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Cognitive Research Guide

Semax: Dosage, Benefits & Research Guide

Also known as: ACTH(4-7) analog, Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro

Key Facts

Semax is a cognitive research peptide (C37H51N9O10S, MW 813.92 g/mol). Synthetic ACTH analogue for cognitive enhancement and neuroprotection research. It is supplied as a lyophilized powder for laboratory and in-vitro research use only — not for human consumption.

Classification Synthetic ACTH(4-10) heptapeptide analog (nootropic research peptide)
Molecular Formula C37H51N9O10S
Molecular Weight 813.92 g/mol
CAS Number 80714-61-0
Research Half-Life Very short in plasma; rapid CNS distribution in models
Form Lyophilized powder
Research Category Cognitive

What is Semax?

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from the N-terminal fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH 4-10), with the sequence Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro. Unlike native ACTH, Semax has been structurally modified to eliminate hormonal activity while retaining and enhancing nootropic and neuroprotective properties. It acts primarily by upregulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) expression, supporting neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity. Developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Semax has been the subject of extensive research. Studies published in Doklady Biological Sciences demonstrated that Semax increased BDNF mRNA expression by up to 1.4-fold in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of rodent models. Research by Ashmarin et al. showed cognitive improvements in attention, memory consolidation, and learning tasks. Clinical investigations in stroke models indicated that Semax administration within 6 hours of ischemic events was associated with improved neurological outcomes and reduced infarct progression. Compared to Selank, another Russian-developed nootropic peptide, Semax is more stimulatory and primarily targets cognitive performance and neuroprotection, while Selank leans toward anxiolytic and immunomodulatory effects. Both share favorable safety profiles in preclinical research, but their mechanisms diverge -- Semax through melanocortin pathways and Selank through tuftsin-based immunomodulation. Lyophilized Semax should be stored at -20°C and protected from light. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water and store at 2-8°C, using within 3-4 weeks. Semax is actively researched by neuroscientists, cognitive psychologists, and stroke researchers investigating neuroprotective interventions.

Semax Research Applications

In published and preclinical research, Semax has been studied across the following areas:

  • Stroke recovery and neuroprotection
  • Cognitive enhancement and BDNF stimulation
  • Antidepressant and anxiolytic studies
  • Gene expression in memory centers

Semax in Research: Reconstitution & Study Concentrations

Semax is a synthetic analog of an ACTH(4-10) fragment studied in Russian and international literature for neuroprotective, BDNF-modulating and cognitive endpoints. Research concentrations are model-specific. Reconstitute the lyophilized peptide with bacteriostatic or sterile water for laboratory use only.

Worked example: a 5mg vial reconstituted with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water yields 2.50 mg/mL.

Open the reconstitution calculator

How Semax Compares

Researchers frequently evaluate Semax alongside related compounds:

Semax — Frequently Asked Questions

What is Semax and how does it work?
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) derived from ACTH(4-10) — a fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone. Unlike full ACTH, Semax does not stimulate cortisol production. Instead, it has been observed in preclinical studies to increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression, modulate serotonergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission, and enhance neuronal survival through TrkB receptor signaling pathways.
What research has been done on Semax?
Semax was developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics (Russian Academy of Sciences) and has been studied extensively in Russia for stroke recovery and cognitive enhancement. Published research in Doklady Biological Sciences demonstrated increased BDNF mRNA expression in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Studies in Neuroscience Letters showed neuroprotective effects in ischemic stroke models, with reduced infarct volume and improved functional recovery.
How does Semax compare to Selank?
Both are synthetic neuropeptides from Russian research programs, but they target different pathways. Semax is ACTH-derived and primarily upregulates BDNF, enhancing neuroplasticity and cognitive function. Selank is tuftsin-derived and acts primarily through GABA modulation and enkephalin stabilization, providing anxiolytic effects. Semax is more commonly studied for cognitive performance, while Selank research focuses on anxiety and immune modulation.
What is the recommended reconstitution protocol for Semax?
For this 5mg vial, reconstitute with 1mL of bacteriostatic water to yield a concentration of 5.0mg/mL. Inject the water slowly along the inner wall of the vial — do not shake or agitate. Allow the lyophilized powder to dissolve fully (typically 2-5 minutes). Store reconstituted solution at 2-8°C and use within 30 days.
Is Semax legal to buy for research?
Semax is sold in the United States as a research chemical for laboratory and in-vitro use only. It is not approved by the FDA for human use and is not sold for human consumption. Researchers are responsible for compliance with all applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations.
How is Semax reconstituted for research use?
Semax ships as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder and is reconstituted with bacteriostatic or sterile water before use in research. The volume of solvent added determines the working concentration — use the Elyte reconstitution calculator to derive the exact concentration for a given vial size and solvent volume.
Does Semax come with a Certificate of Analysis?
Yes. Every batch of Semax from Elyte Peptides ships with a third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA) documenting identity and HPLC purity (≥98%), so research results can be traced to a verified lot.

Research References

  1. Dolotov OV et al. Semax, an ACTH(4-10) analogue, regulates BDNF expression. J Neurochem.
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