C-terminal fragment of HGH. Studied for isolated lipolytic activity, separating fat-burning effects from growth-promoting and anti-insulin effects of full HGH.
HGH Fragment 176-191 is the C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone, consisting of amino acids 176 through 191. It was studied for lipolytic (fat-breaking) activity separate from HGH's growth-promoting effects. Human clinical trials were conducted but the compound did not meet its phase 3 endpoints for weight management.
Lipolysis Research
The fragment was designed based on the finding that the lipolytic activity of HGH resides primarily in its C-terminal region. Animal studies showed significant fat reduction with the fragment while avoiding growth effects and blood sugar disruption associated with full HGH.
Obesity Clinical Trials
Phase 2 and phase 3 human trials were conducted for weight management. The phase 3 trial failed to meet primary endpoints for weight loss versus placebo, leading the developer to discontinue the obesity program.
Joint and Cartilage Research
After the obesity program was discontinued, research interest shifted to musculoskeletal applications. The fragment received GRAS status in the US for use as a food ingredient, and some research explored cartilage regeneration properties in osteoarthritis models.
Demonstrates lipolysis stimulation in animal models without insulin-disrupting effects of full HGH.
Phase 3 human trial for obesity did not meet primary weight loss endpoints.
Generally well-tolerated in trials; GRAS status granted for food ingredient use.
Limited preclinical evidence for cartilage regeneration.
The human clinical trial failure for weight management is the defining context for this compound. Animal lipolytic effects did not translate into meaningful weight loss in the controlled human trial. It is not FDA-approved as a pharmaceutical and does not have an established indication. The GRAS status refers to food ingredient safety, not pharmaceutical efficacy.
HGH is a 191 amino acid protein. Different regions of the molecule are responsible for different effects. The growth-promoting effects come from one part; the fat-burning stimulation comes primarily from the C-terminal end, specifically around amino acids 176-191. This fragment is believed to interact with beta-3 adrenergic receptors in fat tissue, triggering lipolysis — the breakdown of fat stores into free fatty acids. By isolating just this region of the HGH molecule, researchers hoped to capture the fat-burning effect without triggering growth or blood sugar changes. The fragment worked this way in animal models. In the human obesity trial, however, the weight loss signal was not strong enough to outperform placebo in the controlled setting.
Well-tolerated in clinical trials. Not FDA-approved as a medication. GRAS designation for food use does not imply drug-level safety evaluation for any indication. Research-grade material purity and sterility are important practical considerations for any research use.
Preliminary
Most evidence comes from preclinical studies and case reports. Human data is limited and more research is needed.
Published Research Ranges
250–500mcg 2x daily in research literature
Research Context Only: These are ranges reported in published scientific studies for educational reference. They are not dosing recommendations. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Sources listed here are from the platform research library. All links open the original publication. No citations are generated by AI.
The C-Terminal Fragment of Growth Hormone Stimulates Lipolysis In Vivo
Journal of Biological Chemistry • 1996
• DOI: 10.1074/jbc.271.40.24782
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Research Education Only: This profile is for educational purposes only. All information is sourced from published scientific literature. This is not medical advice. Not for human consumption. Consult qualified medical professionals for any health decisions.
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