Dihexa
N-Hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6) Aminohexanoic Amide
Dihexa is a peptide people usually talk about for Cognitive enhancement and memory improvement and Treatment of Alzheimer's disease and various forms of dementia. It is still in the FDA review process, so people are watching both the research and the access question closely.
Why does this matter?
Dihexa matters because a lot of people hear about it online without a clear sense of what it may actually help with. This page gives you the plain-English version first, then shows where the research is strongest, what is still uncertain, and where the peptide stands in the FDA review process.
Molecular weight
506.6 g/mol
Molecular formula
C27H44N4O5
Amino acid count
6
Review date
Before February 2027
Sequence / structure
N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6) aminohexanoic amide
Other names
Dihexa, PNB-0408, c-Src kinase activator
Status
Under FDA review for cognitive enhancement
Dihexa is a powerful cognitive peptide that people study for memory, learning, and brain repair. What makes it so different from most nootropics is that it appears to promote new brain connections, not just temporary stimulation or alertness. That is why it keeps attracting attention in conversations about dementia, traumatic brain injury, and high-end cognitive enhancement.
The quick version before the deep dive
- •People usually talk about Dihexa for Cognitive enhancement and memory improvement and Treatment of Alzheimer's disease and various forms of dementia.
- •Treatment of Alzheimer's disease and various forms of dementia.
- •By binding to HGF and potentiating its activation of c-MET, Dihexa powerfully Helps trigger synaptogenesis (the formation of new synapses) and the formation of dendritic spines.
- •Landmark research indicates that Dihexa is functionally active at promoting synaptogenesis at a level approximately 10 million times more potent than Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) on a molar basis.
Deep Dive: Mechanism of Action +
Synaptogenesis & Dendritic Spine Formation: By binding to HGF and potentiating its activation of c-MET, Dihexa powerfully stimulates synaptogenesis (the formation of new synapses) and the formation of dendritic spines.
Extreme Potency: Landmark research indicates that Dihexa is functionally active at promoting synaptogenesis at a level approximately 10 million times more potent than Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) on a molar basis.
Where people usually see it discussed
Investigated Applications +
- Cognitive enhancement and memory improvement
- Treatment of Alzheimer's disease and various forms of dementia
- Recovery from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Potential therapies for other neurodegenerative diseases where synaptic loss is a core pathology.
Formal evidence and study snapshots
Deep Dive: Clinical Trials +
The vast majority of data regarding Dihexa comes from preclinical (animal) models. In these models, it has demonstrated a dramatic ability to reverse cognitive deficits and promote neural regeneration. Formal human clinical trials have been limited. The clinical development path is complex due to the extreme potency of the compound and its broad mechanisms of action.
Clinical researchCognitive enhancement
The vast majority of data regarding Dihexa comes from preclinical (animal) models. In these models, it has demonstrated a dramatic ability to reverse cognitive deficits and promote neural regeneration. Formal human clinical trials have been limited. The clinical development path is complex due to the extreme potency of the compound and its broad mechanisms of action.
What the current safety discussion looks like
- ✓Potency Concerns: The extreme potency of Dihexa raises theoretical concerns regarding the over-stimulation of cellular growth pathways.
- ✓Theoretical Oncogenic Risk: Because Dihexa robustly activates the HGF/c-MET pathway — a pathway that is also implicated in the growth and metastasis of certain cancers — there is a theoretical risk that it could accelerate existing tumor growth. While not definitively proven to cause cancer in vivo, it is generally considered contraindicated for individuals with active cancer or a history of cancer.
How the status timeline currently reads
Current status
Dihexa is currently classified as an investigational new drug. It falls under FDA Category 2 compounding restrictions. An FDA advisory committee review regarding its status and potential compounding eligibility was scheduled for February 2027. It is currently not approved as a prescription medication for human use.
How dosing is usually described
Research protocols
Disclaimer: Dihexa is not approved for human consumption. The following is based on anecdotal reports and theoretical research models. Due to its extreme potency, common experimental protocols utilize very low doses. In research and experimental "biohacking" circles, doses reported are typically in the low milligram range (e.g., 5mg to 20mg), often administered orally or transdermally.
Research protocols only. Not medical advice.
The citations behind the page
Deep Dive: Key Research Papers +
- 1
McCoy et al. "(2013): A novel, highly potent HGF/c-Met receptor agonist that promotes synaptogenesis and reverses scopolamine-induced memory deficits" (The landmark paper establishing its mechanism and immense potency compared to BDNF). 2013.
- 2
Wright et al. "(2015): Dihexa: A Novel Cognitive Enhancer." 2015.
- 3
Various publications by Harding et al. "detailing the pharmacological transition from angiotensin IV analogs to the development of Dihexa." .
Common questions about Dihexa
What is Dihexa? +
Dihexa is N-Hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6) Aminohexanoic Amide, one of the peptides currently under review in connection with cognitive enhancement.
What is Dihexa being reviewed for? +
The current advisory review focuses on cognitive enhancement, with a listed review date of Before February 2027.
Which category does Dihexa belong to? +
Dihexa is grouped in this library under Cognitive.
How many amino acids are in Dihexa? +
Dihexa is presented here as a 6-amino-acid peptide or peptide analog based on the source research and naming conventions.
What is the sequence or structure note for Dihexa? +
N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6) aminohexanoic amide.
What research applications are most associated with Dihexa? +
Cognitive enhancement and memory improvement, Treatment of Alzheimer's disease and various forms of dementia, Recovery from Traumatic Brain Injury, and Potential therapies for other neurodegenerative diseases where synaptic loss is a core pathology.
How is Dihexa described as working in the current research? +
By binding to HGF and potentiating its activation of c-MET, Dihexa powerfully Helps trigger synaptogenesis (the formation of new synapses) and the formation of dendritic spines. Landmark research indicates that Dihexa is functionally active at promoting synaptogenesis at a level approximately 10 million times more potent than Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) on a molar basis.
How is Dihexa usually discussed in protocols or treatment plans? +
Dihexa is most often described with research protocols protocols in the source material.
What does the safety discussion say about Dihexa? +
Potency Concerns: The extreme potency of Dihexa raises theoretical concerns regarding the over-stimulation of cellular growth pathways. Theoretical Oncogenic Risk: Because Dihexa robustly activates the HGF/c-MET pathway — a pathway that is also implicated in the growth and metastasis of certain cancers — there is a theoretical risk that it could accelerate existing tumor growth. While not definitively proven to cause cancer in vivo, it is generally considered contraindicated for individuals with active cancer or a history of cancer.
Continue the comparison
Semax
Semax is a peptide people usually talk about for Cerebral ischemia / stroke recovery and Trigeminal neuralgia. It is still in the FDA review process, so people are watching both the research and the access question closely.
Epitalon
Epitalon is a peptide people usually talk about for Aging & Longevity: Used to delay the onset of age-related physical and cognitive decline by preserving cellular lifespan via telomere maintenance. and Sleep Disorders: Applied to correct disrupted circadian rhythms and treat insomnia, leveraging its direct action on the melatonin pathway.. It is still in the FDA review process, so people are watching both the research and the access question closely.
MOTS-c
MOTS-c is a peptide people usually talk about for Obesity and Type 2 diabetes / insulin resistance. It is still in the FDA review process, so people are watching both the research and the access question closely.
Get notified when Dihexa becomes available
Join the waitlist for peptide-specific updates, regulatory milestones, and access news connected to the GobyMeds care pathway.