Dihexa

Disclaimer: All Iron Mountain Labz products are only intended for laboratory research use and are not approved for human consumption.

Overview of Dihexa

 

Dihexa (also known as PNB-0408; N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6) aminohexanoic amide) is a synthetic oligopeptide derived from angiotensin IV. It was developed as a metabolically stable, blood-brain barrier-permeable small molecule analog of angiotensin IV at Washington State University. It is studied for its interactions with the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and c-Met receptor system in preclinical research models.

 

In research models, It has been proposed to interact with HGF and potentiate its activity at the c-Met receptor. Note: The 2014 paper by Benoist et al. (J Pharmacol Exp Ther) that established the Kd = 65 pM HGF binding affinity and the primary HGF/c-Met mechanistic characterization was formally retracted in April 2025 following confirmation of data manipulation. The HGF/c-Met interaction of Dihexa remains the working hypothesis for its mechanism, but the primary quantitative binding data supporting this model has been withdrawn from the scientific record. Researchers should consult the current literature before designing assays based on these parameters.  

 

All research involving Dihexa must comply with applicable IRB guidelines for clinical investigations and IACUC directives for animal studies under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). Researchers are advised to consult the current published literature, including the 2025 retraction notices, before initiating study protocols. 

 

Section	Details
CAS Number	1401708-83-5
Molar Mass	504.67 g/mol
Chemical Formula	C27H44N4O5
IUPAC Name	6-[(2S,3S)-2-[(2S)-2-hexanamido-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanamido]-3-methylpentanamido]hexanamide
Synonyms	Dihexa; PNB-0408; N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6) aminohexanoic amide; N-(1-Oxohexyl)-L-tyrosyl-N-(6-amino-6-oxohexyl)-L-isoleucinamide
Ingredients / Composition	This product contains Dihexa with a purity of ≥98%
Shelf Life	2 years
Storage Instructions	Store lyophilized Dihexa at −20°C in a sealed container under inert atmosphere (nitrogen or argon), protected from light and moisture. Dihexa is hygroscopic; reseal immediately after use. Short-term storage at 2–8°C (days to weeks) is acceptable under desiccated conditions. Avoid repeated temperature cycling.
Product’s Disclaimer	Dihexa is not approved for medical use. It is available for research purposes only.

 

Dihexa’s Mechanism of Action in Research Models

 

Dihexa has been investigated as a hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) potentiator in research models. It was proposed to bind to HGF and facilitate its dimerization to activate the c-Met receptor. However, the primary paper establishing this mechanism (Benoist et al., 2014, J Pharmacol Exp Ther) was formally retracted in April 2025 due to data fabrication. The HGF/c-Met mechanism remains the working hypothesis for Dihexa’s activity, supported by earlier angiotensin IV analog research and an independent 2021 study; however, the foundational quantitative binding data no longer has a validated primary source. Researchers should verify the current status of the evidence base before initiating assay design. 

 

 In research models, c-Met receptor activation is associated with downstream signaling cascades involving Akt, mTOR, and MEK pathways, which are studied in the context of neuronal survival, dendritic growth, and synaptic plasticity.

 

In preclinical preparations, it is noted to induce hippocampal spinogenesis and synaptogenesis at sub-nanomolar concentrations, similar to effects observed with native HGF. It is also investigated for its effects on c-Met phosphorylation in the presence of subthreshold HGF concentrations. Its blood-brain barrier permeability and metabolic stability make it a tool compound for studying HGF/c-Met signaling in CNS research models.

 

Why Buy Dihexa from Iron Mountain Labz?

 

Researchers prefer Iron Mountain Labz to buy Dihexa due to the following reasons.

 

• At Iron Mountain Labz, the purity of Dihexa is verified at ≥98% by HPLC analysis.
• The assay result is confirmed to align with specification standards, and results are documented in a full Certificate of Analysis.
• Its appearance is confirmed as a white to off-white powder that passes all visual inspection standards.
• This product is verified to contain heavy metals within acceptable limits for laboratory-grade research reagents.
• Dihexa from Iron Mountain Labz comes with a complete Certificate of Analysis per batch.

 

Note: The research compound range at Iron Mountain Labz also includes other peptides and small molecules studied for their effects on growth factor signaling and neurological pathways in research models. These compounds are for laboratory and research purposes only.

 

For queries, complaints, or support, please contact help@ironmountainlabz.com

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the regulatory status of Dihexa?

It is not approved by the FDA as a drug or dietary supplement. It is available as a laboratory-grade research reagent for preclinical and in vitro research purposes only.

What does Dihexa do in research models?

In research models, it is studied for its ability to potentiate HGF activity at the c-Met receptor. It is investigated for effects on synaptic connectivity, spinogenesis, and dendritic arborization in hippocampal cell preparations. It is also studied in animal models related to neurodegenerative disease.

Note: Researchers should be aware that key papers establishing the HGF/c-Met mechanistic basis for Dihexa were retracted in April 2025 due to data integrity issues. The proposed mechanism remains a working hypothesis under re-evaluation. 

Is Dihexa studied in neuroscience research?

Dihexa is studied in neuroscience research models. It is investigated for its effects on the HGF/c-Met signaling pathway in the brain. Preclinical studies have examined its effects on synaptic formation and cognitive function in animal model preparations. All findings are from preclinical studies only.

[Sun et al., Brain Sci. 2021;11(11):1487. PMID: 34827486. DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11111487 – independent study confirming cognitive effects via PI3K/AKT pathway in APP/PS1 Alzheimer’s model mice; China Pharmaceutical University/Nanjing Medical University; unaffected by the 2025 retractions] 

 

What sourcing criteria should researchers consider when obtaining Dihexa for laboratory use?

Researchers sourcing Dihexa for laboratory use should prioritize suppliers that provide independent third-party purity verification, a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis, and documented HPLC data confirming compound identity. Because Dihexa has no FDA-approved formulation and no standardized pharmaceutical reference standard, purity documentation is the primary quality indicator available. Researchers should confirm that the CAS number (1401708-83-5), molecular formula (C27H44N4O5), and stated purity align with the COA before use in any assay system.