HGH Frag 176-191
HGH Fragment 176-191 · Lipolytic Fragment · Frag 176-191
HGH Frag 176-191 is the native 16-amino-acid C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone (residues 176-191), corresponding to a beta-turn region of the parent molecule that contains the lipolytic activity of GH without the broader anabolic, glycemic, or growth-promoting effects of full-length GH. The native frag is a research-only compound and is the precursor / parent structure to AOD-9604 (Anti-Obesity Drug 9604), which is a stabilized version with an added N-terminal tyrosine for enhanced stability and potency.
Inject fasted morning and/or pre-workout. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water; refrigerate. 30-60 minute half-life means timing relative to fasted-state cardio matters. The native fragment is less stable than AOD-9604 - use within 14-21 days post-reconstitution.
Start here. Every protocol below is ordered lowest-first. Begin at the smallest effective dose, hold about a week to assess tolerance, and step up only if needed.
How it works
HGH Frag 176-191 binds the beta-3 adrenergic receptor (β3-AR) on adipocytes and activates the lipolytic cascade similar to other β3 agonists, while also modulating expression of lipid-metabolism genes via mechanisms not fully characterized.
β3-Adrenergic Receptor Activation
Binds β3-AR on white and brown adipocytes, activating Gs/cAMP/PKA cascade. Hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) is phosphorylated and translocated to lipid droplets, hydrolyzing triglycerides into free fatty acids and glycerol.
Lipogenesis Suppression
Reduces expression of lipogenic enzymes (acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase) - net opposes new fat storage even in caloric surplus contexts.
GH Activity Selectivity
Despite originating from GH, the fragment does NOT bind the GH receptor and does NOT raise IGF-1. This eliminates the insulin antagonism, edema, and growth-promoting concerns of intact GH while retaining the lipolytic action.
Met-Containing
The native sequence contains methionine residues. NEVER co-store with copper-conjugated peptides (GHK-Cu) - copper drives oxidation of Met to methionine sulfoxide, degrading the peptide.
Stability vs AOD-9604
The native fragment is less stable than AOD-9604 (which has an added N-terminal tyrosine). Native frag should be reconstituted only when needed and stored cold; AOD-9604 has better shelf stability.
Short Plasma Half-Life
~30-60 minutes plasma; functional lipolytic effect 2-4 hours per dose. Daily dosing typical, often split AM and pre-workout.
What to expect
Week 1-2: minimal subjective effect. Lipolytic effect is silent at the cellular level.
Week 4-6: in caloric deficit, may marginally accelerate fat loss vs diet alone.
Week 8-12: cumulative body composition reflects diet + cardio + drug. Standalone effect likely modest based on AOD-9604 clinical data.
Evidence
Claims we could not support
No abstract we checked supports these for this molecule at this route. That is not the same as saying they are false — it marks where the evidence is missing.
Dose/route: 200-300mcg; Subcutaneous (SubQ) injection; 1-2x daily. No checked live PubMed abstract verified this exact displayed dose, route, and frequency for the same molecule/formulation and relevant population.
Mechanism: HGH Frag 176-191 binds the beta-3 adrenergic receptor (β3-AR) on adipocytes and activates the lipolytic cascade similar to other β3 agonists, while also modulating expression of lipid-metabolism genes via mechanisms not fully characterized. 1. β3-Adrenergic Receptor Activation: Binds β3-AR on white and brown adipocytes, activating Gs/cAMP/PKA cascade. Hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) is phosphorylated and translocated to lipid droplets, hydrolyzing triglycerides into free fatty acids and glycerol. 2. Lipogenesis Suppression: Reduces expression of lipogenic enzymes (acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase) - net opposes new fat storage even in caloric surplus contexts. 3. GH Activity Selectivity: Despite originating from GH, the fragment does NOT bind the GH receptor and does NOT raise IGF-1. This eliminates the insulin antagonism, edema, and growth-promoting concerns of intact GH while retaining the lipolytic action. 4. Met-Containing: The native sequence contains methionine residues. NEVER co-store with copper-conjugated peptides (GHK-Cu) - copper drives oxidation of Met to methionine sulfoxide, degrading the peptide. 5. Stability vs AOD-9604: The native fragment is less stable than AOD-9604 (which has an added N-terminal tyrosine). Native frag should be reconstituted only when needed and stored cold; AOD-9604 has better shelf stability. 6. Short Plasma Half-Life: ~30-60 minutes plasma; functional lipolytic effect 2-4 hours per dose. Daily dosing typical, often split AM and pre-workout.. No checked live PubMed abstract provided an exact-molecule/formulation sentence supporting this source-JSON mechanism claim.
Primary safety claim: No primary safety text present in source JSON. No checked live PubMed abstract directly verified this source-JSON safety claim at the displayed formulation, route, and regimen.
Side effects & safety
Commonly reported
- Injection site reaction (mild)
- Mild headache (early doses)
- Possible mild tachycardia (β3-AR mediated, typically mild)
Less common & notes
- Mild gastrointestinal upset.
- Theoretical β3-AR-mediated cardiovascular effects (mild tachycardia, palpitations) - typically mild.
- Long-term safety beyond Phase 2b AOD-9604 data is uncharacterized for native HGH frag.
- Methionine oxidation reduces potency over storage time - users dose escalating may be compensating for degraded peptide rather than gaining efficacy.
- Allergic reaction to peptide is rare.
Pharmacokinetics
Plasma
SubQ
Functional lipolytic window
subQ ~50-60%
Daily or split-daily dosing typical
Rapid peptidase degradation
Storage. Lyophilized vial: refrigerate (2-8°C / 36-46°F) or freeze (-20°C) for long-term storage. After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water: refrigerate, use within 14-21 days. The native fragment is less stable than AOD-9604 - methionine residues are oxidation-sensitive. Light-sensitive. Do NOT shake. Discard if cloudy, discolored, or beyond use-by window.
Regulatory status
Not FDA-approved for any indication. Native HGH Frag 176-191 never advanced to clinical trials. The stabilized derivative AOD-9604 advanced through Phase 2b trials in obesity (Metabolic Pharmaceuticals) but failed primary endpoint and was abandoned. Sold only as research chemical from peptide-supply vendors. WADA prohibited under class S2 (peptide hormones, growth factors). Sale for human use is illegal under FDA regulation.
Put it to work
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The guide & community
The complete HGH Frag 176-191 walkthrough, real protocol discussion and coaching live inside the BlessUp community on Skool.
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