Research Comparison

GHRP-6 vs Hexarelin Acetate

In Short

GHRP-6 is synthetic hexapeptide ghrelin receptor (ghs-r1a) agonist / growth hormone secretagogue; Hexarelin Acetate is synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue; dual ghs-r1a / cd36 receptor agonist. Both are supplied as lyophilized powders for laboratory and in-vitro research use only. The table below compares their molecular data, half-life and research focus side by side.

	GHRP-6	Hexarelin Acetate
Classification	Synthetic hexapeptide ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist / growth hormone secretagogue	Synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue; dual GHS-R1a / CD36 receptor agonist
Molecular formula	C46H56N12O6	C47H58N12O6
Molecular weight	873.03 g/mol	887.0 g/mol
CAS number	87616-84-0	140703-51-1
Research half-life	Approximately 15-60 minutes in published pharmacokinetic characterizations (short-acting; exact value varies by model)	Not well characterized in humans; reported as short-acting (on the order of tens of minutes) in published animal pharmacokinetic studies
Primary research focus	Cognition and synaptic-plasticity research	Growth hormone secretagogue research
Form	Lyophilized powder	Lyophilized powder
Price from	$49.00	$87.50

GHRP-6

GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6) is a synthetic hexapeptide that functions as a potent ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist, stimulating the anterior pituitary to release growth hormone in a pulsatile manner. Its mechanism involves both direct pituitary stimulation and hypothalamic amplification through GHRH neurons, producing robust GH elevations that mimic natural secretory patterns. Research published in the Journal of Endocrinology demonstrated that GHRP-6 use in animal models produced significant GH release within 15-30 minutes, with peak levels 5-10 times above baseline. Studies by Bowers et al. (1991) were among the first to characterize its GH-releasing potency. Notably, research in Neuroscience Letters has indicated neuroprotective properties in ischemic brain injury models, where GHRP-6 reduced infarct volume and improved neurological outcomes through anti-apoptotic pathways. Compared to other GH secretagogues like Ipamorelin and GHRP-2, GHRP-6 produces the strongest appetite-stimulating effect due to its ghrelin-mimetic activity. It also raises cortisol and prolactin to a greater degree than Ipamorelin, making it less selective but more potent in overall GH output. GHRP-2 shares similar potency but with slightly reduced hunger effects. For storage, lyophilized GHRP-6 should be kept at -20C for long-term preservation. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, store at 2-8C and use within 4 weeks. This peptide is widely studied by endocrinologists, neuroscientists investigating ischemia-reperfusion injury, and researchers examining growth hormone physiology and appetite regulation pathways.

Full GHRP-6 research guide

Hexarelin Acetate

Hexarelin is a synthetic six-amino-acid peptide that acts as a potent growth hormone secretagogue, stimulating GH release through the ghrelin/GHS-R1a receptor. Beyond its pituitary effects, research has explored hexarelin's interaction with the CD36 receptor in cardiovascular tissue, where it has been studied for potential cytoprotective and anti-fibrotic signaling in cardiac models. It is investigated in growth hormone axis research and comparative GHS studies alongside GHRP-6 and ipamorelin. Supplied as a lyophilized powder for in-vitro and laboratory research use only.

Full Hexarelin Acetate research guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between GHRP-6 and Hexarelin Acetate?

GHRP-6 is classified as synthetic hexapeptide ghrelin receptor (ghs-r1a) agonist / growth hormone secretagogue, while Hexarelin Acetate is synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue; dual ghs-r1a / cd36 receptor agonist. They are distinct research compounds with different mechanisms — the comparison table above sets out the molecular and pharmacokinetic differences side by side.

Can GHRP-6 and Hexarelin Acetate be studied together?

Some research protocols evaluate related peptides in combination, and research blends exist. Combination study design depends entirely on the research question and model. Both compounds are supplied for laboratory and in-vitro research use only — not for human use.

Are GHRP-6 and Hexarelin Acetate legal to buy for research?

Both are sold in the United States as research chemicals for laboratory and in-vitro use only. Neither is FDA-approved for human use. Researchers are responsible for compliance with all applicable regulations.

Buy GHRP-6

From $49.00 — ≥98% HPLC, COA included.

Buy Hexarelin Acetate

From $87.50 — ≥98% HPLC, COA included.

Research Use Only. This comparison summarizes published research. It is not medical advice. Neither compound is for human consumption or FDA-approved.