Dihexa
Also known as: N-hexanoyl-Tyr-Ile-(6)-aminohexanoic amide · PNB-0408
Contents
MW
507.62 Da
Amino Acids
3 AA
Half-Life
8-12 hours
Route
Oral, Intranasal, SubQ
Formula
C27H43N3O6
Mechanism of Action
Dihexa is a hexapeptide derived from angiotensin IV that activates the HGF (hepatocyte growth factor) / c-Met receptor pathway. It is reported to be 10 million times more potent than BDNF at promoting synaptic connections in vitro.
PRIMARY MECHANISM — HGF/c-Met PATHWAY: Stabilizes HGF in its active dimeric form and promotes proHGF → HGF conversion. Active HGF binds c-Met receptor → autophosphorylation → RAS/MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling → increased dendritic spine formation, synaptic density, and neuronal connectivity. This pathway is critical for cognitive function, memory consolidation, and neuroplasticity.
BBB PENETRATION: Crosses the blood-brain barrier when administered intranasally or orally — critical for CNS activity.
SYNAPTIC RESTORATION: In aged rat models, Dihexa restored synaptic density and cognitive performance to levels comparable to young animals (McCoy et al. 2013).
IMPORTANT: HGF/c-Met is also a well-characterized oncogenic pathway — c-Met overactivation drives tumor invasion and metastasis in multiple cancer types. This is a serious safety consideration.
Dosing Protocol
Low Dose
███ – ███ mcg/day
Standard Dose
███ mcg/day
High Dose
███ – ███ mcg/day
Dosing protocols are for paid members
Get exact dosing ranges, injection frequency, timing rationale, and reconstitution math.
Get Clinical Access — $79/moFrequency
Daily, oral or intranasal.
Half-Life
8-12 hours
Reconstitution Guide
Full reconstitution protocol with BAC water volumes, concentration math, and units-to-draw per dose is available on the Clinical plan.
Unlock reconstitution guide →Clinical Warnings
NO HUMAN DATA — entirely preclinical.
HGF/c-Met is a known ONCOGENIC pathway — serious theoretical cancer risk.
Long-term CNS effects completely unknown.
Oral bioavailability uncertain.
Not FDA approved or in any clinical trial.
Contraindications
Absolute
Active cancer
Pregnancy
Relative Cautions
History of cancer (c-Met pathway)
Brain tumors
Side Effect Profile
Mild
- ●Headache
- ●Mild anxiety
Moderate
- ●Overstimulation
- ●Insomnia
- ●Irritability
Severe (Rare)
- ●Theoretical cancer risk (c-Met agonism)
Synergistic Peptides
Common Stacks
Semax
Selank
Research Status
PRECLINICAL ONLY. PMID 23110880 (McCoy 2013): HGF/c-Met pathway activation, synaptic density restoration in aged rats. 10M-fold more potent than BDNF for synaptic connectivity. Zero human clinical trials published.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Dihexa work?
Dihexa is a hexapeptide derived from angiotensin IV that activates the HGF (hepatocyte growth factor) / c-Met receptor pathway. It is reported to be 10 million times more potent than BDNF at promoting synaptic connections in vitro. PRIMARY MECHANISM — HGF/c-Met PATHWAY: Stabilizes HGF in its active dimeric form and promotes proHGF → HGF conversion. Active HGF binds c-Met receptor → autophosphorylation → RAS/MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling → increased dendritic spine formation, synaptic density, and
What is the standard dose of Dihexa?
Dihexa dosing protocols are available with a ClinPep Clinical subscription. Dosing varies by indication and patient factors — consult a licensed healthcare provider. General frequency: Daily, oral or intranasal.
What is the half-life of Dihexa?
The half-life of Dihexa is 8-12 hours. This determines optimal dosing frequency and timing.
Who should not use Dihexa?
Dihexa is absolutely contraindicated in: Active cancer; Pregnancy. Use with caution in: History of cancer (c-Met pathway); Brain tumors.
What are the side effects of Dihexa?
Common mild side effects include: Headache, Mild anxiety. Moderate effects: Overstimulation, Insomnia, Irritability.
What peptides stack well with Dihexa?
Dihexa is commonly stacked with: Semax, Selank, NAD+, Cerebrolysin.
How do you reconstitute Dihexa?
Dihexa is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water. Exact volumes, concentrations, and units-to-draw calculations are available in the ClinPep Clinical plan. Always follow your compounding pharmacy's instructions.
How long should you cycle Dihexa?
Dihexa cycle protocols vary by indication. Detailed cycle length, on/off schedules, and monitoring guidelines are available with ClinPep Clinical access. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized cycling guidance.
References & Citations
1 PubMed studies · 0 clinical trials
Evaluation of metabolically stabilized angiotensin IV analogs as procognitive/antidementia agents
McCoy AT et al.. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2013
Symptom Indications
Full Clinical Access
Complete Dihexa Protocol
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This information is for educational and research reference purposes only. ClinPep does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. All protocols should be reviewed by a licensed healthcare provider.