Dihexa

PEPTIDES+ MEMBERS ONLY

INDICATIONS FOR USE

Dihexa is an investigational peptide studied for its potential in cognitive enhancement, neuroprotection, and the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. It is also explored for its ability to promote synaptogenesis and neuronal repair in traumatic brain injuries.

ROUTE OF ADMINISTRATION

  • Oral capsules

COMMON INITIAL DOSING REGIMENS

  • Oral: 2mg–20 mg daily.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

  • Dihexa is an angiotensin IV analog that acts on the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-Met signaling pathway, which is critical for neuronal development and repair. It enhances synaptogenesis, promotes dendritic spine formation, and improves cognitive function. By potentiating HGF activity, Dihexa supports neuroplasticity and protects against neurodegeneration.

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

  • Mild: Headache, fatigue, or mild dizziness.

  • Metabolic: Rare reports of gastrointestinal discomfort.

  • Neurological: Potential overstimulation in sensitive individuals, leading to irritability or insomnia.

  • Long-term safety data is limited, and effects on hormonal or systemic functions are not well understood.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

  • Absolute: Known hypersensitivity to Dihexa or its excipients.

  • Relative: Patients with active cancer should use caution, as the promotion of cellular growth via HGF/c-Met could theoretically exacerbate tumor proliferation. Limited data exists regarding its use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

DISCLAIMER

  • This peptide is experimental and not FDA-approved.

MORE INFORMATION

  • FDA Safety Data Sheet not available (experimental peptide).

  • Wells RG. Effects of an Angiotensin IV Analog on 3-Nitropropionic Acid-Induced Huntington's Disease-Like Symptoms in Rats. J Huntingtons Dis. 2024 [PubMed Link]

  • Sun X. AngIV-Analog Dihexa Rescues Cognitive Impairment and Recovers Memory in the APP/PS1 Mouse via the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway. Brain Sci. 2021 [PubMed Link]

  • Weiss JB. Stem cell, Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor and/or Dihexa to promote limb function recovery in a rat sciatic nerve damage-repair model: Experimental animal studies. Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2021 [PubMed Link]

  • Uribe PM. Hepatocyte growth factor mimetic protects lateral line hair cells from aminoglycoside exposure. Front Cell Neurosci. 2015 [PubMed Link]

  • Ho JK, Nation DA. Cognitive benefits of angiotensin IV and angiotensin-(1-7): A systematic review of experimental studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2018 [PubMed Link]

  • Wright JW. The Brain Hepatocyte Growth Factor/c-Met Receptor System: A New Target for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis. 2015 [PubMed Link]

  • Wright JW. The development of small molecule angiotensin IV analogs to treat Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Prog Neurobiol. 2015 [PubMed Link]

  • McCoy AT. Evaluation of metabolically stabilized angiotensin IV analogs as procognitive/antidementia agents. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2013 [PubMed Link]

  • Bapst JP. Dimeric DOTA-alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone analogs: synthesis and in vivo characteristics of radiopeptides with high in vitro activity. J Recept Signal Transduct Res. 2007 [PubMed Link]