Examorelin
A hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue (also known as hexarelin's development name in some contexts, but a distinct GHRP-class peptide) studied as a diagnostic and therapeutic GH stimulus in small human trials. Limited human data.
01 Overview
Examorelin is a synthetic hexapeptide GH-releasing peptide that stimulates the ghrelin receptor and pituitary GH release after intravenous, subcutaneous or intranasal administration. It was studied as a provocative test for GH reserve and explored for GH deficiency.
Human data come from small endocrine studies in the 1990s-2000s; it never reached wide clinical use. Tachyphylaxis (declining response with repeated dosing) limited its therapeutic appeal, and it remains a research peptide.
02 Mechanism
Ghrelin/GHSR-1a receptor agonist that evokes pituitary GH release; also acts at hypothalamic level.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investigational | 1–2 mcg/kg | SubQ | Doses used in GH-reserve testing; not an approved therapy. |
| Diagnostic | 1–2 mcg/kg | IV | Used to provoke GH release in reserve testing. |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provokes GH releaseRobust acute GH surge after dosing in reserve-testing studies. | marked acute GH rise | Clinical | |
| Tachyphylaxis with repeat dosingGH response attenuates with repeated administration, limiting chronic use. | declining response | Clinical |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transient cortisol/prolactin riseGHRP-class peptides transiently raise cortisol and prolactin. | Mild | Common | Clinical | |
| FlushingBrief facial flushing after injection. | Mild | Uncommon | Clinical |