Educational reference only. Not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any protocol.
Hexarelin
Examorelin (Hexarelin, EP-23905)
What it is
A synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP) that acts as a potent agonist of the GHS-R1a receptor. Hexarelin has been studied in Phase II human clinical trials for GH-releasing activity across multiple dose-response studies and is discussed in the research literature for its unique dual-receptor pharmacology — binding both GHS-R1a and the CD36 scavenger receptor, mediating GH-independent cardioprotective effects. It is discussed in biohacking communities in the context of GH optimization and recovery, though its pronounced GHS-R desensitization with chronic use limits practical cycle duration.
Community-reported ranges
Ranges sourced from published clinical trial data, pharmacokinetic literature, and community forums. Not dosing guidance.
Reported dose range
100–300 mcg
Estimated half-life
~55 minutes to 2 hours
Source: human pharmacodynamic data (Imbimbo et al. 1994, PMID 7957536); rat pharmacokinetic data (Drug Metab Dispos, PMID 10611139)
Reported cycle length
4–16 weeks on
4-6 weeks off
Route
subcutaneous
Common vial sizes
2mg, 5mg
Reported timing
Fasted (morning, post-workout, and/or before bedtime)
Reported frequency
2-3x daily
Frequently discussed alongside
Based on community forum discussions. Not a recommendation to combine compounds.
Published research
Hexarelin has been studied in multiple human dose-response trials (Imbimbo et al. 1994, PMID 7957536; Massoud et al. 1996, PMID 8954038), a 16-week chronic administration study examining pituitary-adrenal and prolactin effects (Rahim & Shalet 1999, PMID 10341859), and cardiovascular research demonstrating GH-independent cardioprotective effects via CD36 receptor binding (Mao et al. 2014, PMID 25278975). It is widely regarded as the most potent GHRP in terms of acute GH release amplitude. Its desensitization liability, more pronounced than milder GHRPs like ipamorelin, limits practical cycle duration. Community dosing ranges are derived from clinical trial protocols and published literature.
Imbimbo BP et al. Growth hormone-releasing activity of hexarelin in humans. A dose-response study.
European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
Massoud AF, Hindmarsh PC, Brook CG. Hexarelin-induced growth hormone, cortisol, and prolactin release: a dose-response study.
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
Mao Y, Tokudome T, Kishimoto I. The cardiovascular action of hexarelin.
Journal of Geriatric Cardiology
Reported side effects
From community self-reports. Not from controlled studies.
From clinical trial data: dose-dependent cortisol elevation (~40% maximal increase at higher doses per Massoud et al. 1996, PMID 8954038), prolactin elevation (~80% at plateau dose), and GHS-R desensitization/tolerance with continuous use (50-75% decrease in GH-releasing efficacy, fully reversible after washout). Water retention, mild hunger increase, transient flushing, headache, and dizziness have been observed. Community users have reported tingling/numbness in extremities, joint stiffness at higher doses, lethargy, reduced libido (possibly prolactin-related), carpal tunnel-like symptoms, and vivid dreams.
Regulatory status
FDA (United States)
Not approved for any indication. Never submitted for FDA approval. No legal compounding pathway — no USP monograph, not a component of any FDA-approved drug, not on the 503A bulks list. Research chemical only.
Health Canada
Not authorized as a therapeutic product. No DIN assigned.
WADA (Competitive Athletes)
Prohibited at all times under S2.2.4 — Growth Hormone Releasing Factors. Specifically named: 'GH-releasing peptides (GHRPs) [e.g. alexamorelin, examorelin (hexarelin), GHRP-1, GHRP-2…].' Classified as Specified Substance. Confirmed on 2025 and 2026 WADA Prohibited Lists.