HGH Fragment 176-191 (AOD-9604)
AOD-9604 · HGH Frag · AOD9604 · Fragment 176-191
Modified fragment of the growth hormone C-terminus studied for lipolysis without growth effects.
Key takeaways
- C-terminal HGH fragment built for lipolysis without growth or insulin effects.
- Estimated 12-hour half-life; reported protocols dose once or twice daily, fasted.
- Reached Phase 2 obesity trials as AOD-9604; safe but modest, development stopped.
- Not approved; claims of spot fat loss go beyond the trial evidence.
Overview
What it is
HGH Fragment 176-191 (AOD-9604) is a synthetic peptide matching the C-terminal end of human growth hormone, engineered to keep the lipolytic (fat-mobilizing) activity of HGH without its growth-promoting or insulin effects. It is the best-known attempt at splitting one hormone's effects into a narrower drug.
Pharmacokinetics
The estimated half-life is roughly 12 hours with around 50% bioavailability, which is why research and community protocols use once or twice daily dosing, usually fasted.
What the evidence says
More human data exists here than for most peptides: AOD-9604 went through Phase 2 obesity trials with a clean safety readout, but efficacy was modest and development stopped. It is not an approved medication, and community claims of targeted fat loss exceed what the trials showed.
Reported dosing protocols
Protocols reported in research literature and clinic/community use — informational context, not a dosing recommendation.
| Use case | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fat loss (community) | 250–500 mcg | SubQ | 1–2× daily, fasted | 8–12 weeks |
Pharmacokinetic summary
- Model tier
- Simple (t½ + F, Tmax estimated)
- Half-life
- 12 hours
- Bioavailability
- 50%
- Typical dose
- 0.25–1 mg
Frequently asked questions
Does HGH Frag 176-191 actually burn fat?
The lipolytic mechanism is plausible and showed up in early work, but the Phase 2 obesity trials of AOD-9604 produced modest results and the program was discontinued. Expect far less than marketing implies.
Why do protocols say to take it fasted?
The rationale is that insulin and recent food intake blunt lipolysis, so dosing in a fasted state (often morning or pre-cardio) is meant to give the fragment a clear window. That logic is community-derived, not trial-validated.
Is HGH Frag 176-191 legal and approved?
It is not an approved medication anywhere. AOD-9604 holds GRAS status for food and supplement use in the US, but injectable use sits in the grey market, and WADA prohibits it in tested sport.
References
- Estimated — C-terminal HGH fragment; lipolytic in studies, human PK limited.
- Curr Opin Investig Drugs 2004 — AOD-9604 drug profile — Development profile covering the AOD-9604 obesity program and its phase 2 status.
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Protocols featuring HGH Fragment 176-191 (AOD-9604)
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