What it is
Dihexa is a small, modified fragment of the peptide angiotensin IV, developed by researchers at Washington State University. It was designed to resist breakdown, cross into the brain and be active when taken by mouth.
How it works
In laboratory studies, Dihexa binds hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and boosts signaling through its receptor, c-Met. That pathway helps nerve cells grow new dendritic spines and synapses. Blocking HGF or c-Met cancelled Dihexa's effects in these experiments.
What the research shows
- In rats, oral Dihexa improved performance in a water maze memory test and increased new synapses in hippocampal neurons. These effects depended on HGF and c-Met (Benoist et al., Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 2014).
- There are no published controlled human trials of Dihexa.
- A different compound aimed at the same HGF pathway, fosgonimeton, did not beat placebo in a phase 2/3 Alzheimer's trial in 2024.
- Because c-Met signaling can drive tumor growth, researchers have raised long-term safety as an open question.
Regulatory status
Not approved for any use. Preclinical research compound.
Storage and handling
Keep capsules or powder sealed, dry and away from heat and light.
Key references
- Benoist CC et al. The procognitive and synaptogenic effects of angiotensin IV-derived peptides are dependent on activation of the hepatocyte growth factor/c-met system. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2014.
- Search PubMed for Dihexa studies
Peptide Knowledge is an educational reference. Nothing on this site is medical advice, a treatment recommendation or dosing guidance. Many compounds described here are not approved for human use and are sold for laboratory research only. Talk to a licensed clinician before starting, stopping or changing any medication or supplement.
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