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Hexarelin (Examorelin)

Hexarelin (also known as Examorelin) is a synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP) and one of the most potent GH secretagogues studied.

Also known as: Hexapeptide GHRP, Growth Hormone Release & Cardioprotection, Examorelin

Typical Dose 100 mcg
Storage Refrigerate reconstituted; store lyophilized powder away from light
How Often 3x daily (morning, midday, evening)

Overview

Hexarelin (also known as Examorelin) is a synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP) and one of the most potent GH secretagogues studied. Derived from GHRP-6 by Mediolanum Farmaceutici, it stimulates growth hormone release through the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) and uniquely binds to cardiac CD36 receptors, providing cardioprotective effects independent of GH release. Hexarelin reached Phase II clinical trials for growth hormone deficiency and congestive heart failure but was discontinued in 2005 for strategic reasons. Research demonstrates its potential in cardioprotection, neuroprotection, and metabolic regulation.

Key Benefits

  • Growth Hormone Release
  • IGF-1 Elevation
  • Pulsatile GH Pattern

Most potent GHRP for GH release, unique cardioprotective effects via CD36 receptor, supports tissue repair and recovery, neuroprotective properties

Mechanism of Action

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.

Pharmacokinetics

Peak plasma concentration: 30 min. Elimination half-life: 1 hr. Largely cleared by: ~5 hrs.

Research Protocols Injectable

GoalDoseFrequencyRoute
GH Optimization100 mcg3x daily (morning, midday, evening)Subcutaneous
Cardioprotection Research100-200 mcg2x dailySubcutaneous
Recovery/Anti-Aging100 mcg2x daily (morning and bedtime)Subcutaneous
With GHRH (Synergistic)100 mcg hexarelin + 100 mcg CJC-12952-3x dailySubcutaneous

Research protocols from published literature — not dosing recommendations.

Peptide Interactions

  • CJC-1295 (without DAC) — Synergistic: GHRP + GHRH combination provides complementary GH release through different receptor pathways. Studies show synergistic peak GH secretion rates greater than the arithmetic sum of isolated administration.
  • Sermorelin — Synergistic: GHRH analog enhances hexarelin's pulsatile GH release. Research demonstrates synergistic effects when co-administered, though synergy diminishes with repeated dosing.
  • Ipamorelin — Compatible: Both are GHRPs with different selectivity profiles. Combining may soften hexarelin's cortisol/prolactin elevation while maintaining GH output through complementary receptor activity.
  • GHRP-6 — Use Caution: Both GHRPs stimulate GH through similar pathways. Combination may cause excessive GH spikes and additive side effects including cortisol and prolactin elevation.
  • GHRP-2 — Use Caution: Structurally similar GHRPs with overlapping mechanisms. Combining provides diminishing returns with increased risk of hormonal side effects.
  • CJC-1295 with DAC — Use Caution: DAC version provides continuous GH elevation which may conflict with hexarelin's pulsatile release pattern, potentially reducing synergistic benefits and accelerating desensitization.
  • MK-677 — Monitor Combination: Both stimulate GH through ghrelin receptor. MK-677's continuous oral action combined with hexarelin may lead to excessive and prolonged GH elevation requiring monitoring.
  • Tesamorelin — Synergistic: FDA-approved GHRH analog works through complementary pathway. Studies on GHRH + hexarelin combinations show synergistic GH release significantly greater than either alone.
  • HGH — Avoid Combination: Exogenous HGH suppresses natural GH release pathways. Combining defeats hexarelin's purpose and may cause excessive GH levels with increased side effects.
  • BPC-157 — Compatible: Different mechanisms with no known interactions. BPC-157's tissue repair properties may complement hexarelin's recovery and cardioprotective effects.

Peptide Instructions Injectable

Supplies:

  • Hexarelin lyophilized powder vial (typically 2mg or 5mg)
  • Bacteriostatic water (2mL per 2mg vial)
  • Insulin syringes (29-31 gauge)
  • Alcohol prep pads
  • Sterile mixing needle (optional)

How to Reconstitute Injectable

  1. 1Clean both vial tops with alcohol and let dry completely
  2. 2For 2mg vial: Add 2mL bacteriostatic water (creates 100mcg per 10 units)
  3. 3For 5mg vial: Add 2.5mL bacteriostatic water (creates 200mcg per 10 units)
  4. 4Inject water slowly down the side of the vial to prevent foaming
  5. 5Gently swirl or roll vial - do not shake vigorously
  6. 6Solution should be clear and colorless
  7. 7Label with reconstitution date and concentration
  8. 8Store immediately in refrigerator at 2-8°C

What to Expect Injectable

Day 1-7: Improved sleep quality, potential facial flushing post-injection, increased appetite possible. Week 2-4: Enhanced recovery from exercise, improved skin quality, beginning of body composition changes. Week 4-8: Noticeable improvements in lean mass and fat loss, some desensitization may begin. Week 8-12: Continued benefits but GH response reduced 40-50% from baseline. Week 12-16: Maximum cycle length - take mandatory 4-6 week break to restore sensitivity. Post-cycle: GH response recovers to near-baseline within 4 weeks off.

Side Effects & Safety

Most potent GHRP but also highest side effect profile among GHRPs. Elevates cortisol and prolactin at standard doses - unlike Ipamorelin. May cause water retention, particularly in first 1-2 weeks. Can affect glucose metabolism - monitor if diabetic or pre-diabetic. Not recommended for those with active cancer due to growth-promoting effects. WADA prohibited substance - banned in competitive sports. Secondary hypogonadism possible with prolonged use due to prolactin elevation. Partial desensitization is normal and reversible with cycling.

Most potent GHRP but also highest side effect profile among GHRPs. Elevates cortisol and prolactin at standard doses - unlike Ipamorelin. May cause water retention, particularly in first 1-2 weeks. Can affect glucose metabolism - monitor if diabetic or pre-diabetic. Not recommended for those with active cancer due to growth-promoting effects. WADA prohibited substance - banned in competitive sports. Secondary hypogonadism possible with prolonged use due to prolactin elevation. Partial desensitization is normal and reversible with cycling.

Community Insights

Hexarelin (Examorelin) should be stored at Refrigerate at 2-8°C immediately after reconstitution. Use within 4 weeks..

Molecular Information

Molecular Weight 887.04 Da
Length 6
Type Synthetic hexapeptide (GHRP)
Sequence His-D-2-methyl-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2

References

  1. Protective Effects of Hexarelin and JMV2894 in a Human Neuroblastoma Cell Line Expressing the SOD1-G93A Mutated Protein Meanti, R., Licata, M., Rizzi, L., Bresciani, E., Molteni, L., Coco, S., et al. · International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2023
  2. Protective Effects of Hexarelin in ALS Neuroblastoma Model · 2023
  3. Growth hormone secretagogues: history, mechanism of action, and clinical development Ishida, J., Saitoh, M., Ebner, N., Springer, J., Anker, S.D., von Haehling, S. · JCSM Rapid Communications 2020
  4. Growth hormone secretagogues and the regulation of calcium signaling in muscle Bresciani, E., Rizzi, L., Coco, S., Molteni, L., Meanti, R., Locatelli, V., Torsello, A. · International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2019
  5. Hexarelin treatment preserves myocardial function and reduces cardiac fibrosis in a mouse model of acute myocardial infarction McDonald, H., Peart, J., Kurniawan, N., Galloway, G., Royce, S., Samuel, C.S., Chen, C. · Physiological Reports 2018
  6. Cardiovascular Action of Hexarelin Review · 2014
  7. Chronic administration of hexarelin attenuates cardiac fibrosis in the spontaneously hypertensive rat Xu, X., Ding, F., Pang, J., Gao, X., Xu, R.K., Hao, W., et al. · American Journal of Physiology - Heart and Circulatory Physiology 2012
  8. The cardiovascular action of hexarelin Marleau, S., Bherer, P., Bherer, L., Bherer, J. · Journal of Endocrinological Investigation 2006
  9. Hexarelin Desensitization Study · 2000
  10. Growth hormone-independent cardioprotective effects of hexarelin in the rat Locatelli, V., Rossoni, G., Schweiger, F., Torsello, A., De Gennaro Colonna, V., Bernareggi, M., et al. · Endocrinology 1999
  11. Hexarelin Pharmacokinetics in Rats · 1999
  12. Growth hormone-releasing activity of hexarelin in humans. A dose-response study Imbimbo, B.P., Mant, T., Edwards, M., Heber, D., Enghild, J., Melman, N., et al. · European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 1994

Research reference only. Not medical advice.