Growth Hormone · Cardiovascular · Endocrine

Hexarelin

Also known as: Examorelin, HEX

A potent hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue with additional cardiovascular effects mediated through CD36, studied in cardiac and endocrine contexts but never advanced to regulatory approval.

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Evidence strength

Strength of human clinical evidence — A (strongest) to D (mostly preclinical). This reflects research maturity, not safety or suitability.

CMixed or Limited Human Evidence

Vial Theory provides educational research summaries only. Content is not medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, dosing guidance, or individualized suitability screening. Regulatory status can change over time and varies by jurisdiction.

Key Takeaways

  • ›Hexarelin is a potent growth hormone releasing peptide that also binds the CD36 receptor on heart cells.
  • ›Its growth-hormone effect tends to fade with repeated use (tachyphylaxis).
  • ›Heart-protective findings are mostly preclinical and have not produced an approved indication.
  • ›It is not approved for any use and is on the WADA prohibited list.
  • ›Speak with a licensed healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.

What It Is

Hexarelin (examorelin) is a synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue closely related to GHRP-6, with structural modifications that increase potency and resistance to degradation. It is one of the most potent secretagogues in the GHRP class at acutely stimulating GH release.

Mechanistically, hexarelin acts at the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR-1a) to trigger pulsatile GH release. Distinctively, it also binds the CD36 scavenger receptor, which is expressed on cardiomyocytes and macrophages and which underlies hexarelin's observed cardiovascular effects independent of GH release. This dual receptor activity has been the basis for cardiac-research applications, including studies on ischemia-reperfusion and heart failure models, that are not part of the standard GH-secretagogue framework.

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Disclaimer: This content is for educational and research purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before making health-related decisions.