Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| Hexarelin | SS-31 (Elamipretide) | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Peptides | Peptides |
| Standard Dose | Research indicates 100-200 mcg administered 1-2 times daily via subcutaneous injection. | Research indicates 0.05-0.25 mg/kg daily via subcutaneous injection. Clinical trials used 4-40 mg/day IV or SC. |
| Timing | On empty stomach, bedtime preferred. Avoid prolonged continuous use due to rapid desensitization. | Morning dosing preferred. No food timing restrictions. |
| Cycle Duration | 4-8 week cycles maximum, then 4+ week break. Hexarelin desensitizes faster than other GHRPs. | Clinical trials ranged from single dose to 48 weeks. Optimal cycle length not established. |
| Evidence Level | moderate_human | Emerging (Phase 2/3 trials) |
Hexarelin (Examorelin) is a synthetic hexapeptide GHS-R1a agonist and the most potent synthetic GH secretagogue by peak GH release. It stimulates GH release through both pituitary ghrelin receptors and hypothalamic pathways, with mechanisms involving regulation of GHRH and somatostatin. Hexarelin also demonstrates significant cardiac benefits through activation of cardiac GHS-R1a receptors, protecting against ischemia-reperfusion injury and reducing cardiac fibrosis via the CD36 scavenger receptor pathway.
Research indicates 100-200 mcg administered 1-2 times daily via subcutaneous injection.
On empty stomach, bedtime preferred. Avoid prolonged continuous use due to rapid desensitization.
4-8 week cycles maximum, then 4+ week break. Hexarelin desensitizes faster than other GHRPs.
SS-31 (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2, also known as elamipretide/Bendavia) is a cell-permeable tetrapeptide that localizes to the inner mitochondrial membrane and binds cardiolipin via electrostatic interactions. This stabilizes cardiolipin against oxidative damage, preserving cristae integrity, reducing ROS production, and maintaining mitochondrial ATP production. SS-31 interacts with proteins in two functional groups: oxidative phosphorylation complexes and 2-oxoglutarate metabolic enzymes — all known cardiolipin binders. It restores mitochondrial function without acting as a direct antioxidant.
Research indicates 0.05-0.25 mg/kg daily via subcutaneous injection. Clinical trials used 4-40 mg/day IV or SC.
Morning dosing preferred. No food timing restrictions.
Clinical trials ranged from single dose to 48 weeks. Optimal cycle length not established.
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