Dihexa Synaptogenic Peptide
A blood-brain-barrier-penetrant angiotensin IV analogue studied for hepatocyte growth factor amplification and synaptogenesis.
Book Free ConsultationCall 310.299.4444What Dihexa actually is
Dihexa is a six-amino-acid peptide developed in the Wright laboratory at Washington State University. It was engineered from angiotensin IV (AT4) to be orally bioavailable, blood-brain-barrier penetrant, and resistant to peptidase degradation.1
The proposed mechanism is amplification of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) signaling at its receptor c-Met. HGF/c-Met activation drives synaptogenesis and dendritic spine formation in hippocampal neurons.2 In aged-rat models, Dihexa restored cognitive function on water-maze tasks. Human data is preliminary.
At Luxbae, Dihexa is prescribed and supervised by Dr. Ernst von Schwarz, MD, PhD after a complimentary medical consultation.
Mechanism — HGF/c-Met amplification
Binds the HGF/c-Met system, increasing local HGF effectiveness and driving synaptogenesis in hippocampal neurons.2
What the research shows
Synaptogenesis. Dendritic spine formation documented in animal hippocampal models.2
Memory tasks. Cognitive restoration in aged-rat water-maze paradigms.
Oral bioavailability. Rare among peptides — survives oral and crosses BBB.1
Side effects: Limited human data. Theoretical risk via HGF/c-Met pathway in active cancer; rare GI upset reported anecdotally.
FDA note: Not FDA-approved. Investigational; prescribed under explicit informed-consent framing.
Dihexa FAQ
Is the cognitive benefit proven in humans?
No — animal data is striking; human data is sparse. Used as investigational.
Oral or sublingual?
Either; sublingual avoids first-pass.
References
- McCoy AT, Benoist CC, Wright JW, et al. Evaluation of metabolically stabilized angiotensin IV analogs as procognitive/antidementia agents. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2013;344(1):141-154.
- Benoist CC, Wright JW, Zhu M, et al. Facilitation of hippocampal synaptogenesis and spatial memory by C-terminal truncated Nle1-angiotensin IV analogs. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2011.
- Wright JW, Harding JW. The angiotensin AT4 receptor subtype as a target for the treatment of memory dysfunction. J Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone Syst. 2008.