Hexarelin is a synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue and a structural relative of GHRP-6. Like other members of the family, it engages the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) and is studied for potent stimulation of growth hormone release, as well as for signaling in cardiac and vascular tissue models. Puritide Research supplies Hexarelin as a high-purity, research-use-only material for in vitro and animal-model work, backed by third-party-verified certificates of analysis.
Product Specifications
- Application
- Growth hormone secretagogue and receptor signaling research
- Appearance
- Solid, white lyophilized powder in a sealed glass vial
- Chemical Formula
- C47H58N12O6
- PubChem SID
- 6918297
- CAS Number
- 140703-51-1
- Molecular Weight
- ~887.04 g/mol
- Synonyms
- Hexarelin, Examorelin, His-D-2-methyl-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2, EP-23905, MF-6003
- Storage
- Store at ≤25°C, sealed, away from heat, light, and moisture. For extended storage, keep lyophilized and refrigerated or frozen.
What Is Hexarelin?
Hexarelin (also called examorelin) is a synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue derived from the GHRP-6 scaffold, incorporating a 2-methyl-tryptophan modification that increases its metabolic stability. It is classified within the GHRP family and studied for potent stimulation of growth hormone release in experimental systems.
In research settings, Hexarelin is used to probe the ghrelin/GHS-R1a receptor system and is of particular interest for signaling studies in cardiac and vascular tissue, where binding sites distinct from the classical pituitary secretagogue receptor have been investigated. It is frequently compared with GHRP-2 and GHRP-6.
Present understanding derives from in vitro assays, animal models, and biochemical studies. Findings should be interpreted within their experimental context and not treated as established clinical outcomes. Puritide Research supplies Hexarelin strictly for laboratory use; it is not approved for human or veterinary application.
Hexarelin Mechanism of Action (Research Only)
Hexarelin is studied for its action at the ghrelin receptor and for tissue-specific signaling in growth-hormone and cardiovascular models. The mechanisms below reflect observations from biochemical assays, cell-culture studies, and animal models, and should be read strictly in a research context.
Ghrelin Receptor (GHS-R1a) Engagement
Hexarelin acts as a potent agonist at the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a). Receptor engagement couples to Gq/11 signaling and downstream inositol trisphosphate and calcium mobilization, which are studied as mediators of growth hormone release from pituitary somatotrophs. The 2-methyl-Trp modification is associated with enhanced stability relative to GHRP-6 in experimental systems.
Cardiac and Vascular Tissue Signaling
A distinguishing focus of Hexarelin research is its interaction with binding sites in cardiovascular tissue, including studies implicating the CD36 scavenger receptor in addition to GHS-R1a. Researchers have used Hexarelin to investigate signaling in cardiac and vascular models independent of its growth-hormone-releasing activity.
These tissue-specific studies make Hexarelin a useful tool for examining secretagogue pharmacology beyond the pituitary, as a research probe rather than representing a single defined mechanism.
Hexarelin Research Applications
Hexarelin is investigated across endocrine and cardiovascular research as a potent growth hormone secretagogue. The observations below derive from biochemical studies, cell-based assays, and animal models, and should be interpreted within their respective settings.
Growth Hormone Axis and Receptor Pharmacology
A primary application is the study of GHS-R1a-mediated growth hormone release in pituitary-cell and animal models, where Hexarelin's high potency and enhanced stability make it a useful characterization tool. Researchers use it to examine receptor coupling and the dynamics of secretagogue-driven GH secretion.
Hexarelin is also used to investigate interactions between the ghrelin receptor pathway and the somatostatin and GHRH systems in the broader growth-hormone regulatory network.
Cardiovascular and Comparative Studies
Hexarelin is employed in cardiac and vascular tissue models to study receptor-mediated signaling distinct from pituitary GH release, including CD36-associated pathways. It is also used in comparative work alongside GHRP-2 and GHRP-6 to characterize differences in potency, stability, and tissue-specific engagement. These studies aim to characterize secretagogue pharmacology rather than to establish physiological or therapeutic effects.
Comparison
| Parameter | Hexarelin | GHRP-2 | GHRP-6 |
|---|
| Molecular classification | Synthetic hexapeptide secretagogue | Synthetic hexapeptide secretagogue | Synthetic hexapeptide secretagogue |
| Primary receptor target | Ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a); CD36 in tissue studies | Ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) | Ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) |
| Molecular formula | C47H58N12O6 | C45H55N9O6 | C46H56N12O6 |
| Molecular weight | ~887.04 g/mol | ~817.97 g/mol | ~873.01 g/mol |
| Research profile note | Highly potent, stabilized (2-methyl-Trp); studied for cardiac/vascular signaling | Potent GH release with reduced ghrelin-type appetite signaling in models | Original GHRP; pronounced ghrelin-type (appetite) signaling in models |
Laboratory Safety & Handling (Research Use Only)
Hexarelin is a synthetic, lyophilized research peptide for laboratory investigation only. It should be handled by qualified personnel in controlled environments, in accordance with institutional policies, laboratory safety procedures, and applicable regulations. As an investigational material, laboratories should implement practices that prioritize material integrity, traceability, and reproducibility.
Handling & Storage Guidelines
Follow institutional SOPs, chemical hygiene plans, and approved protocols; wear appropriate PPE (lab coat, gloves, eye protection); and use engineering controls where required. Record lot numbers, storage conditions, and handling activities, and retain Certificates of Analysis and batch documentation to support traceability and audit readiness.
Store material under the conditions specified in product documentation, protected from excessive heat, moisture, and direct light. Maintain consistent conditions throughout the study period and monitor storage records as part of quality assurance.
Certificate of Analysis & Quality Assurance
Each Hexarelin batch ships with a third-party-verified Certificate of Analysis, providing transparent, research-grade quality control. The CoA includes a purity assessment (HPLC / reverse-phase chromatography), mass-spectrometry identity confirmation, and lot number, testing date, and method documentation.
Researchers may request sample CoAs (PDF) ahead of purchase to confirm testing parameters, analytical methods, and batch consistency, and are encouraged to perform independent verification.
Research Use Only
