HEXARELIN

Description

Hexarelin is a synthetic hexapeptide with the sequence His-D-2-Me-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂ and a molecular weight of 887.04 g/mol. It is a growth hormone secretagogue acting at the ghrelin receptor, and is also known as examorelin.

Structure

Hexarelin is a structural analogue of GHRP-6, differing principally by methylation of the tryptophan at position two. That single methyl group, together with the D-configuration at that position, substantially slows enzymatic degradation. Position five is D-phenylalanine, again in the non-natural configuration, and the C-terminus is amidated.

The molecule contains two tryptophan residues, at positions two and four. Tryptophan is the most photosensitive of the standard amino acids, which makes light protection more than a routine precaution for this particular peptide.

Relationship to the other GH compounds in this catalogue

Hexarelin and ipamorelin both act at the ghrelin receptor, and both are therefore distinct from the GHRH analogues tesamorelin and CJC-1295 without DAC, which act at a different receptor on the same pituitary cell population.

Between the two secretagogues, the reported difference is selectivity. Published work describes ipamorelin as producing a comparatively selective growth hormone response, while hexarelin and the older GHRP family are described as also affecting cortisol and prolactin release. Researchers choosing between them are generally choosing between potency and selectivity, and the literature should be consulted directly rather than relying on vendor summaries.

Research background

Published work has characterised receptor binding and activation in cell systems and examined growth hormone response in animal models. A distinct strand of the literature has investigated hexarelin in cardiac tissue, where binding to a receptor target separate from the ghrelin receptor has been described. That cardiac work is a notable feature of this compound’s profile and differentiates it from other secretagogues in the class.

No regulatory authority has approved hexarelin for any use. The material supplied here is for laboratory research only, and the literature is principally animal and in vitro work.

Storage and handling

Store the lyophilized powder at 36 to 46 °F (2 to 8 °C), desiccated and protected from light. Light protection matters particularly here because of the two tryptophan residues. Allow the vial to reach room temperature before opening.

Use 887.04 g/mol for molar calculations on the free base. Check your lot certificate for salt form.

Purity and verification

Each lot is analysed by an independent laboratory, with identity confirmed by mass spectrometry and purity by HPLC. Test scope varies by lot; consult the certificate for the lot you receive.

Compound Identity

CAS Number

140703-51-1 (free base)

Molecular Formula

C₄₇H₅₈N₁₂O₆

Molecular Weight

887.04 g/mol

Chain Length

6 amino acids (hexapeptide)

Sequence

His-D-2-Me-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂
2-Me-Trp = 2-methyl-D-tryptophan; C-terminal amide

Also Known As

Examorelin

Relation to GHRP-6

Structural analog; differs by 2-methylation of the D-Trp residue

Physical Form

Lyophilized white powder

Storage

36–46 °F (2–8 °C), desiccated and protected from light

Chemical Structure