that delivers nearly three times the weight loss (~22.5%) with once-weekly dosing. The generational leap in efficacy has made tirzepatide the preferred first-line option, though liraglutide remains relevant for pediatric use and patients who prefer starting with a milder, well-characterized agent.