Comparison Centre
Two compounds, the same questions, no cherry-picking
Marketing compares compounds on whichever measure flatters them. This compares them on the same fields every time — including the awkward ones like how much human safety data exists. Every score here rates the evidence, not the compound: a higher number means stronger or more mature research, not that something is safer or works better.
Sharing keeps the two compounds you picked.
How to read these scores
Every number here rates the evidence, not the compound. They are editorial 0-100 strength ratings, not percentages, and not a rating out of five stars.
- Human efficacy evidence strength — Higher = more and better-quality human evidence. It does not mean the effect is bigger or that the compound works for you.
- Preclinical evidence strength — Higher = more animal, tissue or cell research. Preclinical results are a starting point, not proof of a human benefit.
- Human safety evidence strength — Higher = more mature, better-documented human safety data. It does not mean the compound is safer than one with a lower number. A score of 80 does not mean “80% safe”.
- Evidence level (L0-L5) — the strongest type of study behind the compound, from anecdote (L0) to large replicated human trials (L5). It is a description of the study evidence, not a quality, safety or recommendation rating.
- Confidence — how likely we think it is that this rating changes as new research lands. Low confidence means the picture is unsettled, not that the compound is bad.
None of these ratings is medical advice, a safety guarantee, or a recommendation to use anything. How we grade evidence.
AOD-9604
A growth-hormone fragment marketed for fat loss whose own obesity trials failed to establish a benefit.
Tesamorelin
An approved medicine for one specific indication, routinely marketed for a much broader one.
How far human research has progressed
AOD-9604
Reached Phase 2b in obesity; development discontinued without an established benefitTesamorelin
Approved for a defined indication with Phase 3 supportClaim-specific benefit evidence
A human exposure study or trial registration does not establish that the claimed benefit occurs.
AOD-9604
Not separately assessed; see the full profile.Tesamorelin
Not separately assessed; see the full profile.Human research context
AOD-9604
Reached Phase 2b in obesity; development discontinued without an established benefitTesamorelin
Approved for a defined indication with Phase 3 supportHuman efficacy evidence strength
Higher = more and better-quality human evidence. It does not mean the effect is bigger or that the compound works for you.
AOD-9604
Tesamorelin
Preclinical (animal / lab) evidence strength
Higher = more animal, tissue or cell research. Preclinical results are a starting point, not proof of a human benefit.
AOD-9604
Tesamorelin
Human safety evidence strength
Higher = more mature, better-documented human safety data. It does not mean the compound is safer than one with a lower number.
AOD-9604
Tesamorelin
Regulatory status (legal position, not proof it works)
AOD-9604
Check jurisdiction-specific details in the profile.
Not an approved medicine for weight loss or anything else in any major region. FDA compounding material notes limited safety information. It is sold widely as a research chemical and heavily discussed in fat-loss communities. It is also prohibited in sport.
Tesamorelin
Named regulators: FDA (US)
Approved in the US (Egrifta WR) for reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected adult patients with lipodystrophy. The label states it is not indicated for weight-loss management and that long-term cardiovascular safety has not been established. General body-recomposition or anti-ageing use is off-label.
Common claims
AOD-9604
- · Targeted fat loss without growth hormone side effects
- · Works because it is 'the fat-loss part of HGH'
- · Cartilage and joint repair
Tesamorelin
- · Reduces visceral fat
- · Improves body composition in healthy adults
- · Anti-ageing and cognitive benefits
How settled our evidence rating is
AOD-9604
Tesamorelin
Cancer-related questions raised by the biology
These are theoretical or monitored questions raised by how a compound works. They are not evidence that it causes cancer.
AOD-9604
No established human cancer signal specific to this fragment. Growth-hormone-axis concerns discussed for full growth hormone do not transfer automatically to a fragment with no established receptor activity.Tesamorelin
Elevating growth hormone and IGF-1 is a mechanistically meaningful concern because IGF-1 signalling supports cell proliferation, and epidemiology links higher IGF-1 with some cancer risks. Trials in the approved indication have not demonstrated increased cancer incidence, but this is a monitored consideration rather than a settled question.What this adds up to, in plain English
AOD-9604
The interesting work is in animals and lab studies. Treating it as an established human treatment is not supported by evidence.Tesamorelin
Real controlled human trials exist, but questions about approval, how long benefits last, or long-term safety are still open.A comparison is not a recommendation