Dihexa
Dihexa (N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6) aminohexanoic amide)
The synaptogenic peptide
An angiotensin-IV-derived peptide built to powerfully promote synapse formation by activating the HGF/c-Met system. The marketing claims are dramatic — orders of magnitude more potent than BDNF at building synapses — but the honest position is that those numbers are from lab models, not humans: dihexa has essentially no human clinical data. Experimental, not approved.
Early research, mostly in the lab so far
What people use Dihexa for
Potent synapse-formation in preclinical models
Acts via the HGF/c-Met pathway, distinct from BDNF nootropics
Investigated for cognition and neural repair
Oral/transdermal stability in research settings
A genuinely novel synaptogenic mechanism
Mechanism of Action
How Dihexa works
Dihexa works through a growth-factor pathway distinct from the usual nootropics:
- HGF / c-Met activation — augments hepatocyte growth factor signaling at its c-Met receptor, the pathway it uses to drive synaptogenesis
- Synapse formation — in preclinical models it promotes new dendritic spines and synaptic connections, the basis of its potency claims
- BDNF-independent — unlike most cognitive peptides it does not act through BDNF, so BDNF or catecholamine (COMT) genetics don't bear on its mechanism
- Unvalidated in humans — the striking potency figures come from cell and rodent work; there is no meaningful human trial evidence, so claims should be read with heavy caution
Your Genetics & Dihexa
The genes involved in how Dihexa works
Dihexa works through the receptors these genes build, and the genes vary from person to person. Researchers have linked some of that variation to differences in how people respond. A DNA report tells you which versions you carry.
c-Met is the receptor dihexa's HGF-augmenting action runs through. Variation in MET receptor expression is the most mechanism-relevant genetic factor for this peptide — though no human data yet link genotype to response.
HGF is the growth factor dihexa potentiates. Baseline HGF tone set by this gene could influence how much additional synaptogenic signal the peptide can generate.
BDNF · ••
Included to make a point: dihexa is BDNF-independent, so your BDNF (Val66Met) status — which matters for most cognitive peptides — does not predict dihexa response. Its biology runs through HGF/c-Met instead.
The dots after each gene are where your own result goes. Your report fills them in with the two letters you carry at that position.
Which variants do you carry?
Upload your DNA data, or get tested through our partner, to find out.
Commonly combined with
What Dihexa is most often paired with, and why:
Cerebrolysin
Synaptic StackModerate EvidenceCerebrolysin (Neuropeptide Preparation)
A mixture of low-molecular-weight neuropeptides and amino acids derived from pig brain, designed to mimic the action of the body's own neurotrophic factors. It has the strongest human clinical evidence of any compound in the cognitive cluster — but for a specific use: acute neuro-injury and dementia, not general cognitive enhancement. Approved across Russia, Europe and Asia for stroke and dementia; not FDA-approved.
3
Gene variants
60+
Studies
Semax
Neuroprotection StackEmerging EvidenceSemax (ACTH 4-10 Analog with Pro-Gly-Pro)
A synthetic heptapeptide derived from ACTH (4-10) with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide extension for stability. Developed in Russia and approved there for stroke recovery and cognitive enhancement. Semax upregulates BDNF, modulates the melanocortin system, and supports neuroplasticity without stimulant-like side effects.
4
Gene variants
40+
Studies
BPC-157
Neuro Recovery StackModerate EvidenceBody Protection Compound 157
BPC-157 is the peptide people reach for when something will not heal. Tendons, ligaments, a gut that has been irritated by painkillers, an injury that has stalled. It is a short chain of amino acids copied from part of a protein your stomach already makes, and the animal research on it is unusually consistent for this category: across a lot of separate rat studies, injured tissue healed faster than it did without it. The gap is that this has largely not been repeated in people, and it is not an approved medicine, so nobody is checking what is in the vial you buy.
3
Gene variants
19+
Studies
Sourcing & access
Where to buy Dihexa
Dihexa is sold as a research compound, not a licensed medicine, so quality and legal status vary widely by country and vendor. If you're sourcing it, treat independent purity testing as non-negotiable.
- Insist on a recent third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA) for the exact batch — labs like Janoshik verify purity and identity.
- Check the legal status where you live before ordering — it differs from country to country.
- Reconstitute correctly with bacteriostatic water and start at a conservative dose.
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Swiss Chems is a US research-chemical supplier that publishes third-party Certificates of Analysis. Sold for research use only — check your local laws.
Before you buy: see whether your DNA actually responds to Dihexa, and at what dose. Analyze my DNA — $99 →
Educational information only, not medical advice. Some outbound links are affiliate links (disclosed, at no extra cost to you). Most peptides are not FDA-approved — consult a qualified professional and check your local laws before purchasing.
Last updated
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dihexa used for?
Dihexa is an experimental synaptogenic peptide investigated for cognition and neural repair. It promotes synapse formation via the HGF/c-Met pathway and is best known for dramatic preclinical potency claims — which have not been validated in humans.
Is dihexa really stronger than BDNF?
Those comparisons come from laboratory and animal models, not human trials. Dihexa works through HGF/c-Met rather than BDNF, and its real-world potency in people is essentially unknown. Treat the headline numbers as preclinical, not proven.
Is dihexa legal?
Dihexa is not approved and human clinical data are essentially absent. It exists as a research compound only; access and regulatory status vary by country.
Learn more about Dihexa
11 guides mention Dihexa→peptide guides
In depthDihexa Dosage and Effects: What the Research Actually Shows
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In depthBest Peptides for Brain Fog and Focus: Semax, BPC-157, and Why Dihexa Doesn't Work
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Your next move
Two ways forward with Dihexa.
Not sure it's for you?
How does Dihexa relate to your genes?
Your report scores Dihexa against your receptor, pharmacogene and pathway variants and shows the genetic markers relevant to it, with commonly cited dosing information to review with a clinician.
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Get Dihexa from Swiss Chems.
A US research-chemical supplier with third-party Certificates of Analysis. Sold for research use only — check your local laws before ordering.
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