Hexarelin

Hexarelin (Examorelin)

Evidence & Status

  • Preliminary / Experimental
  • Preliminary

At a Glance

A synthetic growth hormone secretagogue studied for its ability to stimulate growth hormone release, with additional research interest in potential cardioprotective and neuroprotective effects that appear to be independent of its hormonal activity.

Plain English

Researchers study Hexarelin because it stimulates growth hormone release through ghrelin receptors, but has also attracted scientific interest for effects that appear to operate independently of growth hormone — particularly in the heart and nervous system. Scientists have observed potential cardioprotective properties in animal models, which has made Hexarelin of interest in cardiovascular research alongside its growth hormone applications. Most available evidence is preclinical, with limited human trial data.

Overview

A synthetic hexapeptide growth-hormone secretagogue studied in short experimental human studies. It is not FDA-approved, and experimental hormone-release findings do not establish clinical benefit, cardioprotection, or a treatment regimen.

Research Summary

Short studies in healthy volunteers found that intravenous, subcutaneous, intranasal, and oral experimental administration can stimulate growth-hormone release. A 16-week repeated-exposure study in 12 healthy elderly subjects found that the GH response to twice-daily subcutaneous hexarelin was partially attenuated over the study period; GH responsiveness recovered to near-baseline levels four weeks after treatment stopped, indicating that attenuation is reversible rather than permanent (Rahim and Shalet 1998). These pharmacodynamic data do not establish clinical efficacy or long-term safety, and claims of cardioprotection remain outside the human evidence summarized here.

Research Areas

  • GH secretion
  • Cardiac protection
  • Neuroprotection
  • Cachexia & muscle wasting

Safety & Risks

Serious Risks

  • Experimental studies report endocrine effects; long-term safety and clinically meaningful outcomes have not been established

Reported Side Effects

  • Cortisol & prolactin elevation
  • Increased appetite
  • Water retention
  • Tingling/numbness
  • Fatigue
United States
Research only
United Kingdom
Research only
Australia
Research only
Canada
Research only

Citations & Sources