Tesamorelin and AOD-9604 are both marketed in the context of fat loss, but they sit at opposite ends of the evidence spectrum. Tesamorelin is an FDA-approved GHRH analog (Egrifta) that reduces excess visceral fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of growth hormone, sold as a research chemical for fat loss, without convincing human evidence or approval.
At a glance
| Tesamorelin | AOD-9604 | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | GHRH analog | Modified GH fragment (176–191) |
| Brand name | Egrifta | None (research chemical) |
| FDA status | Approved (HIV lipodystrophy) | Not approved |
| Evidence | Trial-backed for visceral fat in HIV | No convincing human efficacy |
| Mechanism | Raises GH, reducing visceral fat | Proposed to promote fat metabolism (unproven) |
| Sport status | Banned (WADA) | Banned (WADA) |
The bottom line
Bottom line: Despite both being framed around fat, only one is proven. Tesamorelin is an approved drug with trial evidence for a specific use (visceral fat in HIV). AOD-9604 is an unapproved research chemical whose "fat-loss" reputation isn't backed by convincing human trials. The contrast is a clean example of approval-and-evidence vs marketing.
Frequently asked questions
Is AOD-9604 the same as tesamorelin?
No. Tesamorelin is an FDA-approved GHRH analog that raises growth hormone to reduce visceral fat in HIV lipodystrophy, while AOD-9604 is an unapproved modified GH fragment sold as a research chemical for fat loss.
Does AOD-9604 work for fat loss?
There is no convincing human trial evidence that AOD-9604 produces meaningful fat loss. It is not FDA-approved. Tesamorelin, by contrast, has trial support for reducing visceral fat in its approved indication.
Which is approved?
Tesamorelin (Egrifta) is FDA-approved for HIV-associated visceral fat. AOD-9604 has no approval and is sold as a research chemical. Both are banned in sport.
References
Combined peer-reviewed sources from both peptide guides. Inclusion is not endorsement.
- Falutz J, Allas S, Blot K, et al. Metabolic effects of a growth hormone-releasing factor in patients with HIV. N Engl J Med. 2007. Peer-reviewed study
- Stanley TL, Falutz J, Mamputu JC, et al. Effects of tesamorelin on visceral fat and liver fat in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2014. Peer-reviewed study
- Russo SC, Ockene MW, Arpante AK, et al. Efficacy and safety of tesamorelin in people with HIV on integrase inhibitors. AIDS. 2024. Peer-reviewed study
- Grunfeld C, Dritselis A, Kirkpatrick P. Tesamorelin. Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2011. Peer-reviewed study
- Dhillon S. Tesamorelin: a review of its use in the management of HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Drugs. 2011. Peer-reviewed study
- Spooner LM, Olin JL. Tesamorelin: a growth hormone-releasing factor analogue for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Ann Pharmacother. 2012. Peer-reviewed study
- Ng FM, Sun J, Sharma L, et al. Metabolic studies of a synthetic lipolytic domain (AOD9604) of human growth hormone. Horm Res. 2000. Peer-reviewed study
- Heffernan MA, Thorburn AW, Fam B, et al. Increase of fat oxidation and weight loss in obese mice caused by chronic treatment with a modified C-terminal GH fragment. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 2001. Peer-reviewed study
- Wilding J. AOD-9604 Metabolic. Curr Opin Investig Drugs. 2004. Peer-reviewed study
- Cox HD, Smeal SJ, Hughes CM, et al. Detection and in vitro metabolism of AOD9604. Drug Test Anal. 2015. Peer-reviewed study
- Kwon DR, Park GY. Effect of Intra-articular Injection of AOD9604 with or without Hyaluronic Acid in Rabbit Osteoarthritis Model. Ann Clin Lab Sci. 2015. Peer-reviewed study
- Heffernan M, Summers RJ, Thorburn A, et al. The effects of human GH and its lipolytic fragment (AOD9604) on lipid metabolism following chronic treatment in obese mice and beta(3)-AR knock-out mice. Endocrinology. 2001. Peer-reviewed study