Encyclopedia

Dihexa

Dihexa is a synthetic peptide derived from angiotensin IV, reported in preclinical work to promote synaptogenesis through HGF/c-Met signaling. Human data stay minimal, and it trades as a gray-market research chemical rather than an FDA-approved drug. Educational only, not medical advice.

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Category	Cognitive
Regulatory status	Not FDA-approved.

Mechanism

A synthetic angiotensin IV-derived peptide reported (mostly preclinically) to promote synaptogenesis, possibly via hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-Met signaling.

Half-life

Uncertain; limited reliable PK data. Treat as unknown.

Regulatory status

Not FDA-approved. Was on FDA Category 2; per April 2026 reporting slated for removal from Category 2, with PCAC review anticipated late 2026 to early 2027 (compounding reconsideration only). Research chemical / gray-market.

Safety

Very limited human safety data; side effects poorly characterized; theoretical concerns from potent growth-factor (HGF/c-Met) activity. Long-term safety unknown.

Evidence

Mostly animal/preclinical studies and anecdotal use; minimal human data.

Sources

McCoy AT, Benoist CC, Wright JW, Kawas LH, et al. Evaluation of Metabolically Stabilized Angiotensin IV Analogs as Procognitive/Antidementia Agents. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. 2013;344(1):141-154. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3533412/
Benoist CC, Kawas LH, Zhu M, et al. The Procognitive and Synaptogenic Effects of Angiotensin IV-Derived Peptides Are Dependent on Activation of the Hepatocyte Growth Factor/c-Met System. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. 2014;351(2):390-402. [RETRACTED April 2025] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4201273/
Sun M, Wang Q, Bhatt M. AngIV-Analog Dihexa Rescues Cognitive Impairment and Recovers Memory in the APP/PS1 Mouse via the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway. Brain Sciences. 2021;11(11):1487. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34827486/
Wright JW, Harding JW. The brain renin-angiotensin system: a diversity of functions and implications for CNS diseases. Pflugers Archiv: European Journal of Physiology. 2013;465(1):133-151. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22535332/
Organ SL, Tsao MS. An overview of the c-MET signaling pathway. Therapeutic Advances in Medical Oncology. 2011;3(1 Suppl):S7-S19. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22128289/

PepWise is an informational and educational tracking tool, not medical advice and not a medical device. Dihexa may be experimental, restricted, or prescription-only; many research peptides are not FDA-approved. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting, changing, or stopping any protocol. Operated by STC Consulting, Inc.