Side-by-side · Research reference
DihexavsSermorelin
Side-by-side comparison across mechanism, dosage, evidence, side effects, administration, and stack synergies. Citations on every claim where available.
AAnimal-StrongHUMAN-REVIEWED7/28 cited
BPhase 3HUMAN-REVIEWED14/43 cited
Dihexa
Angiotensin IV Analogue · Pre-Clinical
Not established — animal studies only
Sermorelin
GHRH 1-29 fragment · Short-acting
SQ · Pre-sleep · 1×/day
01Mechanism of Action
Parameter
Dihexa
Sermorelin
Pathway
HGF/c-Met receptor activation → downstream signaling cascade → synaptogenesis and dendritic arborization
GHRH-R → Gαs → cAMP → PKA → GH vesicle exocytosisWalker 1994
Downstream effect
Induction of dendritic arborization, synapse formation, neurogenesis, and neuroprotection in rodent models
Pulsatile GH release; subsequent IGF-1 elevationMolteno 2013
Feedback intact?
—
Yes — short pulse preserves feedback
Origin
Small-molecule angiotensin IV analogue designed to activate HGF/c-Met systemWright 2015
Unmodified active 29-AA fragment of human GHRH (1-44)Walker 1994
Antibody development
—
—
02Dosage Protocols
Parameter
Dihexa
Sermorelin
Human dosing
Not established — no human trials
—
Animal studies
Mouse/rat models only — dosing not translatable to humans
—
Evidence basis
Pre-clinical / Rodent models
Phase 3 (Geref pediatric); clinical practiceWalker 1994Molteno 2013
Clinical status
No Phase 1, 2, or 3 trials published
—
Frequency
—
Once daily, pre-sleep
Lower / starter dose
—
100 mcg per dose
Duration
—
8–12 weeks per cycle
Reconstitution
—
Bacteriostatic water
Timing
—
Pre-sleep, fasted preferred
04Side Effects & Safety
Parameter
Dihexa
Sermorelin
Human safety data
None available — no human clinical trials
—
Theoretical c-Met risks
c-Met receptor activation has been implicated in tumorigenesis; unknown cancer risk profile
—
Pre-clinical tolerability
Not systematically reported in available studies
—
Injection site reaction
—
Mild erythema, transient pain
Flushing / headache
—
Common transient effect
IGF-1 elevation
—
Modest at standard doses
Cancer risk
—
Contraindicated in active malignancy (GH/IGF-1 axis)
Pregnancy / OB
—
Avoid
Glucose handling
—
Generally neutral
Absolute Contraindications
Dihexa
- ·Not approved for human use — research compound only
Sermorelin
- ·Active malignancy
- ·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
- ·Disrupted hypothalamic-pituitary axis
Relative Contraindications
Dihexa
- ·Theoretical contraindication: active or history of malignancy (c-Met pathway involvement in cancer)
Sermorelin
- ·Untreated diabetes
05Administration Protocol
Parameter
Dihexa
Sermorelin
1. Human administration
No established protocol. Dihexa has not been tested in human subjects. Animal studies used various routes (typically subcutaneous or intraperitoneal in rodents) not translatable to clinical use.
Add 2 mL bacteriostatic water to 5 mg vial → 2.5 mg/mL = 250 mcg per 0.1 mL.
2. Legal status
Pre-clinical research compound. Not approved by FDA or any regulatory authority for human use.
SQ — abdomen or thigh. Rotate sites.
3. Timing
—
Pre-sleep, fasted.
4. Storage
—
Lyophilised: room temp, light-protected. Reconstituted: refrigerate ≤30 days.
5. Needle
—
29–31G, 4–8 mm insulin syringe.
06Stack Synergy
Dihexa
— no documented stacks
Sermorelin
+ Ipamorelin
StrongSermorelin (GHRH analogue) and ipamorelin (selective GHRP) form the prototypical GHRH+GHRP dual-axis stack at the lowest cost. Both peak within 30 min and produce a sharp physiological GH pulse without cortisol/prolactin elevation.
- Sermorelin
- 200–300 mcg SQ · pre-sleep
- Ipamorelin
- 200–300 mcg SQ · same injection
- Primary benefit
- Pulsatile GH stimulation, recovery, body composition