HEX

Hexarelin

Growth Hormone Phase 1 / early human

Potent GH secretagogue in human studies. The GH response fell by about 45% over 16 weeks and recovered after 4 weeks off (Rahim 1998).

Regulatory status (as of Sept 2026)

Not FDA-approved. Not among the peptides named in the 2026 PCAC actions.

See the FDA peptide regulatory tracker · Read our July 27, 2026 dispatch on the FDA PCAC peptide vote
Educational summary. Every effect described below is drawn from the cited published research and describes what was observed in research subjects — not a promise of results, a dose recommendation, or an endorsement for human use. Many peptides are not FDA-approved. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before making any health decision. Full disclaimer.

3 studies referenced · Last reviewed Oct 1, 2026 · Reviewed by The Peptide Dispatch Editorial Team · How we research & label content

TL;DR — Hexarelin at a Glance

Hexarelin is a compound with only early, small human studies so far. Potent GH secretagogue in human studies.

Half-lifeNot established in published research
How it's given in studiesSubcutaneous injection
Research stagePhase 1 / early human
Dosing
Published research: 1 µg/kg IV bolus in women
details1 µg/kg i.v. bolus in women (Popovic 1997). Twice-daily s.c. injections for 16 weeks in healthy elderly adults, n=12 (Rahim & Shalet 1998); the dose is in the full text. i.v. use also in exercise studies (de Vries 2004).
Community-reportedCommunity-reported: 100–200 mcg, subcutaneous injection

Published-research dosing is what was given in the cited studies (species and units as reported). Community-reported dosing is what users describe, not from clinical studies. Neither is a recommendation. Not medical advice.

Where each point comes from: Clinicalhuman trials and FDA labels   Lab / animalrodent, cell and ex vivo studies   Community-reporteduser experience and commonly used protocols, not from clinical studies

How It Works

In plain terms: It acts like the hunger hormone ghrelin to trigger growth hormone release. Ghrelin-receptor agonist (growth hormone secretagogue). In healthy elderly people given hexarelin twice daily for 16 weeks, the GH response attenuated, but the attenuation was partial and reversible (Rahim 1998).

Effects Reported in Research

How to read this: Each item below is an effect observed in research subjects in the cited studies — think of Dexter, our stand-in research subject. These are findings from the literature, not results you should expect, and not medical advice.

  • ClinicalPotent GH secretagogue in human studies
  • Lab / animalCardioprotective and neuroprotective effects reported in animal and cell-culture studies (e.g., Neuro-2A cells, 2021)

What Users Report (Community, Not Clinical)

Commonly reported protocol

Community-reportedCommonly reported doses range from 100 to 200 mcg (subcutaneous injection). This is not a recommendation.

What users report

  • Community-reportedRecovery support
  • Community-reportedRapid desensitization — Research note: the published study did not confirm this (a 16-week study found the drop in GH response was partial and reversible (Rahim 1998)).

Side effects users report

  • Community-reportedCortisol elevation
  • Community-reportedProlactin increase
  • Community-reportedHunger

Side effects reported in studies are listed separately below.

Community reports are anecdotal, vary widely in product quality and purity, and are not medical advice. Talk to a licensed provider.

Side Effects and Safety Notes

  • Partial, reversible attenuation of the GH response after 16 weeks of twice-daily use (Rahim 1998)

References

  1. Does desensitization to hexarelin occur?
    Rahim A, Shalet SM. Growth hormone & IGF research : official journal of the Growth Hormone Research Society and the International IGF Research Society. 1998. PMID: 10990150.
    Study type: Human, elderly n=12, s.c. twice daily 16 wk.
    DOI: 10.1016/s1096-6374(98)80039-7 · PubMed
  2. Absence of desensitization by hexarelin to subsequent GH releasing hormone-mediated GH secretion in patients with anorexia nervosa
    Popovic V, Micic D, Djurovic M, Obradovic S, Casanueva FF, Dieguez C. Clinical endocrinology. 1997. PMID: 9231048.
    Study type: Human, women n=32, 1 µg/kg i.v..
    DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2265.1997.1650982.x · PubMed
  3. Hexarelin Modulation of MAPK and PI3K/Akt Pathways in Neuro-2A Cells Inhibits Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Apoptotic Toxicity
    Meanti R, Rizzi L, Bresciani E, Molteni L, Locatelli V, Coco S et al. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland). 2021. PMID: 34066741.
    Study type: In vitro (Neuro-2A).
    DOI: 10.3390/ph14050444 · PubMed

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How Hexarelin Compares

PeptideHalf-LifeRouteResearch Status
HexarelinNo published PK data foundSubcutaneous injectionPhase 1 / early human
CJC-1295 (no DAC)No published PK data foundSubcutaneous injectionPreclinical (animal)
CJC-1295 (with DAC)6-8 daysSubcutaneous injectionPhase 1 / early human
GHRP-2No published PK data foundSubcutaneous injectionPhase 1 / early human
GHRP-6No published PK data foundSubcutaneous injectionPhase 1 / early human

Values reflect figures reported in published research. Compare any peptides side-by-side →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hexarelin?
Potent GH secretagogue in human studies. The GH response fell by about 45% over 16 weeks and recovered after 4 weeks off (Rahim 1998).
How does Hexarelin work?
In plain terms: It acts like the hunger hormone ghrelin to trigger growth hormone release. Ghrelin-receptor agonist (growth hormone secretagogue). In healthy elderly people given hexarelin twice daily for 16 weeks, the GH response attenuated, but the attenuation was partial and reversible (Rahim 1998).
What is the research status of Hexarelin?
Hexarelin is at the following stage in the published literature: Phase 1 / early human. All information is for research and educational purposes only.
What is the half-life of Hexarelin?
Reported half-life: No published PK data found.
How is Hexarelin administered in research?
Reported administration route in the literature: Subcutaneous injection. This is not a recommendation for human use.

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Category

This peptide belongs to the Growth Hormone category. View All Growth Hormone Peptides

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Sources & Methodology

Dosing, half-life figures, and mechanism descriptions on this page are compiled from peer-reviewed published research, with the species and study type stated where reported. Figures labeled “Dosing used in published research” describe what was given in those studies and do not constitute dosing recommendations for any human use. Each cited paper is listed with DOI and PubMed links in the References section above. Found an error? Contact us.

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