Dihexa

What is Dihexa and what has it been studied for?

A 2015 review by the research group that developed it describes dihexa as one of a set of "small molecule AngIV-based compounds that are metabolically stable, penetrate the blood-brain barrier, and facilitate compromised memory and motor systems" in animal models, working by "augmenting synaptic connectivity via the formation of new functional synapses" [1]. The same review links the brain angiotensin IV system to hepatocyte growth factor and its c-Met receptor [1]. All of this research is preclinical, and the group's 2014 journal article on that mechanism was retracted by the journal in April 2025 [2].

Is Dihexa FDA-approved?

No. FDA's compounding page lists dihexa acetate among bulk substances nominated for compounding but later withdrawn by the nominator, stating "FDA has not identified any human exposure data on drug products containing dihexa acetate administered via any route of administration," and that it "lacks important information regarding any safety issues raised by dihexa acetate, including whether it would cause harm if administered to humans" [3]. FDA has said it will host an advisory committee meeting before the end of February 2027 to consider dihexa acetate for the 503A list [4]. No clinical trials of dihexa in humans appear in the sources reviewed here.