Hexarelin
Hexarelin is a synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP), structurally related to GHRP-6 but with significantly greater potency. It was developed in the 1990s by Europeptides and has been studied in both human and animal trials for GH deficiency, cardiac dysfunction, and muscle wasting. Unlike some GHRPs, hexarelin has demonstrated direct cardioprotective effects through CD36 receptor binding, independent of its GH-releasing action.
- class
- GHRP (hexapeptide)
- half-life
- ~70 minutes
- route
- subcutaneous or IV (research)
- cadence
- 1–3x daily (fasted preferred)
- typical dose
- 100–200 mcg per injection
- cycle
- 8–12 weeks, then 4-week break
- storage
- refrigerated · 28-day max (reconstituted)
Hexarelin Reconstitution & Dosage Protocol
weekly dose · reduces side effects| Phase | Window | Weekly dose | Draw (U-100, 2mL BAC) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low dose | Weeks 1–2 | 0.10 mg | 10 units· 0.10 mL | Assess tolerance; inject fasted, 30 min before food |
| Standard | Weeks 3–8 | 0.20 mg | 20 units· 0.20 mL | 200 mcg 1–2x daily; pair with GHRH analog for synergy |
| Maintenance | Weeks 9–12 | 0.10 mg | 10 units· 0.10 mL | Drop to 100 mcg once daily to limit desensitization |
What is Hexarelin?
Hexarelin is a synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP), structurally related to GHRP-6 but with significantly greater potency. It was developed in the 1990s by Europeptides and has been studied in both human and animal trials for GH deficiency, cardiac dysfunction, and muscle wasting. Unlike some GHRPs, hexarelin has demonstrated direct cardioprotective effects through CD36 receptor binding, independent of its GH-releasing action.
Hexarelin binds to two receptor systems simultaneously: the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) in the pituitary and hypothalamus, triggering GH release, and the CD36 scavenger receptor in cardiac and other tissues. The CD36 pathway mediates hexarelin's direct cardioprotective effects including reduced ischemia-reperfusion injury, improved cardiac output, and prevention of cardiac fibrosis in animal models. This dual-receptor pharmacology makes hexarelin unique among GHRPs.
In human clinical trials, hexarelin produced robust GH pulses at doses of 1–2 mcg/kg (roughly 80–160 mcg for a 80 kg individual). However, hexarelin desensitizes the pituitary more rapidly than ipamorelin or GHRP-2. Continuous daily dosing for 4 weeks reduces GH response by approximately 50%. Cycling (8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off) and limiting to 1–2 injections per day helps preserve receptor sensitivity.
Hexarelin elevates cortisol and prolactin more than ipamorelin but somewhat less than GHRP-6. This hormonal spillover is dose-dependent: at 100 mcg per injection, cortisol and prolactin elevations are modest; at 200 mcg, they become more clinically significant. Users sensitive to cortisol side effects (increased appetite, water retention, mood changes) may prefer ipamorelin as a cleaner alternative.
Stacking hexarelin with a GHRH analog (CJC-1295 without DAC or sermorelin) follows the same synergy principle as other GHRPs: the GHRH loads the somatotrophs while hexarelin triggers release, producing a GH pulse several times larger than either peptide alone. This combination at lower individual doses (100 mcg hexarelin plus 100 mcg CJC-1295) can achieve similar GH output to 200 mcg hexarelin alone with fewer cortisol and prolactin side effects.