AOD-9604 vs Tesamorelin
An hGH fragment selected to exclude growth signaling, against a GHRH analog that deliberately drives the full axis.
Metabolic
AOD-9604
C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone studied for lipolytic activity without the growth-promoting effects of the full hormone.
Growth Hormone
Tesamorelin
Stabilized 44-amino-acid GHRH analog — the longest GHRH sequence in common research use.
Side by side
| Dimension | AOD-9604 | Tesamorelin |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular weight A 2.8× difference in mass — these are not comparable on a milligram-for-milligram basis. | 1815.08 g/mol | 5135.86 g/mol |
| Size class | mid-length peptide | long peptide |
| CAS number | 221231-10-3 | 218949-48-5 |
| Research area | metabolic | growth hormone |
| Sequence | Not published as a linear sequence | Not published as a linear sequence |
| Available sizes | 5mg | 10mg, 15mg |
| Entry price | $44 | $64 |
| Cost per mg | $8.80 | $5.93 |
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.
Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of full-length human GHRH(1-44) with a trans-3-hexenoyl group attached at the N-terminus, conferring resistance to DPP-4 cleavage. It is distinguished from sermorelin and Modified GRF (1-29) by sequence length: those are truncated to the first 29 residues, whereas tesamorelin retains the complete 44-residue sequence. It has an established clinical literature, which is uncommon in this catalog.
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 →Tesamorelin
Evidence base: strong for the approved indication, supported by pooled phase 3 data with safety extension. Evidence outside that population and endpoint is limited, and the recent neurocognitive work is single-study.
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
Tesamorelin
- GHRH receptor binding and activation studies
- Comparative studies against truncated GHRH analogs
- Visceral adipose tissue metabolism research
- IGF-1 axis response profiling
Common questions
What is the difference between AOD-9604 and Tesamorelin?
AOD-9604 is c-terminal fragment of human growth hormone studied for lipolytic activity without the growth-promoting effects of the full hormone. Tesamorelin is stabilized 44-amino-acid GHRH analog — the longest GHRH sequence in common research use. They differ in molecular weight (1815.08 vs 5135.86 g/mol) and in the pathways they are studied against.
Which is more cost-effective per milligram, AOD-9604 or Tesamorelin?
Tesamorelin is lower at approximately $5.93 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 Tesamorelin 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 Tesamorelin be stored?
Store lyophilized at -20°C protected from light. Reconstituted at 2-8°C for up to 30 days. For Tesamorelin: Store lyophilized at -20°C protected from light. Reconstituted 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. Tesamorelin — Evidence base: strong for the approved indication, supported by pooled phase 3 data with safety extension. Evidence outside that population and endpoint is limited, and the recent neurocognitive work is single-study.
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.