New — Free Peptide Starter Guide (2026): 13 chapters, 34 cited studies

Get it free
ToolsCompareAOD-9604 vs Tirzepatide

AOD-9604 vs Tirzepatide

Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.

Fat Loss & Metabolic
AOD-9604
GLP-1 / Weight Loss Agonists
Tirzepatide
Summary
AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone (residues 177-191) with an additional tyrosine residue that significantly enhances bioavailability. Originally developed as an anti-obesity drug by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals, it stimulates lipolysis and inhibits lipogenesis without the diabetogenic effects of full GH.
Tirzepatide is an FDA-approved dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist that produces greater weight loss than semaglutide in head-to-head trials. SURMOUNT-1 trial showed average 21% body weight reduction at 72 weeks at the highest dose. Marketed as Mounjaro (diabetes) and Zepbound (obesity).
Half-Life
30-45 minutes injectable; longer with nasal spray formulation
~5 days
Admin Route
SubQ, Intranasal, Oral
SubQ
Research
Typical Dose
300-600 mcg
2.5 mg → 5 mg → 7.5 mg → 10 mg → 12.5 mg → 15 mg
Frequency
Once daily
Once weekly, subcutaneous
Key Benefits
  • Selective fat loss without anabolic side effects
  • No effect on blood glucose or insulin resistance
  • Improved bioavailability over Fragment 176-191
  • GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status in Australia
  • Potential cartilage repair and anti-inflammatory properties
  • Does not suppress natural GH production
  • Average 21% body weight reduction at highest dose (SURMOUNT-1)
  • Superior to semaglutide in head-to-head SURPASS trials
  • Dual GIP/GLP-1 mechanism for enhanced metabolic control
  • Significant reduction in HbA1c for type 2 diabetes
  • Improved cardiovascular risk markers
  • Reduces visceral fat preferentially
  • FDA-approved for T2DM (Mounjaro) and obesity (Zepbound)
  • Weekly dosing
Side Effects
  • Localized injection site reactions
  • Headache (rare)
  • Hypoglycemia risk in combination with insulin (very rare)
  • Nausea (most common during titration)
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Abdominal pain
  • +3 more
Stacks With