Dihexa
Dihexa is a small, metabolically stabilised angiotensin IV analogue studied in the laboratory for effects on synapse formation and memory, with proposed relevance to neurodegenerative disease. Its evidence base is entirely preclinical, it has no completed human clinical trials, and it is not an approved therapeutic.
Mechanism
In plain terms, dihexa is being studied for its ability to encourage the formation of new connections between brain cells. Technically, it is a modified angiotensin IV-derived peptide reported to potentiate hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) signalling through its receptor c-Met, thereby promoting synaptogenesis (the formation of dendritic spines and synapses) in preclinical models. Because the work is preclinical, its mechanism and effects in humans are not established.
Regulatory Status by Region
- United States (FDA)Not FDA-approved; an experimental nootropic peptide with no approved therapeutic use.
- Australia (TGA)Not on the ARTG; an unapproved experimental substance.
- European Union (EMA)No EMA marketing authorisation; not an approved medicine in the EU.
- WADANot named on the Prohibited List, but as a non-approved substance it is captured by S0 (Non-Approved Substances), prohibited at all times; athletes should treat it as prohibited.
Key Studies
- Evaluation of Metabolically Stabilized Angiotensin IV Analogs as Procognitive/Antidementia Agents (opens in a new tab) (McCoy AT, et al. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2013;344(1):141-154; PMID 23055539 (preclinical; 2021 Expression of Concern issued by the journal))
- The Procognitive and Synaptogenic Effects of Angiotensin IV-Derived Peptides Are Dependent on Activation of the Hepatocyte Growth Factor/c-Met System (opens in a new tab) (Benoist CC, et al. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2014;351(2):390-402; PMID 25187433 (preclinical; RETRACTED in 2025))
Common Questions
- What is Dihexa?
- Dihexa is an experimental peptide derived from angiotensin IV, developed in academic research as a candidate cognitive-enhancing (pro-cognitive) compound. Its evidence is preclinical (cell and rodent studies); there are no completed human trials and it is not approved as a medicine anywhere.
- Is Dihexa approved for medical use?
- Dihexa is investigational: it is being studied in clinical research and is not an approved medicine. United States (FDA): Not FDA-approved; an experimental nootropic peptide with no approved therapeutic use. European Union (EMA): No EMA marketing authorisation; not an approved medicine in the EU. Australia (TGA): Not on the ARTG; an unapproved experimental substance.
- How does Dihexa work?
- In plain terms, dihexa is being studied for its ability to encourage the formation of new connections between brain cells. Technically, it is a modified angiotensin IV-derived peptide reported to potentiate hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) signalling through its receptor c-Met, thereby promoting synaptogenesis (the formation of dendritic spines and synapses) in preclinical models.
- Is Dihexa legal in Australia?
- Dihexa in Australia (TGA): Not on the ARTG; an unapproved experimental substance.
- Is Dihexa banned in sport?
- Dihexa under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code: Not named on the Prohibited List, but as a non-approved substance it is captured by S0 (Non-Approved Substances), prohibited at all times; athletes should treat it as prohibited.