Dihexa
Dihexa (angiotensin IV analogue)
Also known as: PNB-0408
An experimental angiotensin-derived peptide reported to be an extremely potent promoter of new synapse formation in animal models of cognition.
Overview
Dihexa is a small peptide derived from angiotensin IV, developed to cross into the brain and promote the formation of new synaptic connections. In rodent models of Alzheimer-like impairment it improved cognition at very low doses by potentiating hepatocyte growth factor signaling. It is experimental, with no human clinical trials, so the evidence is preliminary.
Mechanism of action
Potentiates hepatocyte growth factor and its c-Met receptor to drive synaptogenesis, the formation of new synaptic connections.
Key studies & citations
- Animal2013
Evaluation of metabolically stabilized angiotensin IV analogs as procognitive/antidementia agents
Introduced dihexa, an orally active, blood-brain-barrier-permeant AngIV analogue that reversed scopolamine-induced memory deficits and increased hippocampal synaptogenesis in rats. The journal issued an Expression of Concern for this paper in 2021.
Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics - Review2015
The brain hepatocyte growth factor/c-Met receptor system: a new target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease
Review by the developers describing dihexa as an HGF/c-Met potentiator that induces dendritic arborization and synaptogenesis in animal models; no human trials.
Journal of Alzheimer's Disease
Frequently asked questions
Has dihexa been tested in people?
No. The evidence is from animal studies only. There are no human clinical trials, so it is experimental.