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Emerging Research

Semax

Cognitive & Neurological · ['Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro', 'ACTH(4-7)-Pro-Gly-Pro', 'Semax heptapeptide']

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide analogue of a fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH 4-10), studied in Russia for nootropic and neuroprotective research applications.

🔬 Research use only — not for human or veterinary use. K4 Elite does not provide dosing instructions.
Molecular Formula
C37H51N9O10S
Molecular Weight
813.9 g/mol
PubChem
CID 9811102 ↗
Research Level
Emerging Research
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Semax chemical structure

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Its sequence is based on the ACTH(4-7) fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone, extended with a Pro-Gly-Pro sequence that increases stability against enzymatic degradation. Unlike ACTH itself, Semax lacks corticotropic (hormonal) activity while retaining effects on the nervous system.

Research on Semax, conducted largely in Russia, has focused on nootropic (cognitive-enhancing) and neuroprotective properties, including studies in models of ischemic stroke and cognitive performance. It has been described in the Russian literature as used in a clinical context for ischemic conditions and cognitive research.

Semax is not approved by the FDA or other Western regulatory agencies and remains an investigational compound outside the Russian research setting.

Proposed mechanisms from preclinical research include increased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), modulation of the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems, and antioxidant and neuroprotective effects in models of cerebral ischemia. Semax has also been reported to influence the expression of a broad set of genes associated with neuroplasticity and vascular function.

These proposed mechanisms are derived from animal and cell-culture studies and gene-expression analyses, and have not been established through Western-standard controlled clinical trials.

  • Neuroprotection in experimental cerebral ischemia and stroke models [1]
  • Nootropic effects on learning, attention, and memory in animal and human research [2]
  • Modulation of BDNF and NGF neurotrophic factor expression in the brain [3]
  • Effects on dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmitter systems [2]
  • Gene-expression changes related to neuroplasticity and inflammation [3]
📋 How published studies were conducted — a research reference summarizing study designs from the literature. This is not usage, dosing, or administration guidance. K4 Elite does not provide dosing instructions; determining any research protocol is the sole responsibility of the qualified researcher.

Gusev and colleagues studied Semax in the context of ischemic stroke research in Russia, reporting outcomes on neurological recovery in treated groups; measured outcomes included neurological status scales in the clinical study setting [1].

Shadrina and colleagues examined Semax in rodent models and reported upregulation of BDNF and related neurotrophic factor expression in brain tissue, using gene- and protein-expression measures as endpoints [3].

Preclinical behavioral studies summarized in reviews report that Semax influenced learning and memory performance in animal models, with maze and avoidance-task performance as the measured outcomes [2].

Combinations examined in the research literature. Descriptive only — not a recommendation to combine compounds.

BDNF / NGF neurotrophic signalingSynergistic
Animal studies report upregulation of neurotrophic factor expression in the brain.
Dopaminergic systemSynergistic
Preclinical studies report modulation of dopamine signaling associated with nootropic effects.
SelankCompatible
Another Russian-developed regulatory peptide studied in overlapping neuropsychological research contexts.
Antioxidant defense pathwaysCompatible
Neuroprotective research reports antioxidant-associated effects in ischemia models.
EnkephalinsNeutral
Some studies report effects on enkephalin-related systems; findings are preclinical and context-dependent.
  1. Gusev EI et al., Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr 1997/2005 (Semax ischemic stroke)
  2. Dolotov OV et al., neuroscience studies (Semax nootropic)
  3. Shadrina M et al., neurotrophic gene expression (Semax BDNF/NGF)
  4. PubChem: Semax (CID 9811102)
What is Semax?
Semax is a synthetic seven-amino-acid peptide developed in Russia, based on a fragment of the hormone ACTH but without its hormonal activity. It has been studied for cognitive and neuroprotective research applications.
What research areas involve Semax?
Studies have examined neuroprotection in stroke models, nootropic effects on learning and memory, and modulation of BDNF and NGF, primarily in animal models and some Russian clinical research.
Is Semax an approved drug?
It has been used in a research and clinical context in Russia, but it is not approved by the FDA or other Western regulatory agencies.
How is Semax different from Selank?
Both are Russian-developed synthetic peptides studied in neuropsychological research, but Semax is derived from ACTH and studied more for cognition and neuroprotection, while Selank derives from tuftsin and is studied more for anxiety.
Is this product intended for human use?
No. This material is supplied strictly for laboratory and research use only. It is not a drug or supplement and is not intended for human or veterinary consumption or administration.
Disclaimer: This profile summarizes published preclinical and laboratory research for reference only. It is not medical advice and makes no claim of safety or efficacy in humans. Determining any research protocol is the sole responsibility of the qualified researcher. Products are sold strictly for in-vitro research and have not been evaluated by the FDA.