Dihexa

Summary

Dihexa is a synthetic angiotensin IV analog and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-Met mimetic investigated as a neuroactive, pro-cognitive peptide. In an APP/PS1 Alzheimer's mouse model, dihexa rescued cognitive impairment and improved memory via the PI3K/AKT pathway, reduced neuroinflammation, and preserved neuronal cells ^[2]. In a rat sciatic nerve damage-repair model, dihexa combined with stem cells and G-CSF improved motor function recovery ^[3], and in a zebrafish model it protected sensory hair cells from aminoglycoside toxicity through HGF activation ^[4]. A 2026 orthopaedics review groups dihexa among neuroactive peptides that enhance BDNF and HGF/c-Met pathways but explicitly notes a current lack of clinical trials ^[1]. All reviewed evidence is preclinical; no human RCTs support dihexa as an administered therapeutic.

Sources

1. 1. Therapeutic Peptides in Orthopaedics: Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Global research & reviews, 2026.
2. 2. AngIV-Analog Dihexa Rescues Cognitive Impairment and Recovers Memory in the APP/PS1 Mouse via the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway Brain sciences, 2021.
3. 3. Stem cell, Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor and/or Dihexa to promote limb function recovery in a rat sciatic nerve damage-repair model: Experimental animal studies Annals of medicine and surgery (2012), 2021.
4. 4. Hepatocyte growth factor mimetic protects lateral line hair cells from aminoglycoside exposure Frontiers in cellular neuroscience, 2015.

For educational purposes only.