PeptideTrace
Research CompoundGH C-Terminal Fragment (Unregulated)

HGH Fragment 176-191

HGH Frag, AOD-9401

E

Evidence Grade E — Very limited evidence. 1 published studies. 0 registered clinical trials.

1 studiesUSEUCA

Overview

HGH Fragment 176-191 is a synthetic piece of human growth hormone investigated for fat loss. The concept was promising in animal studies — mice lost significant fat. But a Phase II clinical trial in approximately 300 people failed to show significant weight loss at any dose, and development was abandoned. It has no regulatory approval.

Research Activity

1studies
Human 1
In-vitro 1

1 published studies: 1 human, 0 animal, 1 in-vitro, 0 reviews

Regulatory Status

US
Not approved by FDA(FDA)
EU
Not authorised by EMA(EMA)
CA
Not approved by Health Canada(Health Canada)

Legal Status

USNot applicable (not approved)
EUNot applicable (not authorised)
CANot applicable (not approved)

Summary

HGH Fragment 176-191 has no marketing authorisation. A Phase IIa trial in obesity (approximately 300 patients) failed to demonstrate statistically significant weight loss at any dose tested. The clinical development programme was discontinued.

The disconnect between animal data (which showed significant fat reduction in obese mice) and the failed human trial is the defining feature of this compound's development history. Products available through unregulated channels lack pharmaceutical quality assurance. The failed Phase II trial represents the highest level of clinical evidence available.

Mechanism of Action

Research in animal models suggested this fragment may stimulate fat breakdown through a mechanism distinct from the growth hormone receptor, without the blood sugar-raising or growth-promoting effects of full growth hormone. However, these animal observations did not translate to human clinical outcomes — the Phase II trial showed no significant effect on weight.

Research Summary

Research suggests the Phase IIa obesity trial (approximately 300 patients) failed to demonstrate statistically significant weight loss at any dose tested. This is the highest level of clinical evidence available and it is negative. The disconnect between animal results and the failed human trial is the defining feature of this compound's history. On the safety side, the fragment does not activate the growth hormone receptor, so it lacks the blood sugar-raising and growth-promoting effects of full growth hormone. Products from unregulated channels lack pharmaceutical quality assurance.

Clinical Trials

No trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov for this compound.

The information on this page is provided for educational and research reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.

Related Compounds

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Liraglutide is marketed as Victoza for type 2 diabetes (approved 2010) and Saxenda for weight management (approved 2014). The LEADER trial, involving over 9,300 patients followed for nearly four years, established that liraglutide reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events by 13% — a landmark finding that helped establish GLP-1 treatments as a class with heart benefits. Saxenda is also approved for adolescents aged 12 and older. While historically significant, liraglutide has been substantially surpassed by newer agents. In a direct comparison, semaglutide achieved 15.8% weight loss compared to liraglutide's 6.4%. Liraglutide remains relevant as a lower-intensity option and as a benchmark against which newer treatments are measured. It has over a decade of real-world safety data, making it one of the best-understood medications in this class.

Setmelanotide

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