What Is Hexarelin?
Hexarelin (CAS 140703-51-1; also known as Examorelin) is a synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) with the amino acid sequence His-D-2-methyl-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2. It has a molecular weight of 887.04 Da and molecular formula C47H58N12O6. Hexarelin was developed from structure-activity relationship (SAR) optimization of the original growth hormone-releasing peptide GHRP-6, with modifications designed to increase potency and metabolic stability.
Hexarelin is one of the most potent synthetic growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR/GHS-R1a) agonists described in the literature. It belongs to the growth factor / GH-IGF peptide category and has been extensively studied in both preclinical and clinical research settings for its effects on growth hormone release, body composition, and cardiovascular function. Hexarelin’s unique cardiovascular research profile distinguishes it from other GH secretagogues.
Hexarelin is supplied for research use only (RUO). It is not FDA-approved for therapeutic use. Wholesale buyers serving endocrinology, cardiology, and GH-axis research programs can access institutional pricing through our wholesale peptide program.
Mechanism of Action
Hexarelin exerts its primary effects through agonism of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a (GHS-R1a), also known as the ghrelin receptor. GHS-R1a is a G protein-coupled receptor expressed in the anterior pituitary (somatotrophs), hypothalamus (arcuate nucleus), and multiple peripheral tissues including the heart, vasculature, and immune cells. Binding of Hexarelin to pituitary GHS-R1a activates the phospholipase C/IP3/DAG/PKC pathway, triggering calcium influx and subsequent growth hormone exocytosis.
Hexarelin is considered the most potent member of the GHRP family for GH release, surpassing GHRP-6 and GHRP-2 in equipotent dosing studies. However, unlike more selective GH secretagogues such as Ipamorelin, Hexarelin also stimulates significant release of cortisol and prolactin at higher doses, reflecting broader activation of pituitary secretory pathways.
A distinguishing feature of Hexarelin research is its cardiovascular activity. Studies have demonstrated that Hexarelin binds to a distinct cardiac receptor population, now identified as CD36 (scavenger receptor class B, member 3), independent of GHS-R1a. Through CD36 engagement, Hexarelin has been observed to exert cardioprotective effects in ischemia-reperfusion models, modulate fatty acid uptake in cardiomyocytes, and influence cardiac remodeling pathways. This dual GHS-R1a/CD36 pharmacology makes Hexarelin unique among GH secretagogues and is a major driver of its research demand. Researchers compare Hexarelin with Tesamorelin and CJC-1295 for GH-axis studies and with SS-31/Elamipretide for cardioprotection mechanisms.
Research Applications
Hexarelin has been investigated across endocrine, cardiovascular, and metabolic research domains:
Growth Hormone Secretion Research
As one of the most potent GH secretagogues, Hexarelin is widely used as a pharmacological tool in GH-axis research. Researchers have employed it in provocative GH testing protocols, pituitary reserve assessment models, and studies comparing secretagogue classes (GHRH-type versus ghrelin-mimetic). Its high potency allows detection of subtle differences in somatotroph responsiveness across experimental conditions including aging, obesity, and hormonal deficiency models.
Cardiovascular Research
Hexarelin’s interaction with cardiac CD36 receptors has generated a dedicated cardiovascular research literature. Preclinical studies in rodent models of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury have documented reduced infarct size, improved left ventricular function, and decreased cardiomyocyte apoptosis following Hexarelin administration. Researchers have also studied its effects on cardiac fibrosis, ventricular remodeling, and atherosclerotic plaque development.
Body Composition and Metabolism
Researchers have investigated Hexarelin’s effects on body composition in animal models, documenting changes in lean mass, fat mass, and metabolic rate parameters associated with chronic GH elevation. These studies are frequently conducted alongside related compounds including Ipamorelin for comparative selectivity analysis and AOD-9604 for GH-independent lipolytic comparison.
Neuroprotection and CNS Research
Emerging preclinical studies have examined Hexarelin’s effects in models of neuronal injury, leveraging the widespread CNS expression of GHS-R1a. Researchers have documented neuroprotective effects in hippocampal cell culture models and in vivo stroke models, suggesting potential research applications at the intersection of neuroendocrinology and neuroprotection.
For high-volume cardiovascular and endocrine research needs, visit the Hexarelin wholesale pricing page.
Available Formats and Bulk Options
Hexarelin is available from Wholesale Bulk Peptides in multiple formats:
- 5 mg lyophilized vials — suited for GH secretion assays, binding studies, and pilot in vivo experiments
- 10 mg lyophilized vials — optimized for chronic dosing studies and cardiovascular research protocols
- Bulk lyophilized powder — available in gram quantities for CROs, peptide resellers, and private-label peptide brands
Custom configurations available for qualified accounts. Apply through the wholesale program application.
Wholesale Pricing Summary
Hexarelin wholesale pricing follows a volume-tiered structure for institutional buyers, contract research organizations, and peptide resellers. For detailed pricing tables, MOQs, and lead times, visit the Hexarelin wholesale page. New accounts can apply through the wholesale program portal.
Quality Assurance, Testing, and COAs
Every batch of Hexarelin undergoes rigorous analytical testing:
- HPLC — confirms purity of 98% or greater with chromatographic identity verification
- Mass Spectrometry — validates the 887.04 Da molecular weight and confirms incorporation of D-2-methyl-Trp and D-Phe non-natural residues
- Chiral Analysis — verifies D-amino acid stereochemistry critical to receptor binding and metabolic stability
- Endotoxin Testing (LAL) — ensures suitability for in vivo cardiovascular and endocrine research
Batch-specific COAs accompany every shipment. Access our COA library and testing methodology page. The Peptide COA Guide aids in interpretation.
Storage and Stability
Store Hexarelin lyophilized powder at -20 degrees Celsius in a sealed, light-protected container. The peptide maintains stability for 24+ months under proper conditions. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water or sterile saline and store at 2-8 degrees Celsius for use within 21 days. The tryptophan residues in Hexarelin are photosensitive; minimize light exposure during handling. Aliquot reconstituted solutions into single-use volumes to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Compliance and Intended Use
Hexarelin is sold by Wholesale Bulk Peptides for research use only (RUO). It is not a drug, dietary supplement, or food additive. This compound has not been approved by the FDA or equivalent agencies for human or veterinary therapeutic use. All purchasers must be qualified researchers or authorized distributors maintaining compliance with applicable regulations. RUO labeling is required on all downstream packaging and documentation.
Related Compounds
Researchers studying Hexarelin frequently investigate complementary GH-axis and cardiovascular-relevant peptides:
- Ipamorelin — a selective GH secretagogue with minimal cortisol and prolactin stimulation for comparative selectivity research
- CJC-1295 — a long-acting GHRH analog for studying synergistic GH release when combined with ghrelin-mimetics
- Tesamorelin — a GHRH analog providing pulsatile GH stimulation through the GHRHR pathway
- SS-31/Elamipretide — a mitochondria-targeted peptide with overlapping cardioprotective research applications
Browse the full Growth Factor / GH-IGF peptide catalog. For brand opportunities, visit our Start a Peptide Brand resource.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hexarelin
Our wholesale support team addresses common buyer inquiries about Hexarelin including GH provocative test protocols, cardiovascular research dosing references, purity specifications, and analytical documentation. For product-specific FAQs, see the Hexarelin wholesale page. For general program questions, visit the wholesale peptides hub.
Disclaimer: This material is provided for informational and research purposes only. Hexarelin is sold as a Research Use Only (RUO) compound. It is not intended for human or veterinary diagnostic or therapeutic use. All buyers are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable laws and institutional guidelines. Wholesale Bulk Peptides makes no claims regarding the safety or efficacy of this compound for any purpose other than qualified laboratory research.