Hexarelin
(Examorelin)

1980s-1993

The GHRP Arms Race

Building Better Growth Hormone Releasers

After Cyril Bowers discovered that synthetic peptides could release growth hormone, researchers worldwide began creating variations. Each team tried to build more potent, more selective, more useful molecules.

In Italy, Romano Deghenghi and his colleagues at Europeptides were among the leaders. They systematically modified the GHRP structure, testing how each change affected potency. The goal was a peptide that could release massive amounts of growth hormone.

By the early 1990s, they had created Hexarelin — a six-amino-acid peptide that was among the most powerful growth hormone secretagogues ever made.

1994-1998

Power and Problems

A Potent Peptide with Limitations

Hexarelin proved spectacularly effective at releasing growth hormone. In clinical studies led by Ezio Ghigo in Turin, it triggered GH surges that rivaled or exceeded other secretagogues. A single injection could multiply growth hormone levels many times over.

But there were complications. Unlike some newer GHRPs, Hexarelin also released cortisol (the stress hormone) and prolactin. These weren't necessarily harmful, but they limited enthusiasm for using Hexarelin as a chronic therapy.

There was also the issue of desensitization. With repeated use, Hexarelin's effects diminished. The body seemed to adapt, reducing its response over time. This made it less attractive for long-term treatment.

1998-2005

The Cardiac Surprise

Protecting Hearts Without Growth Hormone

Italian researchers made an unexpected discovery. When they tested Hexarelin on heart tissue subjected to ischemia (reduced blood flow), the peptide protected against damage. Heart cells survived better. Scarring was reduced. Function recovered more completely.

The surprise came when they blocked growth hormone receptors. The cardioprotective effects remained. Hexarelin was protecting hearts through some other mechanism — one that didn't require growth hormone at all.

Further research identified GHS receptors in heart tissue. Hexarelin was binding directly to cardiac cells, triggering protective pathways independent of its pituitary effects. The peptide designed to release growth hormone had a secret cardiac identity.

2005-2015

Aged Hearts Respond

Hope for Elderly Patients

Researchers tested Hexarelin on aged hearts — tissue that typically responds poorly to protective interventions. The results were remarkable. Old hearts, like young hearts, benefited from Hexarelin's protection.

This suggested potential applications for elderly patients with heart disease. Could a peptide protect aging hearts from the damage of ischemia and heart attacks? The animal data said yes.

But translation to human cardiology proved difficult. Clinical trials were expensive. The drug industry had moved toward other approaches. Hexarelin's cardiac potential remained largely unexplored in humans.

2015-Present

Research Compound Status

Promise Unfulfilled

Hexarelin remains in the research compound category. No pharmaceutical company has brought it through the full approval process. Its dual nature — potent GH releaser with cardiac benefits — hasn't translated to clinical products.

In the performance enhancement community, Hexarelin is used for its powerful growth hormone releasing effects. Users accept the cortisol and prolactin release as trade-offs for GH stimulation. Cycling protocols try to avoid desensitization.

The cardioprotective research continues to be cited as evidence that GHS receptors play roles beyond growth hormone regulation. Hexarelin helped reveal a biological system more complex than anyone originally imagined.