AOD-9604 vs Tesamorelin
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
AOD-9604
AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone (HGH fragment 176-191). It was developed to have the fat-reducing effects of growth hormone without the adverse effects on blood sugar or growth.
Full details →Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It is FDA-approved under the brand name Egrifta for reducing excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | AOD-9604 | Tesamorelin |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 300 mcg–500 mcg | 2 mg |
| Frequency | 1x daily | 1x daily |
| Cycle Length | 12–24 weeks | 8–52 weeks |
| Route | subcutaneous | subcutaneous |
| Mechanism | Stimulates lipolysis (fat breakdown) and inhibits lipogenesis (fat accumulation) without affecting blood sugar or growth. Works specifically on adipose tissue through a mechanism independent of GH receptors. | Stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and release growth hormone by binding to GHRH receptors. Increases IGF-1 levels which promotes lipolysis and reduces visceral adipose tissue. |
| Typical Dosage | Research dosing typically ranges from 250-500mcg daily, often split into morning and afternoon doses. Some protocols use higher doses up to 1mg. | FDA-approved dose: 2mg administered subcutaneously once daily. Research protocols may use various dosing schedules. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection, typically in the abdominal area. Best administered on an empty stomach. Can be combined with exercise for enhanced effects. | Subcutaneous injection into the abdomen. Rotate injection sites. Best administered at the same time daily, preferably in the evening. |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated. May cause headaches, injection site reactions, or temporary lethargy. Does not affect blood glucose like full GH. | Common side effects include injection site reactions (erythema, pruritus), joint pain, peripheral edema, and muscle pain. May cause elevated blood glucose. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
AOD-9604, Tesamorelin are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to Tesamorelin:
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
- Fat Loss: Tesamorelin has stronger research support.
| Goal | AOD-9604 | Tesamorelin |
|---|---|---|
| Fat Loss | medium | high |
Key Studies
AOD-9604
- AOD-9604 does not influence the WADA hGH isoform immunoassay.
Drug testing and analysis, 2013
- AOD-9604 Metabolic.
Current opinion in investigational drugs (London, England : 2000), 2004
Tesamorelin
- Tesamorelin as an Adjunct to Exercise for Improving Physical Function in HIV (TRIUMPH): a clinical trial protocol.
BMJ open, 2026
- Effects of Tesamorelin on Neurocognitive Impairment in Persons With HIV and Abdominal Obesity.
The Journal of infectious diseases, 2025
- Efficacy and safety of tesamorelin in people with HIV on integrase inhibitors.
AIDS (London, England), 2024
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