Hexarelin
Hexarelin is a growth hormone secretagogue with a second cardiac action. Development stopped in about 2005.
Checked by the PU Research editorial team — evidence-graded against primary sources. Last check: 23 July 2026. Sources: 4. Who checks this
Sport prohibition notice. WADA prohibits GHRH analogs and growth hormone secretagogues under section S2.2.4. Seven of the eight compounds in this category fall under that section. IGF-1 LR3 falls under S2, and its insulin cross-activity also relates to S4. Check the live WADA list before any decision that involves competition.
01Identity & Classification
Hexarelin is also called examorelin. It is a synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue.
02Mechanism: How It Works
Hexarelin acts at two receptors.
- GHS-R1a. This action releases growth hormone.
- CD36, a cardiac scavenger receptor. This action does not depend on growth hormone. Reports describe an anti-apoptotic effect, an anti-fibrotic effect, and positive inotropy.
03Research Findings
Evidence tier: clinical, small.
In men with coronary artery disease, intravenous hexarelin increased left ventricular ejection fraction and cardiac output for about 90 minutes (Imazio et al., 2002). Neither GHRH nor recombinant growth hormone produced that effect.
Korbonits et al. (1999) characterized the effect on the HPA axis.
Preclinical work supports the cardioprotective mechanism (Tivesten et al., 2000).
04Reported Dosing & Delivery
Only non-clinical protocols exist. No clinical source supports them.
Not approved for human use.
05Pharmacokinetics & Timing
The half-life is short. Repeated doses cause rapid tachyphylaxis. This means the receptor desensitizes and the effect decreases.
06Interactions & Combinations
Hexarelin acts on the growth hormone axis.
Compare with GHRP-6.
07Safety & Contraindications
Hexarelin raises cortisol and prolactin at effective doses. Repeated use causes receptor desensitization.
08Monitoring & Biomarkers
- IGF-1.
- Glucose.
09Regulatory Status
No regulator approves hexarelin. Clinical development stopped in about 2005.
WADA prohibits it under S2.2.4. See the WADA prohibited list status.
10Works Cited
- 01Imazio M, et al. Cardiac effects of hexarelin in coronary artery disease, 2002. View source →
- 02Korbonits M, et al. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 1999. PMID 10404825. View source →
- 03Tivesten Å, et al. Endocrinology, 2000. PMID 10614623. View source →
- 04WADA 2025 Prohibited List, section S2.2.4. View source →
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Research use only. This is not medical advice.
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