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Dihexa: quick citable summary
Dihexa is listed by PeptaHub as a cognitive peptide with a reclassification pending legal-status classification. The page summarizes mechanism, research context, common routes, safety notes, and references for writers and AI answer engines.
PeptaHub. “Dihexa: Mechanism, Research Context, Safety.” peptahub.com, 2026. https://peptahub.com/peptides/dihexa. Licensed CC BY 4.0.
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What is Dihexa?
Dihexa is an angiotensin IV-derived oligopeptide that reportedly shows enhanced potency versus BDNF in promoting synapse formation in animal models. It enhances cognitive function and synapse formation via the HGF/c-Met pathway and is being investigated as a potential Alzheimer's treatment.
Overview
Dihexa is an oligopeptide derived from angiotensin IV that was developed at Washington State University by Joseph Harding and colleagues. It reportedly shows enhanced potency versus BDNF in promoting synapse formation in animal models. Dihexa enhances cognitive function, promotes new synapse formation, and is being investigated as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions.
Mechanism of action
Dihexa binds to hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor c-Met, potentiating the HGF/c-Met signaling pathway which is critical for neuronal survival, neurite outgrowth, and synaptogenesis. It stabilizes the HGF dimer and enhances receptor dimerization, amplifying downstream signaling through PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK pathways. This promotes formation of new synaptic connections (spinogenesis) at substantially lower concentrations than BDNF in preclinical studies.
Reported study ranges
| Purpose | Route | Reported range | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| cognitive enhancement | oral | 10–30 mg | daily | No human or clinical dosing data exists. These ranges reflect unverified community/anecdotal reports only, not any sourced human-equivalent derivation. Use with extreme caution. |
| cognitive enhancement | subcutaneous | 5–20 mg | daily | No validated human dosing exists; figures are community/anecdotal only. Subcutaneous route reported anecdotally. |
Reported ranges are for research context only. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide.
Convert Dihexa research-range units
Need to convert mg to mcg, dose volume, or U-100 syringe units? The Dihexa dose calculator is preloaded with these ranges, or use the general dose unit converter.
Research summary
In animal models, Harding et al. demonstrated that Dihexa restored cognitive function in aged rats to levels comparable to young animals. It crossed the blood-brain barrier when administered orally or subcutaneously. Studies showed reversal of scopolamine-induced cognitive deficits and improvement in spatial learning (Morris water maze). Patent filed for Alzheimer's disease treatment (US Patent 8,710,016). No human clinical trials completed. The reported potency raises both interest and caution in the research community.[1][2][3][4][5][6]
Evidence grading
Each claimed benefit is graded by the strength of available evidence. Grades reflect study quality, not effect size.
Strong = multiple RCTs · Moderate = limited trials or observational · Preliminary = animal or in vitro only · Insufficient = anecdotal or no published data
Side effects
Side effects vary by individual. This is not an exhaustive list. Report unusual symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Common stacks
Peptides commonly paired with Dihexa for synergistic effects.
Legal status
Dihexa cannot legally be compounded in the US today. It is one of 12 peptides the FDA removed from Category 2 of the interim 503A bulk drug substances list on April 15, 2026, effective within seven calendar days, because the original nominators withdrew their nominations. Removal from Category 2 is not the same as being added to the Section 503A Bulks List or placed in Category 1, and the FDA has been explicit that it does not by itself make a substance eligible for compounding — enforcement discretion extends only to Category 1, and these substances were never in Category 1. Dihexa, which the FDA lists as dihexa acetate, was not among the seven peptides heard on July 23-24, 2026; the FDA has stated the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee will reconvene before the end of February 2027 to consider it alongside GHK-Cu, Melanotan II, LL-37, and PEG-MGF. PCAC is advisory and formal rulemaking afterward typically takes 12 to 24 months. Dihexa is not FDA-approved for any indication, is otherwise sold as a research chemical, and is not scheduled. Verify current federal and state rules before relying on access claims.
Sourcing & access
Reclassification in progress
Dihexais one of 12 peptides the FDA removed from its Category 2 “do not compound” list on April 15, 2026, after the original nominations were withdrawn. That removal did not place it on the 503A Bulks List or into Category 1, so it is not currently eligible for compounding. The Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee is reviewing these substances for the Bulks List; adding one requires formal rulemaking, which typically takes 12 to 24 months. See our regulatory status tracker and regulatory timeline for the current position.
Frequently asked questions
Dihexa is a synthetic oligopeptide developed at Washington State University by Joseph Harding and colleagues. It is derived from angiotensin IV and is studied for its reported potency in promoting new synapse formation and cognitive function in preclinical models.
Dihexa potentiates the HGF/c-Met signaling pathway by stabilizing hepatocyte growth factor dimers and enhancing receptor dimerization. This amplifies PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK signaling, promoting spinogenesis (new synaptic connections) at substantially lower concentrations than BDNF in preclinical studies.
Human safety data is limited. Reported side effects include headache, anxiety at higher doses, and insomnia. No human clinical trials have been completed. The reported potency raises both interest and caution in the research community.
Yes, Dihexa is one of the few peptides with oral bioavailability. It crossed the blood-brain barrier when administered orally or subcutaneously in animal studies. Oral doses typically range from 10-30 mg daily in community use, though this is extrapolated from animal data.
Research references
- AngIV-Analog Dihexa Rescues Cognitive Impairment and Recovers Memory in the APP/PS1 Mouse via the PI3K/AKT Signaling PathwayPubMed
- Evaluation of Metabolically Stabilized Angiotensin IV Analogs as Procognitive/Antidementia AgentsPubMed
- Cognitive Benefits of Angiotensin IV and Angiotensin-(1-7): A Systematic Review of Experimental StudiesPubMed
- The Development of Small Molecule Angiotensin IV Analogs to Treat Alzheimer's and Parkinson's DiseasesPubMed
- Effects of an Angiotensin IV Analog on 3-Nitropropionic Acid-Induced Huntington's Disease-Like Symptoms in RatsPubMed
- Facilitation of hippocampal synaptogenesis and spatial memory by C-terminal truncated Nle1-angiotensin IV analogsPubMed