At a glance
- Class
- Ghrelin-receptor (GHS-R) agonist
- Receptor targets
- GHS-R1a
- Length
- 6 amino acids (C-terminal amide, contains D-residues)
- Molecular mass
- ≈ 887 Da
- Origin
- Synthetic
- Research area
- Growth-hormone axis
- Also known as
- Examorelin, HEX
What Hexarelin is
Hexarelin belongs to the growth-hormone-releasing peptide family alongside GHRP-6 and ipamorelin. It contains D-amino acids, including a modified D-tryptophan, which improve its stability over a simple linear peptide.
A recurring finding in the literature is desensitisation: in cell studies the calcium response to hexarelin drops within minutes of a first exposure, and rodent work found that continuous exposure blunted the growth hormone response far more than spaced exposure. That makes it a useful model for receptor regulation, and a cautionary reference for how exposure pattern affects secretagogue responses.
What the research literature studies
- Ghrelin-receptor signalling and desensitisation
- Comparisons of potency and selectivity among GH secretagogues
- Cardiac-tissue binding sites distinct from the pituitary receptor
Evidence rating: 2/5
Mostly animal and in vitro. Small human studies and mostly cell and animal work. Never approved. See our methodology for how levels are assigned.
- Receptor desensitisation complicates repeated-exposure experiments.
- Limited modern independent work compared with newer secretagogues.
Regulatory status
Hexarelin is not an approved medicine with the MHRA, EMA or FDA. Research-grade material must not be used in people or animals.
Reviewed November 2026.
Hexarelin at Nordapep: sizes and price per mg
Every size, its price and the cost per milligram, so you can choose the best-value vial for your protocol.
Not currently listed at Nordapep.
Compare Hexarelin
Hexarelin FAQ
Why does the response to hexarelin fade?
The ghrelin receptor desensitises quickly after activation. Published cell work shows the calcium signal falling within minutes of the first exposure.
Hexarelin or GHRP-6?
They are close relatives. Hexarelin is generally reported as more potent but also shows marked desensitisation. See the comparison page.
Where can I buy Hexarelin for research?
Nordapep does not currently list Hexarelin. You can ask Nordapep about availability, or compare related compounds that are in stock.
Is Hexarelin approved?
Hexarelin is not an approved medicine with the MHRA, EMA or FDA. Research-grade material must not be used in people or animals.
Key terms for Hexarelin
Further reading
Cite this page
peptide.wiki. (2026). Hexarelin: research peptide profile. peptide.wiki. https://www.peptide.wiki/peptides/hexarelin