# Dihexa

> Evidence tier C — Animal data · Mind · reviewed 2026-11-08
> Source page: https://peptidemeta.com/p/dihexa/

Also known as: PNB-0408, N-hexanoyl-Tyr-Ile-(6)-aminohexanoic amide

## Quick answers

**What is Dihexa?**

A metabolically stabilized angiotensin IV analog (N-hexanoyl-Tyr-Ile-6-aminohexanoic amide) reported to act through hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-Met signaling. A modified peptide (peptidomimetic) built from Tyr-Ile with an N-hexanoyl cap and a C-terminal 6-aminohexanoic amide.

**How strong is the evidence for Dihexa?**

Tier C (animal data) on the peptidemeta evidence scale. Evidence is limited to rodent studies (e.g. McCoy et al., JPET 2013); no published human studies.

**Is Dihexa FDA-approved?**

No. Dihexa is not approved by the FDA for any use.

**Is Dihexa banned in sport?**

Yes. Dihexa is prohibited in sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency under S0 (non-approved substances).

**How does Dihexa work?**

Dihexa is a modified Tyr-Ile dipeptide derived from angiotensin IV, with an N-terminal hexanoyl cap and a C-terminal 6-aminohexanoic amide that improve metabolic stability and blood-brain barrier penetration. Rodent studies report that it potentiates hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) signaling through the c-Met receptor and increases hippocampal synaptogenesis.

**What is known about the safety of Dihexa?**

No human safety data available. Only preclinical animal studies published.

## Key facts

- **Evidence tier:** C (Animal data)
- **FDA:** not approved
- **WADA:** prohibited (S0)
- **Peptide:** yes
- **Sequence:** [Hexanoyl]YI[Ahx][NH2] (3 residues)
- **Formula:** C27H44N4O5
- **Molecular weight:** 504.7 g/mol
- **Discovered:** 2013 — Described as a metabolically stabilized angiotensin IV analogue (McCoy et al., JPET 2013).
- **Routes studied:** Oral, Subcutaneous

## Overview

A metabolically stabilized angiotensin IV analog (N-hexanoyl-Tyr-Ile-6-aminohexanoic amide) reported to act through hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-Met signaling. Investigated in animal models of cognitive decline and dementia.

## Mechanism

Dihexa is a modified Tyr-Ile dipeptide derived from angiotensin IV, with an N-terminal hexanoyl cap and a C-terminal 6-aminohexanoic amide that improve metabolic stability and blood-brain barrier penetration. Rodent studies report that it potentiates hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) signaling through the c-Met receptor and increases hippocampal synaptogenesis.

## Effects reported in research

_Reported outcomes, not promises; see the evidence tier._

- Potent synaptogenic activity
- Enhanced memory formation and retrieval
- Promoted neuronal connectivity
- Potential cognitive rescue in impaired models

## Safety & unknowns

No human safety data available. Only preclinical animal studies published. Extremely potent compound with unknown long-term effects. Theoretical risk of promoting tumor growth through HGF/c-Met signaling. Not FDA-approved. Use with extreme caution.

## Studies

- McCoy AT, Benoist CC, Wright JW, et al. (2013). *Evaluation of metabolically stabilized angiotensin IV analogs as procognitive/antidementia agents*. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. Preclinical. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23055539/
  Describes the design of dihexa, an orally active, blood-brain barrier-permeant angiotensin IV analog that reversed cognitive deficits in scopolamine-treated and aged rats and increased hippocampal synaptogenesis.

## Status sources

- [PubChem CID 129010512 — Dihexa](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/129010512)
- [McCoy et al., JPET 2013 (rat cognition studies)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23055539/)
- [WADA Prohibited List 2026 (S0)](https://www.wada-ama.org/en/resources/world-anti-doping-code-and-international-standards/prohibited-list)

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Educational reference only — not medical advice. No dosing information is published. Tiers rate the strength of published evidence, not effectiveness or safety.