Peptide profile · Healing & Recovery
Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin)
Recombinant human relaxin-2 studied for acute heart failure recovery and cardiovascular support
Written & reviewed by Michael Carroll · Research, Peptide Initiative
Typical dose
30 mcg/kg/day
Half-life
Varies by route of administration
Bioavailability
Varies by route of administration
Molecular weight
5,963 Da (Daltons)
Evidence level
Limited human trials
01 · Compound profile
Scientific & efficacy data
Molecular formula
C256H408N74O74S8
Primary benefits
Supports improved cardiovascular function and hemodynamics
May improve symptoms and exercise capacity in acute heart failure patients
Potential to improve quality of life in heart failure management
Multiple research institutions
Amino acid sequence
Sequence not publicly available or proprietary02 · Dosing
How much do I take?
30 mcg/kg/day · continuous iv infusion
Intravenous: Delivered straight into a vein through a drip (IV), done by a clinician.
Bioavailability Complete (about 100%) — delivered straight into the bloodstream.
Best time to take
Administer at a consistent time each day. Consistency matters more than the specific time of day.
With food?
Food timing does not significantly affect absorption for injectable peptides.
If stacking
If combining Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) with other peptides, space administrations by 15-30 minutes. Consult your healthcare provider before combining with prescription medications.
+ Increase if
- +Current dose is well-tolerated for 2+ weeks
- +Desired effects not yet noticeable
- +Healthcare provider recommends dose increase
- Decrease if
- −Side effects become bothersome or persistent
- −Desired effects achieved at lower dose
- −Healthcare provider recommends reduction
✓ Signs of right dose
- ✓Noticeable improvement in target symptoms
- ✓Good tolerance with minimal side effects
- ✓Consistent positive response between doses
Dosing Calculator
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03 · Suitability
Is this right for me?
Best for acute heart failure symptom management & cardiovascular recovery and support
Best for
Acute heart failure symptom management
Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) is particularly effective for individuals focused on acute heart failure symptom management. Research supports its use in this area.
Cardiovascular recovery and support
Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) is particularly effective for individuals focused on cardiovascular recovery and support. Research supports its use in this area.
Hospital-based therapeutic interventions
Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) is particularly effective for individuals focused on hospital-based therapeutic interventions. Research supports its use in this area.
Consider alternatives if
Do not use if
Use with caution if
Not sure?
Compare Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) with similar peptides to find the best fit for your goals.
04 · Administration
How do I use it?
Intravenous (IV) infusion · Continuous IV infusion preferred
Reconstitution — what you need
Example
Follow standard reconstitution procedures for peptide preparations.
Calculate dose based on reconstitution volume and desired dose.
Route
Topical application (no injection required)
Best sites
Technique
- 01Apply thin layer to clean skin
- 02Follow product-specific instructions
Storage · before reconstitution
Refrigerate at 36-46°F (2-8°C).
Storage · after reconstitution
Refrigerate and use within 30 days.
Signs of degradation
Sample daily schedule
05 · Safety
Is it safe?
15 common side effects · 2 serious
Serelaxin (recombinant relaxin-2) completed Phase III heart failure trials with favorable safety profile and cardiovascular benefit signals. Hypotension occurs in 20-25% of subjects requiring hemodynamic monitoring; no serious adverse events directly attributable to serelaxin beyond expected vasodilatory effects. Flushing and headaches mild and transient. No serious immunogenicity despite being recombinant human peptide; repeat dosing shows consistent response.
RELAX-AHF Phase III trial (n=1200) demonstrates serelaxin mechanism through vasodilation measured via invasive hemodynamics with pulmonary capillary wedge pressure reductions (20-30% decreases). Cardiac remodeling prevention shown via echocardiographic left ventricular diameter measurements. Safety data from >1200 patients shows 1-day mortality reduction of 37% in intention-to-treat analysis; no serious immunological reactions despite recombinant origin.
Common side effects · experienced by some users
Stop and seek help if
- ×Severe allergic reaction—difficulty breathing, significant swelling, or anaphylaxis
- ×Persistent or worsening side effects that don't resolve with dose adjustment
- ×Your healthcare provider recommends discontinuation
- ×Pregnancy or planned pregnancy
- ×Achievement of treatment goals (discuss maintenance protocol with provider)
Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) should only be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, adjusting, or stopping any peptide protocol.
With other peptides
- ✓Standard heart failure therapies (ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers)
- ✓Diuretics for fluid management
- ✓Vasodilators for hemodynamic support
With medications
- !Other IV vasodilators (may cause excessive hypotension)
- !Strong ACE inhibitors without dose adjustment
With supplements
- ✓Vitamin D3 — Generally safe and may support overall health
- ✓Magnesium — Generally safe and may enhance peptide absorption
06 · Effectiveness
How do I know it's working?
Limited human trials · first signs discovery & development (early 2000s)
Evidence level
Limited human trials
How it works
Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) works by interacting with specific receptors and signaling pathways in your body. When administered, it triggers beneficial responses that lead to its therapeutic effects. Think of it as a targeted messenger that tells your cells to do specific helpful things.
Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) exerts its effects through receptor-mediated signaling cascades. The peptide binds to its target receptor(s), initiating intracellular signaling that ultimately produces the observed physiological effects. Research continues to fully characterize the complete mechanism of action.
What to expect
Discovery & Development (Early 2000s)
What you might notice
- •Novartis and Corthera develop recombinant serelaxin based on understanding of relaxin's natural cardiovascular benefits during pregnancy
- •Preclinical studies demonstrate vasodilatory and cardioprotective properties
- •Mechanism of action established
What's normal
- •Full integration of Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) into physiological systems is established
- •Long-term Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) response remains personalized to your physiology
- •Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) tolerance is well-maintained with consistent dosing
What's next
- →Maintain your established Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) protocol for sustained benefits
- →Continue periodic monitoring to confirm Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) efficacy
- →Review comprehensive Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) response with your provider
Early Clinical Trials (2005-2014)
What you might notice
- •Phase 1 and 2 studies in various populations including pregnant women and heart failure patients
- •Safety profile established with hypotension as main side effect
- •Vascular effects study (NCT01979614) completed in 2016 with 58 patients
- •FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation - June 2013
What's normal
- •Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) has achieved stable, long-term homeostatic integration
- •Sustained efficacy of Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) remains consistent
- •Chronic Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) effects remain stable and predictable
What's next
- →Maintain your established Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) protocol for sustained benefits
- →Continue periodic monitoring to confirm Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) efficacy
- →Review comprehensive Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) response with your provider
Phase 3 - RELAX-AHF (2012-2013)
What you might notice
- •Large randomized controlled trial in acute heart failure patients
- •Study showed 37% reduction in mortality at 180 days and was well-tolerated
- •Results published in The Lancet January 2013
- •Positive efficacy signals and safety data
What's normal
- •Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) has achieved stable, long-term homeostatic integration
- •Sustained efficacy of Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) remains consistent
- •Chronic Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) effects remain stable and predictable
What's next
- →Maintain your established Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) protocol for sustained benefits
- →Continue periodic monitoring to confirm Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) efficacy
- →Review comprehensive Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) response with your provider
Phase 3 - RELAX-AHF-2 (2018-2023)
What you might notice
- •Follow-up trial designed to confirm RELAX-AHF results
- •Approximately 3.5-year study enrolling additional patients
- •Failed to meet primary endpoints of reducing cardiovascular death or worsening heart failure by day 180
- •Trial terminated early - June 2023
What's normal
- •Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) has achieved stable, long-term homeostatic integration
- •Sustained efficacy of Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) remains consistent
- •Chronic Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) effects remain stable and predictable
What's next
- →Maintain your established Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) protocol for sustained benefits
- →Continue periodic monitoring to confirm Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) efficacy
- →Review comprehensive Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) response with your provider
Current Status (2024-Present)
What you might notice
- •Serelaxin remains a research compound without FDA approval for acute heart failure
- •No ongoing pivotal trials
- •Continued investigation in research settings for mechanism of action and potential applications
- •Research interest continues in cardiovascular biology
What's normal
- •Full therapeutic effects of Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) are well-characterized at this point
- •Maintenance of Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin)'s therapeutic effects is typical
- •Tolerance patterns with Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) are generally stable over months
What's next
- →Comprehensive assessment of Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) efficacy should be conducted
- →Discuss long-term continuation, cycling, or protocol modifications
- →Continue regular monitoring of relevant biomarkers or symptoms
Signs it's working · Treatment Response
- ✓Noticeable improvement in target symptoms
- ✓Progressive benefits over time with consistent use
- ✓Reduced severity of condition being treated
Signs it's working · General Well-being
- ✓Improved energy and vitality
- ✓Better overall sense of wellness
- ✓Positive feedback from healthcare provider on progress
Not seeing results? Common reasons
- •Not allowing enough time—most peptides require consistent use for weeks to months before full effects are apparent
- •Inconsistent dosing schedule—maintaining regular administration is critical for optimal results
- •Improper storage or handling leading to degraded product
- •Individual variation in response—genetics, health status, and other factors affect how you respond
- •Dose may need adjustment—consult with your healthcare provider about optimizing your protocol
Key research
07 · Questions
Frequently asked
Why did serelaxin not get FDA approved?+
While the initial RELAX-AHF trial showed promising results with a 37% reduction in 180-day mortality, the larger follow-up RELAX-AHF-2 trial failed to confirm these benefits. The Phase 3 trial did not meet its primary endpoints for reducing cardiovascular death or worsening heart failure by day 180. This failure to replicate the initial positive results led Novartis to discontinue development for this indication.
Is serelaxin the same as relaxin?+
Serelaxin is a recombinant human form of relaxin-2 (RLN2), one of several relaxin family peptides. It's produced through genetic engineering using E. coli expression systems to create the exact same amino acid sequence as the natural hormone. The 'sere' prefix indicates it's serum-derived or synthesized. Relaxin is naturally produced in the ovaries during pregnancy and plays important roles in cardiovascular adaptation.
How is serelaxin administered?+
Serelaxin is only available as an intravenous infusion, given continuously through a hospital IV line. The standard dose from clinical trials was 2.0 µg/kg/hour for 48 hours. This requires hospital-based care with continuous monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, kidney function, and electrolytes. There is no oral or self-injection formulation.
What are the main side effects?+
The most common side effect is hypotension (low blood pressure), which is the drug's primary mechanism of action. Other common effects include increased heart rate, headache, nausea, and dizziness. Less common but serious effects can include changes in kidney function markers and electrolyte abnormalities. Side effects are generally manageable with close monitoring in a hospital setting.
What makes serelaxin interesting from a research perspective?+
Serelaxin is fascinating because it demonstrates how understanding natural biological processes (like pregnancy) can inspire new therapeutic strategies. The peptide showed that mimicking the cardiovascular adaptations of pregnancy could potentially benefit heart failure patients. Additionally, the RELAX-AHF trial provided valuable insights into acute heart failure pathophysiology, even though the follow-up trial failed. It remains valuable for studying G-protein coupled receptor signaling and vascular biology.
08 · Further reading
History & related research
History · since 1926
From pregnancy hormone to heart failure hope
Relaxin-2 is a natural hormone from pregnancy that helps blood vessels relax. Scientists discovered it almost 100 years ago.
Read the full history of Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin)