Semax is a synthetic ACTH(4-7) heptapeptide analog approved in Russia for stroke and cognitive disorders — studied in preclinical models for BDNF upregulation, neuroprotection, and hippocampal plasticity.
Product definition
What is Semax?
Semax is a synthetic ACTH(4-7) heptapeptide analog approved in Russia for stroke and cognitive disorders — studied in preclinical models for BDNF upregulation, neuroprotection, and hippocampal plasticity.
Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) was developed by V.V. Mjasoedov's group at the Institute of Molecular Genetics (Russian Academy of Sciences) as a stable analog of the ACTH(4-10) sequence — the biologically active core of ACTH for cognitive and neuroprotective effects, without the ACTH sequence's endocrine activity at the HPA axis. The Pro-Gly-Pro extension was added to improve metabolic stability and CNS penetration.
The compound is approved in Russia as a nasal spray formulation for ischemic stroke and peripheral vascular disease, and in Ukraine for various cognitive indications. This regulatory approval was based on clinical trial data generated within the Soviet/Russian clinical research system, providing human pharmacokinetic characterization and efficacy context that most nootropic peptides lack.
The BDNF upregulation mechanism has drawn increasing Western academic interest: BDNF is recognized as one of the most important regulators of synaptic plasticity, learning, memory, and neuronal health across aging and neurological disease. Compounds that reliably upregulate BDNF in the central nervous system via a non-exercise, non-antidepressant mechanism are relevant to a broad range of neuroscience research programs.
Research context
How is Semax described in the research literature?
Semax upregulates BDNF, NGF, and VEGF in hippocampal and cortical tissue in rodent models, promoting synaptic plasticity and neuronal survival. In stroke models, it reduces infarct volume and improves functional recovery versus controls. Regulatory approval in Russia/Ukraine for stroke treatment provides clinical validation unusual for a nootropic peptide.
Compound profile
Key facts about Semax
- Class
- Synthetic ACTH(4-7) heptapeptide analog with Pro-Gly-Pro extension
- Sequence
- Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro
- Molecular weight
- ~813 Da
- CAS
- 80714-61-0
- Clinical status
- Approved in Russia and Ukraine for stroke and cognitive disorders
- Primary mechanism
- BDNF, NGF, VEGF upregulation in CNS tissue
- Research category
- Neuroprotection, BDNF pharmacology, cognitive function, stroke research
- Storage
- Lyophilized: −20°C. Reconstituted: 2–8°C, use within 14 days
Research areas
What research areas is Semax associated with?
- Approved in Russia/Ukraine for stroke and cognitive disorders — regulatory validation unusual for nootropic research peptides
- BDNF upregulation in hippocampal and cortical tissue documented in multiple rodent studies
- Reduces infarct volume and improves functional recovery in rodent stroke models — neuroprotective preclinical evidence
- ACTH(4-7) origin with Pro-Gly-Pro extension — metabolically stable, HPA axis-inactive neuropeptide
- NGF and VEGF co-upregulation alongside BDNF — broad neurotrophic factor promotion profile
- Growing Western research interest in BDNF pharmacology and cognitive function mechanisms supports active literature expansion
Research audience
Who researches Semax?
Semax is used by researchers studying BDNF pharmacology, neuroprotection, ischemia-reperfusion injury, hippocampal neuroplasticity, cognitive function mechanisms, and the neurotrophic factor axis in aging and neurological disease models.
Preclinical research overview
What does the preclinical literature say about Semax?
Semax was developed as part of the Soviet/Russian effort to derive pharmacologically active compounds from endogenous neuropeptides without their full hormonal activity. The ACTH(4-7) core sequence had been characterized as providing cognitive effects independent of ACTH's adrenocortical function, and synthetic analogs were developed to isolate these neurological effects. Semax's Pro-Gly-Pro extension was found to improve stability and CNS bioavailability relative to the shorter ACTH fragment analogs.
The clinical Russian research established Semax's utility in post-stroke recovery and cognitive disorder contexts, driving regulatory approval. Western academic interest has grown as the BDNF hypothesis in neuroplasticity and cognitive function has become central to neuroscience research — BDNF deficiency is implicated in major depression, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's, and chronic stress-induced cognitive decline.
Recent Western research publications on Semax have examined its effects in animal models of anxiety, PTSD, chronic stress, and cognitive aging — extending the research applications beyond the original stroke/ischemia context. These studies leverage Semax's BDNF-upregulating mechanism as a pharmacological tool for interrogating the neurotrophic factor axis in various neurological and psychiatric disease models.
Common questions
Frequently asked about Semax
How does Semax compare to Selank mechanistically?
Both are CNS-active peptides developed at Russian research institutes with clinical approval in Russia, but they have distinct mechanisms and primary applications. Semax's primary mechanism is BDNF/NGF upregulation — relevant to neuroprotection, neuroplasticity, and cognitive function. Selank's primary mechanism involves GABAergic modulation and anxiolytic activity — relevant to anxiety, stress, and mood regulation. Both also modulate immune parameters, but through different pathways. They are mechanistically complementary rather than redundant.
Is Semax's Russian approval relevant to Western research?
Russian drug approval involves clinical trial requirements analogous to Western Phase I/II requirements, but with different specific standards. The approval provides evidence that human pharmacokinetic data was generated and a safety profile was established. Western researchers should interpret the Russian approval as clinical context rather than direct FDA-equivalent validation — it supports the human relevance of the preclinical mechanism but does not substitute for Western regulatory review.
What formulation of Semax is available for research?
Semax is available as a lyophilized peptide for research reconstitution. The approved Russian formulation is a nasal spray at specific concentrations; the lyophilized research form allows investigators to prepare solutions at concentrations appropriate for their specific research design. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water, store at 2–8°C, and use within 14 days.
Research Use Only
Sold for laboratory and research purposes only. Not approved for, nor intended for, human or veterinary consumption, diagnostic use, or therapeutic application. These products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Keep out of reach of children. For use by qualified researchers only.
Nothing on this page constitutes medical advice, a treatment recommendation, or a clinical protocol. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any health or treatment decisions.
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