Dihexa
N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6) aminohexanoic amide · PNB-0408
An experimental angiotensin-derived peptide with striking synaptogenic potency in preclinical work — and no human data.
Class
Angiotensin IV analogue / HGF-cMet potentiator
Half-life
Not characterised in humans
Evidence
In-vitro / mechanistic
In-vitro / mechanistic
Cell-culture or mechanistic work only. No meaningful in-vivo human evidence exists.
Overview
Dihexa is an experimental compound derived from angiotensin IV, developed at Washington State University for neurodegenerative disease. Its headline preclinical claim is extraordinary potency at forming new synapses — reported in the original papers as orders of magnitude more potent than BDNF in that assay.
The proposed mechanism is potentiation of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) signalling through its receptor c-Met, a pathway involved in synaptic plasticity. In animal models of cognitive impairment it improved learning and memory.
This is one of the least-evidenced compounds in the library for human use — there are no human trials at all, and the same synaptogenic and growth-factor activity that makes it interesting raises unquantified concerns about promoting unwanted growth (including tumours). It is strictly preclinical and sold only as a research chemical.
How it works
- Potentiates HGF/c-Met signalling, a pathway central to synaptic plasticity.
- Reported to induce synaptogenesis with very high potency in preclinical assays.
- Improved learning and memory in rodent models of cognitive impairment.
- Blood-brain-barrier penetrant and orally active in animals.
What the research shows
Researched effects
- Potent synaptogenesis in preclinical assays
- Improved cognition in animal models of dementia
- No human efficacy or safety data whatsoever
Limitations & what it won't do
- Zero human trials — safety and efficacy in humans are entirely unknown.
- HGF/c-Met is a pathway implicated in cancer; growth-factor potentiation carries a real theoretical tumour risk.
- Human dosing is pure extrapolation from animal work.
- Not approved anywhere.
Dosing protocols
These ranges reflect published trials and community protocols. They are reference information, not a prescription. Doses are per injection unless noted.
Community-circulated protocol (no human basis)
8–45 mgThis range circulates online with no human pharmacokinetic or safety anchor. Included for transparency, strongly caveated: there is no human evidence to support any dose.
Administration
Not an injectable reconstitution compound
Side effects
Common
- Unknown — no human data
- Reported headaches anecdotally
Serious / rare
- Unknown — growth-factor potentiation raises a theoretical tumour concern
Contraindications & interactions
Do not use if you have
- Active cancer or current oncology treatment
c-Met/HGF potentiation is directly implicated in tumour growth and metastasis. Absolute contraindication.
- Past cancer diagnosis (in remission)
Given the c-Met mechanism, any cancer history is a hard block pending human safety data.
- Pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive
No safety data of any kind.
Use caution if you have
- Seizure disorder
A potent synaptogenic CNS agent warrants extreme caution with any seizure history.
- Mood or psychiatric condition
Unpredictable CNS effects with no human characterisation.
What to monitor
- This compound has no human safety data — the honest guidance is to avoid it outside formal research
References
- McCoy AT et al. — Evaluation of dihexa, a metabolically stable angiotensin IV analogueJ Pharmacol Exp Ther 2013;344:141-154
Research & educational information only — not medical advice.
You must be 18 or older to use this site. The peptides described are presented as research chemicals intended for research purposes only. Most are not approved by the FDA for human use. Dosing ranges reflect what has appeared in the scientific literature or community protocols and are not prescriptions. Nothing here replaces evaluation by a licensed physician who knows your full medical history.
Want to know if Dihexa fits your goals and history?
The assessment cross-checks your medical history and medications against this and every other compound before it recommends anything.
Start the assessment