Buy Semax: Neuroprotective ACTH Analogue for 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 fragment (4-10), it has attracted considerable attention in neuroscience research - particularly through its ability to increase the expression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and to demonstrate neuroprotective effects in various 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 for cognitive disorders and stroke. Internationally, it is used exclusively as a research peptide.

What Is Semax?

Semax is a heptapeptide with the amino acid sequence:

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

It is a synthetic analogue of the adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) fragment (4-10), extended by the C-terminal tripeptide Pro-Gly-Pro. This extension confers significantly greater stability against enzymatic degradation compared to the native ACTH fragment and considerably extends the biological half-life.

Crucially, what Semax does not do: despite its derivation from ACTH, Semax possesses no steroidogenic activity - it affects neither cortisol nor aldosterone production. This fundamentally distinguishes it from ACTH and makes it particularly interesting for neuroscience research.

Why Is Semax Being Researched?

Key Studies

Dolotov et al. (2006, Neuroscience Letters): Semax, as an ACTH(4-10) analogue with cognitive effects, regulates the expression of BDNF and the TrkB receptor in the rat hippocampus. The study showed that intranasally administered Semax significantly increases BDNF expression in the hippocampus while simultaneously increasing the number of conditioned avoidance responses - an indicator of improved learning performance.

Dolotov et al. (2006, Journal of Neuroscience Research): This work demonstrated that Semax specifically binds to cells in the rat basal forebrain and increases BDNF protein levels there. The authors described Semax as a peptide with "pronounced neuroprotective effects" and significant influence on learning and memory formation.

Filippenkov et al. (2014, BMC Genomics): A genome-wide transcription analysis showed that Semax influences the expression of genes involved in immune and vascular systems during focal cerebral ischaemia. The study provided insight into the broad genomic response to Semax treatment.

Bashkatova et al. (2001, Brain Research Bulletin): Semax prevents excessive nitric oxide production in the cerebral cortex during incomplete global ischaemia - a mechanism contributing to neuroprotection.

Eremin et al. (2025, Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine): A recent study examined the effect of Semax on intracellular calcium dynamics in rat neurons and provided new insights into the primary neuroprotective mechanism of action.

Mechanisms of Action

Semax exerts its effects through multiple neurobiological signalling pathways:

BDNF/TrkB modulation: The central mechanism of action. Semax increases the expression of BDNF and its receptor TrkB in the hippocampus and other brain regions. BDNF is the most important neurotrophin for synaptic plasticity, learning and memory.
NGF upregulation: In addition to BDNF, Semax also influences the expression of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), another neurotrophin with neuroprotective function.
NO modulation: Semax regulates nitric oxide production in the brain, thereby protecting against excitotoxic damage during ischaemia.
Gene expression: Genome-wide analyses show that Semax influences hundreds of genes involved in inflammation, vascular function and neuronal survival.
Monoamine modulation: There is evidence that Semax affects dopaminergic and serotonergic systems, which could explain its effects on attention and mood.

Quality Criteria When Purchasing

Semax is a heptapeptide that must be precisely synthesised:

HPLC purity ≥98 %: The standard for research-grade quality. The correct sequence is essential, as even single amino acid substitutions can alter biological activity.
Mass spectrometry: Identity confirmation of the exact molecular mass.
Janoshik verification: Every batch of Semax at PeptidesDirect is independently tested by Janoshik Analytical.
Peptide content: Statement of actual peptide content (net), not just gross weight including counterions and residual moisture.

Dosages in the Research Literature

Intranasal administration: In animal models, Semax was predominantly administered intranasally - the standard route in Russian research. Typical dosages range from 50-600 ug/kg.

Subcutaneous protocols: Alternative research protocols use subcutaneous injections with comparable dosages.

Russian clinical experience: As a registered pharmaceutical, Semax is available in Russia as a 0.1% and 1% nasal spray, which can serve as a dosage reference for research.

These figures are taken from published literature and do not constitute dosage recommendations.

Storage

Semax is supplied as a lyophilised powder:

Before reconstitution: Store at -20 °C. Stable for months.
After reconstitution: Refrigerate at 2-8 °C. Use within 2-4 weeks.
Reconstitution: Perform with bacteriostatic water. Swirl gently, do not shake.
Stability: Semax is more stable than the native ACTH(4-10) fragment due to the C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro extension, but freeze-thaw cycles should still be avoided.

Why Buy Semax from PeptidesDirect?

Janoshik-verified: Independent analytics for every batch.
Two sizes: 10 mg (EUR29.99) and 30 mg (EUR69.99) for different research needs.
EU shipping: No customs, no import fees. Delivery in 2-3 business days with tracking.
Research-grade quality: ≥98 % purity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Semax used for? In international research, exclusively for in vitro and preclinical studies. In Russia, Semax is approved as a pharmaceutical for cognitive disorders and cerebrovascular diseases.

What distinguishes Semax from ACTH? Semax is a modified fragment of ACTH (amino acids 4-10), extended by Pro-Gly-Pro. It possesses no steroidogenic activity - it does not affect the adrenal glands and produces no cortisol. Its effects are purely neurotrophic and neuroprotective.

How does Semax compare to Selank? Semax and Selank were developed at the same institute but work through different mechanisms. Semax is primarily nootropic (BDNF modulation, cognitive enhancement), while Selank is primarily anxiolytic (GABA modulation, anxiety reduction). In research, both peptides are frequently studied as complementary agents.

Are there human studies on Semax? Yes, clinical studies and long-standing clinical experience exist in Russia. Internationally, the data are more limited, but human studies on functional connectivity and cognitive effects in healthy subjects have been published.

Is Semax a nootropic? In research, Semax is classified as nootropic due to its BDNF-enhancing and cognition-promoting effects in animal models. As a research peptide, however, it is not an approved dietary supplement or medication outside Russia.

Semaxcognitive