Neuropeptides Research Guide

Semax: Mechanism, Handling & Research Guide

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

Key Facts

Semax is a neuropeptides research peptide (C37H51N9O10S, MW 813.92 g/mol). Synthetic ACTH analogue for cognitive modulation 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	Neuropeptides

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 use 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:

Ischemia and neuroprotection models
BDNF-pathway and synaptic research
Monoamine and stress-pathway models
Gene expression in memory centers

Semax in Research: Study Context

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.

How Semax Compares

Researchers frequently evaluate Semax alongside related compounds:

Semax vs Selank — the companion anxiolytic research peptide

Semax — Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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 modulate 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 modulation. 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.

Research References

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

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