Hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGF/c-Met) agonist peptide. Described in preclinical studies as millions of times more potent than BDNF for synaptogenesis. Studied for Alzheimer disease, cognitive enhancement, and neurological repair.
Not well-characterized; highly lipophilic, likely CNS accumulation
SKUs
1
Evidence
Emerging
Dihexa is a small synthetic peptide developed from research into angiotensin-related brain peptides. It has been studied in preclinical models for its effects on cognitive function and synapse formation. Dihexa is notable for being described in research as extremely potent in animal cognitive testing, but it has not been tested in human clinical trials.
Cognitive Research
Dihexa was developed at Washington State University from research on HGF (hepatocyte growth factor) signaling and brain-penetrant angiotensin analogs. In rodent studies, it showed remarkable improvements in cognitive performance in Alzheimer's disease models, described by researchers as several orders of magnitude more potent than BDNF in synaptogenesis assays.
Synaptogenesis Research
A key research finding was that dihexa potently stimulates the formation of new synaptic connections between neurons. The synaptogenesis effect was measured in cell culture and animal models and was the basis for interest in cognitive and neurodegenerative disease applications.
Neurodegenerative Disease Models
Animal studies have examined dihexa in models of Alzheimer's disease and other conditions involving cognitive decline. Results in these models have been positive, but the compound has not advanced to human trials.
Highly potent synaptogenesis effects observed in cell culture and animal models.
Cognitive improvements in Alzheimer's disease animal models.
Brain-penetrant — shown to cross the blood-brain barrier in preclinical studies.
No published human clinical trial data.
All dihexa research is in animals or cell culture. The compound has not been tested in human clinical trials, meaning its effects, safety, and appropriate dose in people are completely unknown. Potency in animal models does not reliably predict human effects. The absence of human data means that claims about its cognitive effects in people are entirely speculative.
Dihexa was created by modifying a small peptide that influences a receptor called MET, which responds to a protein called HGF (hepatocyte growth factor). The MET receptor is found in the brain and plays a role in neuron survival and synaptic formation. Dihexa appears to activate this receptor, which in animal studies strongly promotes the growth of new synaptic connections — the links between neurons that form the physical basis of memory and learning. Researchers believe that increasing synaptic density in regions affected by Alzheimer's disease could help compensate for neuronal loss. Whether this translates into meaningful cognitive improvements in humans is an unanswered question.
Dihexa has not been tested in human clinical trials and its safety profile in people is unknown. Animal studies have not reported concerning toxicity, but this cannot be applied to humans. Because it has potential effects on a growth factor receptor (MET), which is also implicated in some cancers, there are theoretical concerns about long-term use that have not been evaluated. It is not FDA-approved for any purpose.
Emerging
This compound is in early-stage research. Evidence is limited to small studies or in vitro data.
Published Research Ranges
Animal: 1mg/kg oral or intranasal; human dosing not established; no clinical trials published
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.
Dihexa (N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-aminobutyric acid) Enhances Cognitive Function via HGF/c-Met
Biological Nanotherapeutics Derived From Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Mechanisms and Translational Potential in Multisystem Therapies for Regeneration and Oncology
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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