Hexarelin (Examorelin)
Hexapeptide GHRP | Growth Hormone Release & Cardioprotection
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What is Hexarelin (Examorelin)?
Hexarelin is a lab-made six-amino-acid peptide belonging to the growth-hormone-secretagogue (GHS) family — researchers study how strongly it stimulates growth-hormone release compared to related peptides, and separately study its cardiac and neurological effects in animal models. It's sold here strictly for laboratory research use, not for use in people or animals.
Key terms:
Hexarelin (Examorelin) is a synthetic hexapeptide (ghrp).
Hexarelin (also known as Examorelin) is a lab-made peptide of six amino acids. It is a growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP), and one of the most potent GH secretagogues — compounds that make the body release its own growth hormone — yet studied. Mediolanum Farmaceutici derived it from GHRP-6. It prompts growth hormone release through the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a). It also binds uniquely to cardiac CD36 receptors, giving cardioprotective (heart-protecting) effects independent of GH release. Hexarelin reached Phase II clinical trials for growth hormone deficiency and congestive heart failure. It was discontinued in 2005 for strategic reasons. Research points to potential in cardioprotection, neuroprotection, and metabolic regulation.
Key research areas
- Most potent GHRP for GH release
- Unique cardioprotective effects via CD36 receptor
- Supports tissue repair and recovery
- Neuroprotective properties
Researched dosing
This table reflects how researchers have structured hexarelin study designs — the dose ranges and schedules used in published research, presented as methodology reference, not usage instructions.
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| GH-release studies | 100 mcg | 3x daily (morning, midday, evening) | SubQ |
| Cardioprotection models | 100-200 mcg | 2x daily | SubQ |
| Recovery and longevity studies | 100 mcg | 2x daily (morning and bedtime) | SubQ |
| Combined with a GHRH peptide | 100 mcg hexarelin + 100 mcg CJC-1295 | 2-3x daily | SubQ |
Commonly cycled 16 weeks on, 4+ weeks off.
How it works
At the cell level, hexarelin research looks at how the peptide activates the ghrelin receptor on pituitary cells to trigger growth-hormone release, and separately how it binds a different receptor (CD36) on heart-muscle cells — the terms below just name those two signaling pathways.
Binds to ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) on pituitary somatotrophs to stimulate pulsatile GH release. Also activates cardiac CD36 receptors providing GH-independent cardioprotection through anti-apoptotic and anti-fibrotic mechanisms.
Molecular data
These figures — molecular weight, sequence, chain length — are the chemistry ID researchers use to confirm a hexarelin sample's identity; at six amino acids, it's one of the shorter GHS-family peptides studied.
- Weight
- 887.04 Da
- Length
- 6 amino acids
- Type
- Synthetic hexapeptide (GHRP)
His-D-2-methyl-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2
Pharmacokinetics
This chart shows how quickly a research dose of hexarelin is absorbed and cleared in human studies — read it like a timer: the peak is when levels are highest, then the curve trails off as the compound clears.
- Peak
- 0.5 hr
- Half-life
- 1 hrs
- Cleared
- ~5 hrs
Imbimbo et al. 1994
Research applications
This section lists the body systems and research areas — hormonal, cardiovascular, and neurological among them — that scientists have studied for hexarelin, a summary of what's been investigated in the literature, not medical claims about people.
Hormonal
Most potent GHRP studied, stimulating dose-dependent GH release with peak levels at 30 minutes post-injection. Increases insulin-like growth factor 1 through enhanced pituitary GH secretion. Preserves natural GH secretion rhythm when dosed appropriately throughout the day.
Cardiovascular
Unique cardioprotective effects via CD36 receptor activation, providing GH-independent cardioprotection through anti-apoptotic and anti-fibrotic mechanisms. Demonstrated significant improvement in LV function after 14 days in mouse MI model, reducing LV collagen concentration by ~53% and decreasing inflammatory cytokines.
Neuroprotection
Protected neuroblastoma cells from H2O2-induced cytotoxicity by increasing Bcl-2 expression, reducing caspase-3 activation, and modulating MAPK/Akt pathways. Significant decrease in DNA damage markers in ALS model.
Recovery
Supports tissue repair and recovery through GH-mediated anabolic processes and direct tissue protective mechanisms.
Metabolic
Metabolic regulation through GH and IGF-1 elevation supporting body composition changes and metabolic function.
Dosage reference
- Doses used in research
- 100 mcg per research dose (10 units at the common 100 mcg / 10 unit mixing ratio)
- Frequency in studies
- 2-3 times daily for pulsatile GH release
- Handling
- Reconstituted solution — research use only; not for administration
- Timeline reported in studies
- GH peak at 30 minutes, IGF-1 elevation in 1-2 weeks, body composition changes in 4-8 weeks. Desensitization begins week 4.
- Storage
- Refrigerate at 2-8°C immediately after reconstitution. Use within 4 weeks.
- Cycle length
- 8-16 weeks maximum
- Break between cycles
- 4-6 weeks mandatory to restore GH response and prevent tolerance
Interactions
This list shows which other growth-hormone-research peptides scientists study alongside hexarelin, and flags combinations that call for extra caution.
Reconstitution & storage
This is the standard laboratory method for turning freeze-dried hexarelin powder into a liquid research solution.
- Clean both vial tops with alcohol and let dry completely
- For 2mg vial: Add 2mL bacteriostatic water (creates 100mcg per 10 units)
- For 5mg vial: Add 2.5mL bacteriostatic water (creates 200mcg per 10 units)
- Inject water slowly down the side of the vial to prevent foaming
- Gently swirl or roll vial - do not shake vigorously
- Solution should be clear and colorless
- Label with reconstitution date and concentration
Lyophilized: Room temperature or refrigerated, use within Per manufacturer expiration date
Reconstituted: 2-8°C, use within 4 weeks
Open the Hexarelin reconstitution calculatorQuality indicators
These are the lab-report and handling checks researchers use to confirm a hexarelin sample is pure and correctly identified before a study — a quick sanity check against the Certificate of Analysis (COA), not a guarantee.
Third-party COA verification - Purchase from vendors providing certificates of analysis showing >98% purity and correct molecular weight (887 Da)
Proper cold chain shipping - Peptide should arrive with ice packs in insulated packaging, especially in warm weather
Vacuum-sealed vials - Legitimate products create vacuum when reconstituted - water should be drawn into vial
Monitor for desensitization - GH response decreases over time - follow cycling protocols strictly
Cortisol and prolactin effects - Unlike Ipamorelin, hexarelin can elevate cortisol and prolactin - monitor if using long-term
Pre-mixed solutions - Avoid pre-reconstituted products - hexarelin degrades rapidly in solution
Discolored or cloudy solution - Solution must be clear - any discoloration indicates degradation
What to expect
This timeline summarizes what the research literature reports at each stage of a study, including how the growth-hormone response has been observed to change with repeated dosing in animal and human research — research context for comparing studies, not a personal-results promise.
Improved sleep quality, potential facial flushing post-injection, increased appetite possible
Enhanced recovery from exercise, improved skin quality, beginning of body composition changes
Noticeable improvements in lean mass and fat reduction, some desensitization may begin
Continued benefits but GH response reduced 40-50% from baseline
Maximum study window in the literature — a 4-6 week interval is noted to restore receptor sensitivity
Safety notes
This section covers how hexarelin is regulated and handled in a laboratory setting — research-use-only scope, storage cautions, and its WADA-prohibited status, not medical safety advice for people.
- Not recommended for those with active cancer due to growth-promoting effects
- Secondary hypogonadism possible with prolonged use due to prolactin elevation
- Can affect glucose metabolism - monitor if diabetic or pre-diabetic
- WADA prohibited substance - banned in competitive sports
Regulatory status
- Not approved by the FDA for any indication.
- Prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
- Supplied and described for laboratory research use only — not for human or veterinary use.
Community data
Community Insights
Based on data the community reported. Not clinical proof.
References
Double-blind, placebo-controlled dose-response study demonstrating dose-dependent GH release. Peak plasma GH at 30 minutes, returning to baseline within 240 minutes. Cmax values: 26.9 ng/ml (0.5 μg/kg), 52.3 ng/ml (1 μg/kg), 55.0 ng/ml (2 μg/kg) vs 3.9 ng/ml placebo.
Demonstrated significant improvement in LV function after 14 days. Hexarelin treatment reduced LV collagen concentration by ~53%, decreased inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β), and shifted autonomic balance toward parasympathetic predominance.
Hexarelin protected cells from H2O2-induced cytotoxicity by increasing Bcl-2 expression, reducing caspase-3 activation, and modulating MAPK/Akt pathways. Significantly decreased γH2AX positive cells indicating DNA damage protection.