Dihexa
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Dihexa by BeaCapra — premium research-grade compound verified to ≥99.0% purity via independent HPLC and LC-MS analysis.
Supplied as lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder in vacuum-sealed glass vials. Each batch undergoes rigorous third-party testing to ensure pharmaceutical-grade consistency and stability.
Specifications
- Purity: ≥99.0% (HPLC verified)
- Form: Lyophilized Powder
- Category: Cognitive Function
- Storage: -20°C recommended, protect from light
Quality Assurance
Every BeaCapra product ships with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) documenting purity verification via HPLC and mass spectrometry. Our compounds are synthesized under strict GMP-adjacent protocols and undergo batch-level quality control.
For Research Use Only (RUO). Not intended for human consumption, therapeutic, or diagnostic use.
Research-Documented Benefits
- Extraordinary Cognitive Potency — Dihexa demonstrates cognitive-enhancing activity approximately 10 million times more potent than BDNF in preclinical models of cognitive impairment.
- Synaptic Connectivity — Research shows promotion of new synapse formation (spinogenesis), enhancing neural network connectivity in hippocampal neurons.
- HGF/c-Met Activation — Acts as an allosteric modulator of the hepatocyte growth factor receptor, a pathway critical for neuronal survival and plasticity.
- Blood-Brain Barrier Penetration — Dihexa is orally active and crosses the blood-brain barrier, providing CNS access without parenteral administration.
- Neurodegenerative Disease Research — Investigated as a potential research tool for Alzheimer's disease models, restoring cognitive function in scopolamine-impaired animals.
Mechanism of Action
Dihexa (N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6)-aminohexanoic amide) is a small molecule derived from angiotensin IV, designed to be orally bioavailable and blood-brain barrier permeable.
Primary Pathways
- HGF/c-Met Receptor System — Dihexa acts as an allosteric modulator of the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-Met receptor complex, potentiating HGF-driven signaling in neurons.
- Dendritic Spine Formation — c-Met activation promotes spinogenesis—the formation of new dendritic spines—which are the structural basis for new synaptic connections.
- PI3K/Akt and MAPK Signaling — Downstream of c-Met, dihexa activates survival and plasticity pathways that support long-term potentiation (LTP) and memory consolidation.
- Procognitive Potency — Dihexa binds to HGF and stabilizes the active dimer form, amplifying the signal by orders of magnitude—explaining its 10^7-fold potency advantage over BDNF in behavioral assays.
Dihexa's mechanism bypasses traditional neurotrophic receptor pathways, instead leveraging the HGF/c-Met growth factor system to achieve unprecedented procognitive activity in preclinical models.
Research Protocol Guidelines
All protocols described are for in vitro and in vivo research purposes only. Not for human use.
Preparation
Dihexa is a small molecule (not a peptide), supplied as a powder. Dissolve in DMSO for stock solutions, then dilute in appropriate vehicle for research use. Oral and subcutaneous routes have been studied.
Research Dosing (Preclinical Literature)
- In vivo (rodent): 0.1-2 mg/kg orally or subcutaneously in cognitive impairment models
- In vitro (neuron culture): 1-100 pM concentrations in hippocampal neuron spinogenesis assays (effective at picomolar range)
- Cognitive studies: 0.5-2 mg/kg/day for 7-14 days in scopolamine-induced amnesia models
Storage
Store powder at -20°C, desiccated, protected from light. DMSO stock solutions at -20°C, stable for up to 6 months. Working dilutions should be prepared fresh daily.
Safety & Handling Information
For research use only. Not intended for human or veterinary diagnostic or therapeutic use.
Storage Requirements
- Powder: -20°C, desiccated, protected from light
- DMSO stocks: -20°C, stable up to 6 months
- Working solutions: prepare fresh daily
Preclinical Safety Profile
Dihexa is a relatively new research compound with limited published toxicology data. Its extreme potency (picomolar activity) necessitates careful dose calculation and handling.
Known Considerations
- HGF/c-Met pathway activation is implicated in cancer cell migration and metastasis—dihexa should not be used in tumor-bearing models without explicit consideration of this pathway
- The extraordinary potency (10^7 × BDNF) means that even small dosing errors produce significant biological effects
- Long-term safety data is lacking; chronic administration studies have not been published
- Blood-brain barrier penetration means systemic administration produces central effects
Handling
Use enhanced PPE (double gloves, face shield) due to extreme potency. Weigh using analytical balance with appropriate precision. DMSO vehicle penetrates skin and may carry dissolved dihexa transdermally—avoid skin contact with solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is dihexa described as 10 million times more potent than BDNF?
This comparison comes from the original research by Harding et al. at Washington State University. In scopolamine-induced amnesia models, dihexa restored cognitive function at doses approximately 10^7-fold lower (on a molar basis) than BDNF. This reflects picomolar vs. nanomolar effective concentrations, though the comparison involves different mechanisms (HGF/c-Met vs. TrkB) and should be interpreted in context.
Is dihexa orally active?
Yes. Unlike most peptide-derived compounds, dihexa was specifically designed for oral bioavailability and blood-brain barrier penetration. Published studies demonstrate cognitive effects via both oral and subcutaneous routes in rodent models.
What is the HGF/c-Met system?
Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) and its receptor c-Met comprise a signaling system critical for organ development, wound repair, and neuronal survival. In the brain, HGF/c-Met signaling promotes synaptogenesis and is essential for hippocampal function. Dihexa stabilizes the active HGF dimer, amplifying this pathway.
What are the concerns about c-Met activation in oncology?
The HGF/c-Met pathway is frequently activated in cancer, promoting tumor cell survival, invasion, and metastasis. While dihexa has not been shown to initiate tumorigenesis, its potent c-Met activation warrants careful consideration in any research model where neoplastic processes may be relevant.
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Customer Reviews
Exceptional purity and fast shipping
Third-party COA verified at 99.1% purity. Arrived in 2 days with proper cold packaging. The documentation included was thorough and professional. Will be ordering again for our lab.
Best supplier I've found
After trying several suppliers, BeaCapra consistently delivers the highest quality compounds. The subscribe & save option is a great value, and their customer support team answered all my questions promptly.
Great product, COA checks out
Ran our own HPLC analysis and confirmed the purity claims. Packaging was secure and discreet. Only minor note — would love to see more size options for some of the newer compounds. Otherwise excellent.
Subscribe & save is the way to go
The 15% discount on subscription makes this the most competitive pricing I've found for research-grade compounds at this purity level. Auto-delivery every 30 days has been seamless. Highly recommend.
Exactly what our research team needed
We've been sourcing from BeaCapra for our university lab and the consistency batch-to-batch is impressive. Every order comes with a COA and the compounds are properly lyophilized. Professional operation all around.
Questions About Dihexa
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