Dihexa vs FOXO4-DRI
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- Dihexa is a potent experimental oligopeptide derived from angiotensin IV that dramatically enhances synaptogenesis. Preclinical research shows cognitive enhancement orders of magnitude more potent than BDNF — it is considered one of the most powerful nootropic compounds in research, but has very limited human safety data.
- FOXO4-DRI is a D-retro-inverso peptide derived from the FOXO4 protein that selectively induces apoptosis in senescent cells. By disrupting the FOXO4-p53 interaction that keeps senescent cells alive, it triggers programmed cell death specifically in these aging, pro-inflammatory cells while sparing healthy tissue.
- Half-Life
- Unknown (limited pharmacokinetic data)
- Estimated 2-4 hours (D-amino acid confers resistance to proteolysis)
- Admin Route
- Oral, SubQ, Topical
- Subcutaneous, Intraperitoneal (research)
- Research
- —
- —
- Typical Dose
- 5–10 mg
- 5 mg/kg in rodent studies; human equivalent approximately 0.5-1 mg/kg
- Frequency
- Daily
- 3 consecutive days per cycle
- Key Benefits
- Dramatically increases synapse formation (potentially 10 million× more potent than BDNF in animal models)
- Enhances memory and learning
- May reverse cognitive decline
- Improves neuroplasticity and executive function
- Long-lasting cognitive benefits from short courses
- Potential therapeutic agent for Alzheimer's
- Selectively clears senescent cells (senolytics)
- Reduces senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) and chronic inflammation
- Demonstrated restoration of physical fitness in aged mice
- May improve healthspan and reduce age-related tissue dysfunction
- Potential for treatment of age-related pathologies driven by cellular senescence
- Does not affect healthy non-senescent cells at therapeutic doses
- Side Effects
- Headache
- Irritability
- Brain fog during washout period
- Unknown long-term effects (insufficient data)
- Limited human data; largely preclinical evidence
- Possible temporary inflammatory response as senescent cells are cleared (senolytic effect)
- Weight loss observed at high doses in rodent studies
- Unknown long-term safety profile in humans
- Stacks With
- —
- —