What is Semax sold for here?

This product is sold exclusively as a laboratory chemical for research, not as a pharmaceutical, and is not intended for use in humans or animals. In Russia, Semax is registered as a pharmaceutical drug; in the EU and outside Russia it holds no market authorization and is traded only as a research peptide.

What exactly is Semax?

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide with the sequence Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro. It is an analogue of the ACTH(4-10) fragment and structurally consists of the ACTH(4-7) fragment (Met-Glu-His-Phe) plus the C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro, which is associated with increased resistance to enzymatic degradation.

How does Semax differ from ACTH?

Semax is an analogue of the ACTH(4-10) fragment (structurally ACTH(4-7) plus Pro-Gly-Pro) and has no corticotropic activity; it does not stimulate the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. The effects studied concern neurotrophic and neuroprotective endpoints in preclinical models.

How are Semax's identity and purity confirmed?

Identity is verified by mass spectrometry, together with an HPLC purity result on the batch certificate. The report comes from Janoshik and is submitted by the manufacturer; current batch values are on our CoA page.

What did the Dolotov research show on BDNF?

In rat studies (Dolotov et al., 2006, Brain Research, PMID 16996037; and Journal of Neurochemistry, PMID 16635254), Semax increased BDNF expression and TrkB receptor activation in the hippocampus and bound specifically to cells in the basal forebrain. These are preclinical findings in animal models, not evidence of efficacy in humans.

Does Semax have neuroprotective effects?

Neuroprotective endpoints have been described in preclinical ischemia models: Bashkatova et al. (2001, Brain Research, PMID 11245825) reported reduced excess nitric oxide production in the cortex in a rat model, and transcriptomic analyses (Medvedeva et al., 2014, BMC Genomics, PMID 24661604) showed changes in immune- and vascular-system genes. These findings come from animal models.

How does Semax compare to Selank?

Semax and Selank were developed at the same Russian institute but are studied for different endpoints: Semax primarily for cognitive and neurotrophic endpoints, Selank primarily for anxiety-related and GABA-system endpoints. Combined administration is not established in controlled studies.

Are there human studies on Semax?

In Russia, clinical studies and long-standing clinical experience exist under the local registration. Internationally, the evidence base is more limited; smaller human studies exist, including on functional connectivity and cognitive endpoints. Large international controlled trials are lacking.

Is Semax a nootropic?

In research, Semax is classified within the nootropics group due to its BDNF-related and cognition-related effects in animal models. Outside Russia it is not an approved pharmaceutical or dietary supplement and is sold exclusively as a research chemical.

What dosages have been used in research?

In animal models, Semax was predominantly administered intranasally, with intranasal dosages around 50-250 µg/kg (a single dose of 50 µg/kg increased BDNF in Dolotov 2006); higher dosages were used with parenteral administration. As a registered Russian pharmaceutical it is marketed as 0.1% and 1% nasal drops. Non-validated community reports cite similar ranges; these figures are self-reported and not a recommendation. No EU-approved treatment regimen exists for humans.

How is Semax used in Russia?

Semax has been registered in Russia as nasal drops since 1994: the 0.1% preparation for, among other things, cognitive disorders and asthenia, and the 1% preparation for acute ischemic stroke and optic nerve disorders. This registration applies only in Russia and is not an EU or US approval.

What side effects have been reported in research?

In Russian clinical use, Semax was generally considered well tolerated. However, independent international long-term safety data are not available, and no dedicated safety data exist for the research-grade material sold here; any statement on tolerability should be treated as preliminary.

The lyophilized powder is stored at -20 °C. After reconstitution it is refrigerated at 2-8 °C. Without a batch-specific stability study, no fixed shelf life after reconstitution can be guaranteed; laboratory practice follows general discard conventions.

What is Semax reconstituted with?

Laboratory practice commonly uses bacteriostatic water. Let the liquid run slowly down the vial wall and swirl gently, do not shake. This does not establish validated compatibility or stability with Semax; the respective protocol should specify a suitable, validated solvent.

Is it legal to buy Semax for research in the EU?

There is no uniform EU-wide category for research peptides; the legal position depends on presentation, intended use, and the national law of the respective member state. We sell exclusively for laboratory research and not for human consumption. Please check the rules with your national competent authority and your institution, seek qualified legal advice if needed, and treat this as general information, not legal advice.

How fast is Semax delivered?

Shipping is from the EU with tracking, typically within one to four business days within the EU depending on destination. Current transit times, countries, and conditions are on our shipping page.

Buy Semax: ACTH Analogue for Neuroprotection Research

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. As a modified analogue of the ACTH(4-10) fragment, it has attracted considerable attention in neuroscience research, particularly through effects on BDNF expression and neuroprotective endpoints described in animal models.

Semaxcognitive

Brain-boosting nootropic peptide derived from ACTH. Increases BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), enhances focus, memory, and mental clarity. Widely used in Russian clinical practice for cognitive enhancement.

In Russia, Semax is registered as a pharmaceutical drug for cognitive disorders and stroke. Outside Russia, Semax holds no market authorization; the material offered here is intended exclusively for laboratory research.

What Is Semax?

Semax is a heptapeptide with the amino acid sequence:

Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro

It is an analogue of the adrenocorticotropin (ACTH)-(4-10) fragment; structurally, it consists of the ACTH(4-7) fragment (Met-Glu-His-Phe) plus the C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro. This Pro-Gly-Pro motif is associated with greater stability against enzymatic degradation than the native ACTH fragment.

What matters is what Semax does not do: despite its derivation from ACTH, Semax has no corticotropic activity and does not stimulate the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. This distinguishes it from ACTH and makes it particularly relevant to neuroscience research.

Why Is Semax Being Researched?

Key Studies

Dolotov et al. (2006, Brain Research, PMID 16996037): Semax, as an ACTH(4-10) analogue with cognitive effects, regulated the expression of BDNF and the TrkB receptor in the hippocampus in this rat study. A single dose increased BDNF protein levels by approximately 1.4-fold, accompanied by stronger TrkB phosphorylation.

Dolotov et al. (2006, Journal of Neurochemistry, PMID 16635254): This work showed that Semax binds specifically to cells in the rat basal forebrain and increases BDNF protein levels there. The findings support the hypothesis of an influence on neurotrophic signaling pathways in the animal model.

Medvedeva et al. (2014, BMC Genomics, PMID 24661604): A genome-wide transcriptional analysis showed that Semax affects the expression of immune- and vascular-system genes in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia.

Bashkatova et al. (2001, Brain Research, PMID 11245825): In a rat model of incomplete global ischemia, Semax was associated with reduced excess nitric oxide production in the cerebral cortex, a neuroprotective mechanism described preclinically.

Kolbaev et al. (2025, Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, PMID 41171324): This study examined the effect of Semax on intracellular calcium dynamics in rat neurons; the authors considered attenuation of ASIC-mediated calcium influx unlikely to be the primary mechanism.

Mechanisms of Action

Preclinical studies are examining several neurobiological signaling pathways:

BDNF/TrkB modulation: A central pathway under investigation. In rat models, Semax increased the expression of BDNF and its receptor TrkB in the hippocampus and other brain regions. BDNF is a neurotrophin associated with synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory.
NGF modulation: In animal models, Semax also affected the expression of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), another neurotrophin.
NO modulation: In rat ischemia models, Semax was associated with reduced excess nitric oxide production in the brain and with reported neurological endpoints.
Gene expression: Transcriptomic analyses in rat models showed that Semax affects numerous genes involved in inflammation, vascular function, and neuronal survival (Medvedeva et al. reported dozens of altered genes depending on the time point).
Monoamine modulation: Preclinical investigations point to an influence of Semax on dopaminergic and serotonergic systems. A link to attention or mood in humans is not established by this.

Quality Criteria When Buying

Semax is a heptapeptide that must be synthesized precisely:

HPLC purity: The purity value of the respective batch is stated on the batch certificate (see the CoA page). The correct sequence is critical, since even single amino acid substitutions can alter biological activity.
Mass spectrometry: Identity confirmation via molecular mass.
Batch certificate: A Janoshik lab report (submitted by the manufacturer) is available for every Semax batch, viewable on the CoA page.
Peptide content: Stated actual peptide content (net), not just gross weight including counter-ions and residual moisture.

Dosages in the Research Literature

Intranasal administration: In animal models, Semax was predominantly administered intranasally, the standard route in the Russian research literature. Typical intranasal dosages are around 50-250 µg/kg; higher dosages were used with parenteral administration.

Other routes of administration: In animal models, parenteral routes (including intraperitoneal) were also used; however, the published literature is dominated by the intranasal route.

Russian clinical experience: As a registered pharmaceutical, Semax is marketed in Russia as 0.1% and 1% nasal drops (registered since 1994), which is used in research as a dosing reference.

These figures are drawn from the published literature and do not constitute a dosing recommendation. No EU-approved treatment regimen exists for humans.

Storage

Semax is supplied as a lyophilized powder:

Before reconstitution: Store at -20 °C.
After reconstitution: Refrigerate at 2-8 °C. Without a batch-specific stability study, no fixed shelf life can be guaranteed; laboratory practice follows general discard conventions.
Reconstitution: Laboratory practice commonly uses bacteriostatic water; swirl gently, do not shake. This does not establish validated compatibility or stability with Semax; the protocol should specify a suitable, validated solvent.
Stability: The C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro fragment is associated with increased resistance to enzymatic degradation; repeated freeze-thaw cycles should nonetheless be avoided.

Why Buy Semax From PeptidesDirect?

Batch certificate: Janoshik lab report (submitted by the manufacturer) for every batch.
Available size: see the product card for current options and prices.
EU shipping: No customs duties or import fees for deliveries within the EU customs territory; delivery typically within one to four business days depending on destination, with tracking.
Research-grade quality: Purity per batch documented on the batch certificate.