Side-by-side · Research reference
HGH Fragment 176-191vsVIP
Side-by-side comparison across mechanism, dosage, evidence, side effects, administration, and stack synergies. Citations on every claim where available.
AAnimal-StrongHUMAN-REVIEWED28/59 cited
BPhase 3HUMAN-REVIEWED9/42 cited
HGH Fragment 176-191
GH Fragment · Pre-Clinical
SQ · IP (animal) · Oral (tested)
VIP
Neuropeptide · VPAC1/VPAC2 Agonist · Emergency Use Authorization (COVID-19 ARDS)
IV infusion · Inhaled (investigational)Brown 2023Boesing 2022
01Mechanism of Action
Parameter
HGH Fragment 176-191
VIP
Primary target
Beta-3 adrenergic receptors on adipocytesHeffernan 2001
VPAC1 and VPAC2 G-protein-coupled receptorsUdupa 2025
Pathway
Fragment → β3-AR upregulation → Enhanced lipolytic sensitivityHeffernan 2001
VIP → VPAC1/VPAC2 activation → cAMP elevation → Pulmonary vasodilation + epithelial protection
Downstream effect
Increased lipolysis and beta-3 AR mRNA expression without IGF-1 axis activation
Anti-inflammatory cytokine modulation, alveolar-capillary membrane stabilization, pulmonary smooth muscle relaxation, reduced neutrophil infiltration
Feedback intact?
N/A — does not interact with GH/IGF-1 axis
Yes — exogenous VIP acts as physiological agonist
Origin
Synthetic peptide derived from hGH residues 176-191; AOD9604 includes N-terminal tyrosine (177-191)Cox 2015
Endogenous 28-amino-acid neuropeptide; synthetic analogue (aviptadil) identical to natural VIP
Antibody development
Not reported in available studies
—
02Dosage Protocols
Parameter
HGH Fragment 176-191
VIP
Animal dose (IP)
Not specified (14-day chronic administration)Heffernan 2001
Obese mice, daily IP injection.
—
Human equivalent dose
Not established — no published human RCTs
—
Frequency
Once daily (animal models)
—
Evidence basis
Animal studies only
Phase 3 RCT (TESICO)Brown 2023
816-patient randomized controlled trial in COVID-19 ARDS.
Detection window
50 pg/mL LOD in urine; stable metabolite extends detectionCox 2015
WADA-banned; anti-doping testing available.
—
Oral bioavailability
Demonstrated efficacy in animal oral administrationNg 2000
Potential for oral therapeutic development.
—
Intravenous (ARDS protocol)
—
60–90 mcg/kg/day via continuous infusion
TESICO trial protocol for COVID-19 ARDS.
Inhaled (investigational)
—
Variable dosing under clinical trial protocolsBoesing 2022
Delivered via nebulizer for direct pulmonary deposition.
Treatment duration
—
3–14 days (acute ARDS)
Reconstitution
—
Lyophilized powder reconstituted with sterile diluent per protocol
Half-life
—
~2 minutes (plasma)
Rapid clearance necessitates continuous infusion.
03Metabolic / Fat Loss Evidence
Parameter
HGH Fragment 176-191
VIP
Weight gain reduction
50% reduction vs control (15.8 ± 0.6 g vs 35.6 ± 0.8 g)Ng 2000
Obese Zucker rats, 19 days oral administration.
—
Body fat reduction
Significant decrease in body weight and body fat in obese mice (14 days)Heffernan 2001
—
Lipolytic activity
Increased adipose tissue lipolytic activityNg 2000
Direct measurement in treated animals.
—
Insulin sensitivity
No adverse effect — euglycemic clamp confirmedNg 2000
Contrasts with intact hGH diabetogenic effects.
—
IGF-1 impact
No elevation — fragment does not activate GH/IGF-1 axis
—
Beta-3 AR dependency
Effect abolished in β3-AR knockout miceHeffernan 2001
Confirms β3-AR as primary mechanism.
—
Human evidence
None published — pre-clinical only
—
04Side Effects & Safety
Parameter
HGH Fragment 176-191
VIP
Human safety data
Not available — no published human trials
—
Metabolic profile
Six metabolites identified; CRSVEGSCG most stableCox 2015
Detection window implications for doping control.
—
Hypotension
—
Transient vasodilation-related blood pressure drop
Tachycardia
—
Reflex tachycardia secondary to vasodilation
Infusion site reactions
—
Erythema, phlebitis (IV administration)
GI symptoms
—
Nausea, diarrhea (VIP is endogenous GI peptide)
Overall tolerability
—
Well-tolerated in Phase 3 trials; adverse event profile comparable to placebo
Absolute Contraindications
HGH Fragment 176-191
- ·Competitive athletes (WADA-banned)Cox 2015
VIP
- ·Known hypersensitivity to aviptadil or formulation components
Relative Contraindications
HGH Fragment 176-191
- ·Absence of human safety data — experimental use only
VIP
- ·Severe hypotension or shock states (monitor blood pressure)
- ·Pregnancy — insufficient safety data
05Administration Protocol
Parameter
HGH Fragment 176-191
VIP
1. Route
Subcutaneous injection primary route in research context. Oral administration demonstrated efficacy in animal models at 500 mcg/kg.
Reconstitute lyophilized aviptadil powder with sterile diluent per manufacturer protocol. Inspect solution for particulates — should be clear and colorless.
2. Frequency
Once daily dosing used in animal studies. Timing not specified; GH-independent mechanism suggests flexibility.
Administer as continuous 12-hour intravenous infusion via central or peripheral line. Use infusion pump for precise dosing (60–90 mcg/kg/day divided over infusion duration).
3. Duration
Animal protocols: 14–19 days. Human duration not established — no published trials.
Monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygenation continuously during first infusion. Assess for hypotension and adjust infusion rate if needed.
4. Storage
Lyophilized peptide storage per standard peptide protocols. Metabolite stability suggests refrigerated reconstituted solution viable.
Deliver via jet or mesh nebulizer per clinical trial protocol. Patient seated upright, normal tidal breathing for 10–15 minutes.
5. Detection
Detectable in urine via SPE-LC-MS at 50 pg/mL LOD. Extended detection window via stable metabolite CRSVEGSCG.Cox 2015
Store lyophilized powder at 2–8 °C, light-protected. Reconstituted solution: use immediately or within 24 hours if refrigerated.