Description
Dihexa (PNB-0408, N-Hexanoyl-Tyr-Ile-(6) AminoHexanoicAmide) is a synthetic hexapeptide derived from the Angiotensin IV pathway. The substance was developed at Washington State University as Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) mimetic peptide with primary research focus on neuroplastic and cognitive effects.
Per study reports Dihexa binds to the HGF receptor c-Met in the CNS and stimulates synaptogenesis and neuronal growth there. Preclinical studies describe Dihexa as over 7x more potent than BDNF in stimulating new synapses - a remarkable property making the compound one of the most exciting nootropic compounds.
In Alzheimer animal models documented reversion of cognitive deficits under Dihexa application was observed, even in advanced disease stages where other compounds no longer work. Studies stem primarily from the research teams of Joseph Harding at Washington State University.
Pharmacokinetically orally bioavailable with blood-brain barrier penetration - a rare property for peptides. Half-life moderate, daily dosing typical.
Known effects in available studies are limited - human studies are absent, all data from preclinical models.
You can order Dihexa Oral as oral tablets in one bottle with 20mg per tablet.
This information is for research and educational purposes only. No medical recommendations.
Risks & Safety
Dihexa Oral is described as well tolerated per study reports across the available preclinical data, but it is an extremely potent compound with a very thin data base, which shapes the classification with caution.
Documented in research and the literature:
- High potency: Dihexa is described in preclinical studies as over seven times more potent than BDNF in stimulating new synapses. This pronounced effect on synaptogenesis and neuronal growth is the central point that sets the compound apart from milder nootropics.
- Human data entirely absent: no human studies exist. All data come from preclinical animal models, primarily from the research teams at Washington State University. This is the most important limitation.
- Blood-brain barrier penetration: the compound is orally bioavailable and CNS-penetrant, a systemic and central intervention rather than a local effect.
- Theoretical concerns with strong growth stimulation: for a compound that stimulates cell and tissue growth this strongly, long-term data that could rule out possible unwanted proliferative effects are lacking.
This classification does not replace medical advice. Risk and responsibility for any actual use lie entirely with the buyer.
Studies
- Evaluation of Metabolically Stabilized Angiotensin IV Analogs as Procognitive/Antidementia Agents - Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics 2013, McCoy et al: first characterization of Dihexa as an orally bioavailable, BBB-permeable AngIV analog with procognitive effects in the Morris water maze.
- Facilitation of Hippocampal Synaptogenesis and Spatial Memory by C-Terminal Truncated Nle1-Angiotensin IV Analogs - Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics 2011, Benoist et al: evidence for hippocampal synaptogenesis and spatial memory effects of AngIV analogs from the Harding lab.
- The development of small molecule angiotensin IV analogs to treat Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases - Progress in Neurobiology 2015, Wright/Harding et al: review of the angiotensin IV pathway and the development of Dihexa as an antidementia compound.
- AngIV-Analog Dihexa Rescues Cognitive Impairment and Recovers Memory in the APP/PS1 Mouse via the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway - Brain Sciences 2021, Sun et al: Dihexa effect in the APP/PS1 Alzheimer mouse model, mechanistic link to PI3K/AKT signaling.
