NO. 035 · STAGE 1 · Lv. 75 · HP 140
HEXARELIN
Most Potent GHRP · Cardioprotective Signal
ALIASES
Hexarelin, Examorelin, EP-23905, MF-6003, His-D-2-MeTrp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys
CLASS
Synthetic hexapeptide · ghrelin + CD36 receptor agonist (most potent GHRP)
FORMULA
C47H58N12O6
SEQUENCE
His-D-2-MeTrp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2
HALF-LIFE
~70 minutes
ROUTES
Subcutaneous (research) · Intranasal (clinical literature)
MECHANISM OF ACTION
Hexapeptide ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist · the most potent GH-releasing activity in the GHRP class. Also engages the CD36 receptor on cardiomyocytes, the basis for documented preclinical cardioprotective signal independent of GH release.
EVIDENCE GRADES
Strongest GH-releasing activity in the GHRP class. Imbimbo 1994 characterized the pharmacology.
Bisi 1999 and subsequent studies report CD36-mediated cardioprotective signal independent of the GH-releasing arm.
Hexarelin produces faster GHS-R1a desensitization than other GHS with chronic administration in animal models.
MECHANISM CATEGORIES
RESEARCH CONDITIONS
SAFETY
Side effects
- Strong appetite stimulation
- Cortisol elevation (highest in GHRP class)
- Prolactin elevation
- Possible GHS-R desensitization with chronic dosing
- Injection-site reactions
Known interactions
- Concurrent rhGH not recommended
- Glucocorticoids may blunt response
Contraindications
- Active malignancy
- Pituitary tumor
- Pregnancy/lactation
REGULATORY STATUS
FDA · Not FDA-approved. Research-use only.
WADA · Prohibited at all times under WADA Section S2 (growth-hormone-secretagogue sub-category).
STORAGE
Lyophilized · 4 °C 24 months
Reconstituted · 2-8 °C, 28 days
PEER-REVIEWED EVIDENCE
- Imbimbo BP, Mant T, Edwards M, et al.. Hexarelin: A new growth hormone-releasing peptide. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1994. link →
- Bisi G, Podio V, Valetto MR, et al.. Hexarelin · A new GH-releasing peptide with cardiotropic activity. Eur J Endocrinol 1999. link →
FAQ · 8 QUESTIONS
▶ What is hexarelin?
Hexarelin is a synthetic hexapeptide ghrelin / GHS-R1a receptor agonist with the strongest GH-releasing potency in the GHRP class. It also engages the CD36 receptor on cardiomyocytes, supporting a documented preclinical cardioprotective signal independent of the GH-releasing arm.
▶ Hexarelin vs ipamorelin · which is stronger?
Hexarelin has higher peak GH-releasing activity per dose. Ipamorelin has higher selectivity (no significant cortisol/prolactin elevation). Hexarelin's stronger pulse comes with stronger stress-hormone elevation and faster receptor desensitization with chronic dosing.
▶ What is the cardioprotective signal?
Hexarelin binds the CD36 scavenger receptor on cardiomyocytes (independent of the ghrelin receptor). Animal-model studies report reduced infarct size in ischemia-reperfusion models and preserved cardiac function. This is the only GHS with a documented direct cardioprotective mechanism.
▶ Is hexarelin FDA-approved?
No. Research-use only.
▶ Is hexarelin WADA-prohibited?
Yes. Hexarelin is prohibited at all times under WADA Section S2 in the growth-hormone-secretagogue sub-category.
▶ What is the half-life of hexarelin?
Approximately 70 minutes plasma half-life, longer than GHRP-2 and GHRP-6. Once-daily dosing is the typical research protocol.
▶ Why does hexarelin produce more cortisol than other GHRPs?
Hexarelin produces the strongest cortisol and ACTH elevation in the GHRP class via cross-reactivity at the central melanocortin and CRH-axis pathways. Ipamorelin selectivity avoids this signal; hexarelin's cortisol elevation is a known limitation.
▶ Does hexarelin cause receptor desensitization?
Yes. Chronic daily dosing produces faster GHS-R1a desensitization than other GHS in animal models. Research protocols typically use shorter cycles or pulsed dosing to preserve responsiveness.
SIGNATURE MOVES
Strongest GH release in the GHRP class.
CD36-mediated cardioprotection independent of GH. Animal-model evidence.
SOURCED FROM PEPPU LABS
Reference compounds documented on this page are available as research-grade material at Peppu Studio · ≥99% purity · per-batch Certificate of Analysis. For laboratory research use only. No human dose is recommended by this wiki.
▶ LAST UPDATED · 2026-05-25