Hexarelin
Also known as Examorelin, HEX, Hexarelin acetate
Hexarelin is a potent hexapeptide ghrelin-receptor secretagogue, notable for a CD36 interaction studied in cardiac-tissue contexts. A research profile of what makes it distinct among the GHRPs.
Hexarelin is the growth-hormone-releasing peptide that comes with an extra receptor in its story. Structurally it is a close cousin of GHRP-6 — a hexapeptide secretagogue acting on the ghrelin receptor — but a small methylation of one tryptophan makes it one of the more potent members of the family, and it carries a second, distinctive research signature the others lack.
That second signature is an interaction with CD36, and it is the angle this page emphasizes. As throughout the cluster: chemistry and research context only, no dosing or outcome claims.
A synthetic hexapeptide GH secretagogue closely related to GHRP-6, distinguished by a 2-methyl group on one of its tryptophan residues. Like the other GHRPs it is an agonist of the growth-hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R); it is also noted in the research literature for interaction with the scavenger receptor CD36, which sets it apart within the group.
A methylated, potent GHRP
Hexarelin's sequence is closely modeled on GHRP-6, with a 2-methyl modification on a tryptophan residue. That small change is associated in the literature with high potency at the growth-hormone secretagogue receptor, and it is why hexarelin is often grouped as one of the stronger classical GHRPs.
Like GHRP-2 and GHRP-6, it firmly belongs to the secretagogue side of this family — ghrelin receptor, not GHRH receptor — and is studied alongside the GHRH analogs on the basis that the two mechanisms are complementary.
The CD36 angle and cardiac-tissue research
What most distinguishes hexarelin in the literature is that, beyond the ghrelin receptor, it has been studied in relation to CD36 — a scavenger receptor expressed in cardiac and vascular tissue. This second interaction is why hexarelin appears in cardiovascular research contexts more than the other GHRPs do.
This is a description of where scientists have studied the molecule, not a claim about effects. It is, however, the clearest way to differentiate hexarelin from GHRP-2 and GHRP-6, which are discussed almost entirely in pituitary and (for GHRP-6) appetite terms.
Structure and identification
As a six-residue peptide with a non-natural methylated residue and an amidated C-terminus, hexarelin does not resolve to a plain standard-code sequence. Certificates are read by mass and HPLC purity; a single dominant peak and a mass matching the modified hexapeptide are the baseline checks. Tie each lot to its own batch certificate.
These are research areas the compound is associated with in the literature — not medical claims or intended uses.
Handling & storage
Supplied lyophilized. Stored sealed and cold; reconstituted with bacteriostatic water only as a protocol requires, then refrigerated. Handle per accepted laboratory practice.
Verify a certificate by lot →Common questions
They are structurally close, but hexarelin carries a 2-methyl group on a tryptophan that makes it more potent, and it is additionally studied for interaction with the CD36 receptor — a signature the other GHRPs do not share.
Beyond the ghrelin receptor, it has been studied in relation to CD36, a scavenger receptor found in cardiac and vascular tissue. That is a research context, not a claimed effect.
No. It is a ghrelin-receptor secretagogue, on the same side of the family as GHRP-2, GHRP-6 and ipamorelin rather than the GHRH analogs.
This monograph is a research-use reference. It describes composition and the contexts in which the compound has been studied — it is not medical advice, a description of effects, or a recommendation for use. Sold strictly for laboratory and research use; not for human or animal consumption.