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The Peptide Effect
Comparison

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.

Side-by-side comparison diagram of 5-Amino-1MQ and AOD-9604 mechanisms of action
Conceptual comparison — not to scale

Head-to-Head Comparison

Criteria5-Amino-1MQAOD-9604
Primary mechanismInhibits NNMT enzyme — increases NAD+ and SAM levels, activates SIRT1 metabolic pathwaysGH fragment (176–191) — stimulates lipolysis and inhibits lipogenesis via GH receptor C-terminal domain
Molecule typeSmall molecule (methylquinolinium salt) — not technically a peptidePeptide fragment — 16 amino acids from the C-terminus of human growth hormone
Route of administrationOral (capsule)Subcutaneous injection (typically into abdominal fat)
Typical dosage50–150 mg/day orally, often split into 1–2 doses250–300 mcg/day subcutaneous, taken on empty stomach (fasted morning)
Effect on NAD+ levelsDirectly increases intracellular NAD+ by blocking NNMT-mediated NAD+ consumptionNo direct effect on NAD+ metabolism
Effect on growth hormone axisNo direct effect on GH/IGF-1 axisDoes not raise GH or IGF-1 levels — isolated lipolytic fragment without systemic GH effects
Effect on blood sugarMay improve insulin sensitivity via enhanced NAD+/SIRT1 signalingNeutral to slightly positive — does not cause insulin resistance (unlike full GH)
Fat loss mechanismIncreases basal metabolic rate at the cellular level; reduces fat cell differentiation and lipid accumulationStimulates breakdown of stored triglycerides (lipolysis); inhibits new fat formation (lipogenesis)
Clinical trial historyPreclinical — strong in vitro and animal data; no completed human clinical trialsFailed Phase 3 trial for obesity (Metabolic Pharmaceuticals, 2007); TGA-approved in Australia for specific formulations
Anti-aging / longevity overlapSignificant — NAD+ boosting and SIRT1 activation are core longevity pathwaysMinimal — primarily targets fat metabolism without broader longevity signaling
Research depthEmerging — first described 2017, limited but growing research baseModerate — decades of GH fragment research, Phase 3 trial data, clinical use history
Approximate monthly cost$60–$150 (oral capsules from research suppliers)$40–$100 (research grade injectable)

When to Choose Each

Choose 5-Amino-1MQ

Metabolic optimization and cellular energy, users wanting oral convenience (no injections), NAD+ and longevity-focused protocols, those interested in emerging NNMT science

Choose AOD-9604

Targeted fat loss without GH side effects, users comfortable with injections, those wanting a compound with longer research history, clinic-based weight management protocols

Verdict

For straightforward fat loss, AOD-9604 has a longer track record and a well-understood mechanism, though its failure in Phase 3 obesity trials tempers expectations — it may support fat loss as part of a broader protocol but is unlikely to produce dramatic results alone. 5-Amino-1MQ is the more intriguing option for users interested in metabolic optimization beyond pure fat loss, as its NNMT inhibition and NAD+ boosting connect to broader cellular health and longevity pathways. The oral convenience of 5-Amino-1MQ is a practical advantage over AOD-9604 injections. Neither compound should be expected to produce significant fat loss without caloric deficit and exercise — they are best viewed as metabolic support tools rather than standalone solutions.

References

  1. NNMT inhibition by 5-amino-1MQ reduces adiposity in diet-induced obese mice (2020) — PubMed
  2. AOD-9604: a novel anti-obesity drug which stimulates lipolysis and inhibits lipogenesis (2001) — PubMed
  3. Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase: an emerging target for metabolic syndrome and cancer (2014) — PubMed
  4. Chronic administration of AOD-9604 reduces body fat in obese Zucker rats (2002) — PubMed
  5. NNMT as a therapeutic target for metabolic disorders: structure, function, and inhibitor design (2019) — PubMed

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stack 5-Amino-1MQ with AOD-9604?
Some clinics do combine them since they work through completely independent mechanisms — 5-Amino-1MQ boosts cellular metabolism via NNMT/NAD+ while AOD-9604 directly stimulates lipolysis. In theory, this could address fat loss from two angles simultaneously. However, there are no studies on this specific combination, so efficacy and interactions are unknown. Both are generally well-tolerated individually, but combined use should be monitored by a physician.
Why did AOD-9604 fail its Phase 3 trial?
In 2007, Metabolic Pharmaceuticals completed a Phase 3 trial of oral AOD-9604 for obesity with approximately 536 participants. The trial failed to show statistically significant weight loss compared to placebo over 24 weeks. The failure may relate to poor oral bioavailability of the peptide rather than a flawed mechanism — subsequent injectable formulations used in clinics may achieve better tissue exposure. The compound was later approved by the Australian TGA as a food supplement ingredient.
Is 5-Amino-1MQ the same as NMN or other NAD+ boosters?
No — they work through different mechanisms. NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) and NR (nicotinamide riboside) are NAD+ precursors that provide raw material for NAD+ synthesis. 5-Amino-1MQ instead blocks the NNMT enzyme that degrades NAD+ and consumes SAM (S-adenosylmethionine). By preventing NAD+ breakdown rather than increasing supply, 5-Amino-1MQ may be more efficient at raising intracellular NAD+ levels. Some users combine both approaches — precursor supplementation with NNMT inhibition — for maximum NAD+ elevation.
Does AOD-9604 have any effects beyond fat loss?
Emerging research suggests AOD-9604 may support cartilage repair and joint health. An Australian company (Cellmid) has studied it for osteoarthritis, with preclinical data showing improved cartilage regeneration. Some clinics now offer AOD-9604 injections for joint conditions in addition to fat loss. However, the evidence for cartilage repair remains preliminary, and this is not the primary established use of the compound.
Are 5-Amino-1MQ and AOD-9604 legal to purchase?
Both compounds occupy a gray regulatory area in most jurisdictions. In the United States, neither is FDA-approved for human use. 5-Amino-1MQ is a small molecule (not a peptide) typically sold as a research chemical, and its regulatory classification is less defined than traditional peptides. AOD-9604 is available as a research peptide in the US and has GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status in Australia as a food ingredient, though this is not equivalent to therapeutic approval. Some compounding pharmacies offer both under physician supervision. Regulations vary internationally, and consulting a healthcare provider about legal and safe access in your jurisdiction is recommended.

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