Dihexa

Key points

• Dihexa is a small synthetic compound based on angiotensin IV, designed to be taken by mouth and reach the brain.
• It is studied for memory, by encouraging the growth of new connections between nerve cells.
• All the evidence is preclinical, from animal and cell studies.
• It is not a licensed medicine in the UK and is sold only for research use.

Quick facts

What it is

Cognition compound (angiotensin IV derivative)

Studied for

Memory and nerve connections

UK status

Not a licensed medicine; sold for research use

Human evidence

None; animal and cell studies only

How it works

Dihexa is thought to boost a signalling system involving hepatocyte growth factor and its receptor, which is active in memory areas of the brain. This encourages new synapses, the connections between nerve cells, which is a structural change rather than a simple shift in brain chemicals. Whether this helps people is untested.

What the evidence shows

The evidence is entirely from animals and cells, where it improved memory in rodents with chemically impaired learning, and encouraged synapse formation in culture. There are no human trials, no established dose, and no safety data in people.

What it does not settle

• There are no human trials of benefit or safety.
• There is no established human dose.
• The same growth signalling it boosts also drives some cancers, which is a theoretical concern that has not been studied in people using it.

Side effects

Less common but serious

• The growth signalling it acts on is involved in some cancers, which is a theoretical concern with no human data.
• Because there is no licensed product, the dose, purity and contents of material bought online cannot be verified.

Report any suspected side effect through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

UK legal status and access

Dihexa has no UK marketing authorisation, so it is not a licensed medicine and is not offered by registered clinics or pharmacies. It is sold online as a research chemical.

Common questions