Hexarelin Acetate

Hexarelin is His-D-2-methyl-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2 — a synthetic hexapeptide GHS-R1a agonist developed as an analog of GHRP-6, with two structural changes that increase receptor binding affinity and metabolic stability. The result is one of the most potent synthetic GHS peptides in terms of GH release per unit dose. Arvat's 1997 comparison study ran hexarelin, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, and GHRH side by side in healthy human subjects. Hexarelin produced the highest GH peak of the group. CAS: 140703-51-1. MW 887.0 Da.

The trade-off for that potency is selectivity. Ipamorelin's value in research is a clean GHS-R1a signal without off-target effects. Hexarelin doesn't offer that — it stimulates modest but measurable increases in prolactin, ACTH, and cortisol alongside GH, a consequence of receptor affinity extending to non-somatotroph populations. For experiments where clean GH-axis isolation matters, that's a limitation. For experiments characterizing the full downstream consequences of potent GHS-R1a activation, it's the relevant profile.

The Cardiac Signal

Beyond the pituitary, hexarelin has a documented GH-independent cardiac activity. It binds CD36 — a scavenger receptor expressed on cardiomyocytes — through a mechanism distinct from GHS-R1a. This cardiac signaling pathway has been studied in ischemia-reperfusion models, where hexarelin shows cardioprotective effects that persist in GH-deficient animals, confirming the effect is independent of GH axis activation. Two independent receptor systems in one compound: the pituitary GHS-R1a signal and the cardiac CD36 signal. Researchers working in GH pharmacology and those studying cardiac peptide biology can both find use here, though the experimental designs needed to isolate each pathway differ substantially.

Specifications

Storage: −20°C, protected from light. Reconstitute in sterile water or 0.1% acetic acid; use within 4 weeks at 4°C.

Quality: HPLC purity analysis, mass spec identity confirmation, endotoxin testing on every batch. COA ships with every order. EU-based QC under CERTALAB S.R.L.

For research purposes only. Not for human consumption.