HGH Fragment 176-191
Also known as: AOD-9604, HGH Frag 176-191, HGH Fragment, HGH 176-191
HGH Fragment 176-191 (also known as AOD-9604) is a stabilized, modified fragment of the human growth hormone molecule corresponding to amino acids 176–191 with an addition of a tyrosine residue at the N-terminus. It retains HGH's fat-burning properties without the anabolic, diabetogenic, or IGF-1-stimulating effects.
Half-Life
~30 minutes
Route
SubQ
Category
Fat Loss & Metabolic
Studies
17 references
Key Benefits
- Selective fat burning without anabolic side effects
- Reduces visceral and subcutaneous fat
- No insulin resistance or blood glucose disruption
- Does not stimulate IGF-1
- May support cartilage and bone repair (at higher doses)
- No effect on growth or organ size
Mechanism of Action
The C-terminal fragment of HGH (amino acids 176–191) is responsible for HGH's lipolytic (fat-burning) activity. HGH Fragment 176-191 activates beta-3 adrenergic receptors in adipose tissue, stimulating fat oxidation while inhibiting lipogenesis. Because it does not bind IGF-1 receptors or induce IGF-1 secretion, it does not cause insulin resistance, water retention, or the organ hypertrophy associated with full HGH or IGF-1.
Dosing Protocols
Fat Loss Protocol
- Dose
- 250–500 mcg
- Frequency
- 1–3 times daily
- Timing
- Fasted (morning upon waking preferred); avoid for 30+ minutes before eating
- Cycle
- 8–12 weeks
Fasted state significantly enhances lipolytic effect. Multiple daily doses used by some to maximize fat oxidation windows. Can stack with CJC-1295/Ipamorelin for additional GH benefits without interference.
Calculate your draw volume
Enter your vial size and BAC water to get exact injection volumes
Side Effects
- Injection site irritation
- Temporary lethargy
- Headache (rare)
- Nausea (rare)
Contraindications
Pregnancy or breastfeeding. Active cancer.
Storage
Lyophilized powder: store at −20°C. Reconstituted: refrigerate at 2–8°C, use within 30 days.
Featured In Stacks
Advanced Metabolic Fat Loss Stack
A multi-mechanism fat loss protocol combining GLP-1 agonism, targeted adipose lipolysis, AMPK activation, and mitochondrial biogenesis. Designed for significant, sustained fat loss with metabolic health improvements.
GLP-1 Metabolic & Fat Loss Stack
A synergistic fat loss and metabolic optimization stack combining a GLP-1 receptor agonist for appetite suppression with targeted fat-mobilization peptides and AMPK activators for maximum body recomposition.
Pre-Competition Body Recomposition & Peak Week Stack
A precision fat-loss protocol for competitive bodybuilders and physique athletes in the final 8–12 weeks before competition, targeting stubborn body fat while preserving muscle mass and enhancing vascularity.
Clinical Research
- 1.Human Growth Hormone Fragment 176-191 Peptide Enhances the Toxicity of Doxorubicin-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles Against MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells
Habibullah MM, Mohan S, Syed NK, Makeen HA, Jamal QMS, Alothaid H et al. · Drug design, development and therapy · 2022PubMed Verified
- 2.Hyperglycemic action of synthetic C-terminal fragments of human growth hormone
Ng FM, Bornstein J · The American journal of physiology · 1978PubMed Verified
- 3.Therapeutic Peptides in Orthopaedics: Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions
Rahman OF, Lee SJ, Seeds WA · Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Global research & reviews · 2026ReviewPubMed Verified
- 4.Simplifying and expanding the screening for peptides <2 kDa by direct urine injection, liquid chromatography, and ion mobility mass spectrometry
Thomas A, Görgens C, Guddat S, Thieme D, Dellanna F, Schänzer W et al. · Journal of separation science · 2016PubMed Verified
- 5.Effect of Intra-articular Injection of AOD9604 with or without Hyaluronic Acid in Rabbit Osteoarthritis Model
Kwon DR, Park GY · Annals of clinical and laboratory science · 2015PubMed Verified
- 6.Human sports drug testing by mass spectrometry
Schänzer W, Thevis M · Mass spectrometry reviews · 2017ReviewPubMed Verified
- 7.Detecting peptidic drugs, drug candidates and analogs in sports doping: current status and future directions
Thevis M, Thomas A, Schänzer W · Expert review of proteomics · 2014PubMed Verified
- 8.Detection and in vitro metabolism of AOD9604
Cox HD, Smeal SJ, Hughes CM, Cox JE, Eichner D · Drug testing and analysis · 2015PubMed Verified
- 9.Identification and characterization of peptide drugs in unknown pharmaceutical preparations seized by the Belgian authorities: case report on AOD9604
Vanhee C, Moens G, Deconinck E, De Beer JO · Drug testing and analysis · 2014PubMed Verified
- 10.Analytical approaches for the detection of emerging therapeutics and non-approved drugs in human doping controls
Thevis M, Schänzer W · Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis · 2014ReviewPubMed Verified
- 11.AOD-9604 does not influence the WADA hGH isoform immunoassay
Orlovius AK, Thomas A, Schänzer W, Thevis M · Drug testing and analysis · 2013PubMed Verified
- 12.Obesity drugs in clinical development
Halford JC · Current opinion in investigational drugs (London, England : 2000) · 2006ReviewPubMed Verified
- 13.Gateways to clinical trials
Bayés M, Rabasseda X, Prous JR · Methods and findings in experimental and clinical pharmacology · 2005PubMed Verified
- 14.AOD-9604 Metabolic
Wilding J · Current opinion in investigational drugs (London, England : 2000) · 2004ReviewPubMed Verified
- 15.Gateways to clinical trials
Bayes M, Rabasseda X, Prous JR · Methods and findings in experimental and clinical pharmacology · 2003PubMed Verified
- 16.Gateways to clinical trials
Bayés M, Rabasseda X, Prous JR · Methods and findings in experimental and clinical pharmacology · 2003PubMed Verified
- 17.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
Heffernan M, Summers RJ, Thorburn A, Ogru E, Gianello R, Jiang WJ et al. · Endocrinology · 2001PubMed Verified
Medical disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Many compounds listed are research chemicals not approved for human use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any protocol.
Was this page helpful?
Launching soon
Build and track your protocol in Staqk
Log doses, track timing, monitor biomarkers, and manage every compound in your stack — all in one place.