Dihexa (developmental code name PNB-0408), also known as N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6) aminohexanoic amide, is an oligopeptide drug derived from angiotensin IV that binds with high affinity to hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and potentiates its activity at its receptor, c-Met. The compound has been found to potently improve cognitive function in animal models of Alzheimer's disease-like mental impairment.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] In an assay of neurotrophic activity, Dihexa was found to be seven orders of magnitude more potent than brain-derived neurotrophic factor.[11]
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Other names | N-(1-Oxohexyl)-l-tyrosyl-N-(6-amino-6-oxohexyl)-l-isoleucinamide |
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Formula | C27H44N4O5 |
Molar mass | 504.672 g·mol−1 |
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According to a patent, "Short duration safety studies with Dihexa have uncovered no apparent toxicity. Of particular note is a lack of neoplastic induction[citation needed], since c-Met is recognized as an oncogene. This is unsurprising since oncogenesis requires multiple mutations including both oncogene induction and tumor suppressor attenuation."[12][citation needed]
Dihexa was developed by Joseph Harding and his team at Washington State University.[13] Later developments were done under "M3 Biotechnology", a company founded to commercialise Dihexa.[14]