AOD-9604 vs Retatrutide
Metabolic
AOD-9604
C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone studied for lipolytic activity without the growth-promoting effects of the full hormone.
Metabolic
Retatrutide
Triple agonist at GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors — among the most actively studied compounds in current metabolic research.
Side by side
| Dimension | AOD-9604 | Retatrutide |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular weight A 2.6× difference in mass — these are not comparable on a milligram-for-milligram basis. | 1815.08 g/mol | 4731.32 g/mol |
| Size class | mid-length peptide | long peptide |
| CAS number | 221231-10-3 | 2381089-83-2 |
| Research area | metabolic | metabolic |
| Sequence | Not published as a linear sequence | Not published as a linear sequence |
| Available sizes | 5mg | 10mg, 20mg, 30mg |
| Entry price | $44 | $99 |
| Cost per mg | $8.80 | $7.47 |
Mechanism
AOD-9604
AOD-9604 corresponds to residues 176-191 of the somatotropin sequence, the C-terminal region studied in early work for activity on adipose tissue in vitro. The research premise is separation of function: retaining lipolytic activity in assays while excluding the IGF-1-mediated signaling of the full-length molecule. Reported results across models have been more modest than preclinical rodent data suggested — a gap worth knowing before designing around it.
Retatrutide
Retatrutide is a single-molecule triple agonist acting at the GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors. The inclusion of glucagon receptor agonism is mechanistically distinct from dual agonists: glucagon receptor activation is studied for effects on hepatic lipid handling and energy expenditure, pathways not engaged by incretin agonism alone. It remains investigational and is a frequent subject of comparative receptor-pharmacology work.
Evidence quality
Mechanism is not the same as evidence. Where we have assessed the literature, the verdict is stated plainly.
AOD-9604
Evidence base: thin and lopsided. Around eighteen indexed results, mostly anti-doping analytical chemistry. Metabolism and assay behaviour are better characterised than efficacy, and the clinical obesity programme did not progress.
Full research reference →Retatrutide
Evidence base: emerging. Receptor pharmacology characterized; long-term and independent replication limited by the compound's investigational status.
Full research reference →Research applications
AOD-9604
- Lipolysis and β-adrenergic pathway assays in adipocyte culture
- Comparative studies against full-length hGH
- IGF-1 independence verification studies
Retatrutide
- Triple receptor agonism and pathway-contribution studies
- Hepatic lipid metabolism research in preclinical models
- Energy expenditure and thermogenesis pathway assays
- Head-to-head comparison against dual agonists
Common questions
What is the difference between AOD-9604 and Retatrutide?
AOD-9604 is c-terminal fragment of human growth hormone studied for lipolytic activity without the growth-promoting effects of the full hormone. Retatrutide is triple agonist at GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors — among the most actively studied compounds in current metabolic research. They differ in molecular weight (1815.08 vs 4731.32 g/mol) and in the pathways they are studied against.
Which is more cost-effective per milligram, AOD-9604 or Retatrutide?
Retatrutide is lower at approximately $7.47 per milligram at its best tier, against $8.80 for the other. Cost per milligram is only meaningful relative to the concentrations a given protocol requires, since these compounds are not used at comparable masses.
Can AOD-9604 and Retatrutide be studied together?
Combination designs appear in the published literature for a number of these compounds. Whether it is appropriate for a given protocol depends entirely on the model and endpoint. We supply research compounds and do not provide protocol guidance — consult the primary literature for your specific model.
How should AOD-9604 and Retatrutide be stored?
Store lyophilized at -20°C protected from light. Reconstituted at 2-8°C for up to 30 days. For Retatrutide: Store lyophilized powder at -20°C protected from light. Reconstituted solution stable at 2-8°C for up to 30 days.
Which has the stronger evidence base?
AOD-9604 — Evidence base: thin and lopsided. Around eighteen indexed results, mostly anti-doping analytical chemistry. Metabolism and assay behaviour are better characterised than efficacy, and the clinical obesity programme did not progress. Retatrutide — Evidence base: emerging. Receptor pharmacology characterized; long-term and independent replication limited by the compound's investigational status.
All products sold on this website are intended for research and identification purposes only. These products are not intended for human dosing, injection, or ingestion.
Comparison generated from Lyra Vital catalog data. Every specification is reconciled against the certificate of analysis for the shipped batch.