P Palthera
Hormone Analogues

Hexarelin

Examorelin

Hexarelin is a synthetic six- growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP). It was developed in the 1990s and is referenced in early-phase human pharmacology studies (often comparing GH-releasing peptides) and a sizeable rodent literature, including cardiovascular and metabolic models. It is not approved as a medicine.

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Hormone Analogues
Classification
Synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue (GHRP)
Research stage
Mixed evidence: small early-phase human pharmacology studies + extensive rodent literature
Sequence
His-D-2-methyl-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2
Molecular weight
887.04 Da

Snapshot

Key takeaways

A three-bullet snapshot before reading the full dossier.

  1. 01

    Synthetic GHRP that binds the ghrelin (GHS-R1a) .

  2. 02

    Early human studies focused on GH-secretory pharmacology and somatostatin interaction.

  3. 03

    Subsequent rodent research has explored cardiovascular, metabolic, and aging-related models.

Dossier overview

4

research areas

3

references

3

handling notes

01

Mechanism of action

Hexarelin binds the GHS-R1a (ghrelin) , triggering pulsatile growth hormone release that is largely independent of, and synergistic with, signalling. Literature also describes interactions with the cardiac CD36 receptor in animal models.

02

Research applications

  • Growth hormone secretion pharmacology
  • Rodent cardiovascular and metabolic models
  • GHRP comparison studies
  • Aging and metabolic-syndrome research

Evidence at a glance

What's behind this profile

3 citations · 1997–2017

Human
1

Studies in human volunteers or patients (incl. early-phase trials).

Animal
1

Studies in rodents or other animal models.

Review
1

Narrative or systematic reviews; no primary data.

Publication years

  1. 97
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19972017

Counts are derived from the cited studies below. A study covering both in vivo and in vitro work is counted by its primary model. Sample size is reported in 1 of 3 citations. Findings remain model-specific and are not extrapolated to therapeutic use.

03

Study references

Each profile cites a minimum of two peer-reviewed sources, with model type and reported sample size where the source provides it. Findings are model-specific and must not be extrapolated to therapeutic use.

Interaction of the growth hormone releasing peptide hexarelin with somatostatin

1997

Massoud AF et al. · Clinical Endocrinology

Model
Human pharmacology — controlled infusion study in adult volunteers
Sample
n=12

Reported that hexarelin counteracted somatostatin-induced GH suppression and showed synergistic GH-releasing activity when combined with .

PMID 9425393 DOI 10.1046/j.1365-2265.1997.3121128.x

Growth hormone-releasing peptides

1997

Ghigo E et al. · European Journal of Endocrinology

Model
Narrative review covering GHRP-6, GHRP-1, GHRP-2, and hexarelin
Sample
N/A (review)

Reviewed GHRP pharmacology, concepts, and clinical applications in growth-hormone hyposecretory states across the GHRP family.

PMID 9186261 DOI 10.1530/eje.0.1360445

Hexarelin, a Growth Hormone Secretagogue, Improves Lipid Metabolic Aberrations in Nonobese Insulin-Resistant Male MKR Mice

2017

Mosa R et al. · Endocrinology

Model
In vivo — insulin-resistant MKR mice
Sample
Not reported in abstract

Hexarelin treatment was associated with improved glucose tolerance, lowered triglycerides, enhanced adipocyte differentiation, and corrected body composition in the mouse model used.

PMID 28977588 DOI 10.1210/en.2017-00168

Evidence caveats

  • Hexarelin is not approved as a medicine. Human pharmacology evidence is limited to small early-phase studies.
  • Most efficacy data outside GH-pharmacology come from rodent models; extrapolation to clinical outcomes is not established.

04

Storage and handling

Store under controlled laboratory conditions with batch and preparation details recorded.

  • Maintain batch and supplier documentation for and comparison studies.
  • Avoid repeated cycles where not protocol-supported.
  • Research-only inventory must be clearly separated from any clinical material.

Common questions

Hexarelin FAQ

Plain-English answers backed by the citations on this profile — what it is, what's been studied, regulatory status, evidence limits.

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