Peptide · Research Monograph · Synthetic heptapeptide analog of ACTH(4-10)

Semax

Cognitive Function Studies

Semax is a seven amino acid peptide developed at a Russian research institute. Part of its sequence comes from ACTH, a hormone, and the rest is a short tail that keeps enzymes from breaking it down. Research in rodent models has measured BDNF, a protein involved in neuron growth, along with dopamine and serotonin activity. Despite the ACTH origin, it shows no stress hormone activity in testing.

For laboratory research use only - not for human or animal use

Available in the Eon catalog - Semax from $60.00 Certificate of analysis (PDF)

Molecular data

Molecular formulaC37H51N9O10S
Molecular weight813.93 Da
SequenceMet-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro
Sequence length7 residues
Physical formLyophilized Powder
Available sizes10mg

How it works

Neurotrophic

BDNF Modulation

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels up to 1.4-fold baseline have been measured in specific brain regions, alongside neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity endpoints.

  • BDNF expression up to 1.4× measured
  • Neuronal survival and growth measured
  • Synaptic plasticity measured
Neurotransmitter

Serotonin & Dopamine Modulation

Research demonstrates Semax modulates serotonergic and dopaminergic systems, influencing mood regulation, attention, and cognitive processing in preclinical models.

  • Modulates serotonin metabolism
  • Influences dopaminergic signaling
  • Affects noradrenergic pathways
Neuroprotective

Ischemic Models

In ischemic stroke models, infarct volume, inflammatory gene expression and neuronal survival under oxygen deprivation are the recorded endpoints.

  • Infarct volume measured in stroke models
  • Anti-inflammatory gene modulation
  • Neuronal oxidative stress markers measured

What the research shows

Cognitive

Memory & Learning

Cognitive function, memory consolidation and attention measures are recorded in animal models. The Russian pharmaceutical formulation has been approved there as a nootropic since 2011.

Neuroprotection

Cerebral Ischemia Models

Infarct volume and neuronal survival are measured in cerebral ischemia models. The Russian pharmaceutical formulation is used clinically there; that use does not extend to this research material.

Neurotrophic

BDNF & Neurotrophin Signalling

Neurotrophin and receptor expression are measured, alongside neuronal plasticity endpoints.

Anti-Inflammatory

Immune Modulation

Lower pro-inflammatory cytokines and altered oxidative stress-related gene expression are measured in hippocampal tissue.

Specification

Strength10mg
Molecular FormulaC37H51N9O10S
Molecular Weight813.93 g/mol
Purity>99% (HPLC)
FormLyophilized Powder
SequenceMet-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro
OriginSynthetic analog of ACTH(4-10)
TestingThird-party HPLC, Mass Spec, Endotoxin
Storage-20°C for up to 24 months
SolubilityWater-soluble
COAIncluded with every order
AppearanceWhite to off-white powder

Frequently asked questions

What is Semax and where does it come from?

Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from the first four amino acids of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH 4-10). It was developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the 1980s and has been approved in Russia as a prescription nootropic since 2011.

What has research shown about Semax?

Reported measures include BDNF levels up to 1.4-fold baseline, changes in serotonergic and dopaminergic systems, neuroprotective endpoints in ischemic stroke models, cognitive and memory measures in animal studies, and anti-inflammatory markers.

Is Semax FDA approved?

Semax is not approved by the FDA for any medical use in the United States. It is approved in Russia as a prescription medication for cognitive disorders and stroke recovery. In the US, it is available only as a research peptide for in vitro laboratory use.

How does Semax differ from N-Acetyl Semax?

N-Acetyl Semax (NASA) has an acetyl group added to the N-terminus, which raises stability and resistance to enzymatic degradation. Half-life is correspondingly longer than standard Semax.

How should Semax be stored?

Lyophilized Semax should be stored at -20°C for long-term stability (up to 24 months). Protect from heat and direct light.

For laboratory research use only. Not a drug, supplement, or medical product; not for human or animal use. All findings referenced are from published preclinical/laboratory research.