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FDA-approvedVendors pendingFacts verified · 2026-05-25

Semax

Also known as acth(4–10) analog · Wikipedia

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of the ACTH(4-10) fragment, developed at the Russian Academy of Sciences (Institute of Molecular Genetics, Ashmarin group) and approved in Russia for ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, and cognitive disorders. Outside Russia it has no regulatory approval and is handled as a research chemical, most often used intranasally for putative nootropic, neurotrophic, and neuroprotective effects. Mechanistically it upregulates BDNF and NGF, modulates monoaminergic systems, and inhibits enkephalin-degrading enzymes, without the corticotropic activity of the parent ACTH peptide. Also known as ACTH(4-10) analog.

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Mechanism of action

Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a heptapeptide analog of ACTH(4-10) that lacks melanocortin/corticotropic activity. After intranasal dosing it rapidly increases BDNF protein in the basal forebrain and induces transcription of BDNF, NGF, and their receptors in hippocampus and cortex (https://pubmed.

Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a heptapeptide analog of ACTH(4-10) that lacks melanocortin/corticotropic activity. After intranasal dosing it rapidly increases BDNF protein in the basal forebrain and induces transcription of BDNF, NGF, and their receptors in hippocampus and cortex (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16635254/ ; https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11498467/). It activates dopaminergic and serotonergic signaling (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16362768/) and inhibits enkephalin-degrading enzymes, prolonging endogenous opioid tone. The parent peptide is metabolized within minutes to the active C-terminal tripeptide Pro-Gly-Pro (PGP), which accumulates in brain tissue and is independently bioactive, helping explain the sustained CNS effects despite very short plasma half-life.

Pharmacokinetic properties

Half-life

Parent peptide ~2-5 minutes plasma; active PGP metabolite substantially longer in brain tissue

Routes

intranasal · subcutaneous

Bioavailability

Intranasal is the standard route; bypasses first-pass metabolism and provides direct nose-to-brain transport. Onset of CNS effects within minutes; behavioral effects can persist 20-24 hours despite short plasma half-life.

Amino-acid sequence

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

Use & research dosing

FocusMemoryMood Support

Russian-approved intranasal formulations include 0.1% solution (1,000 mcg/mL, ~50 mcg per drop) for cognitive and asthenic indications and 1% solution (9,000-18,000 mcg/day) for acute ischemic stroke. In published research and self-experimentation reports, intranasal totals of 300-1,500 mcg/day split across 2-3 doses are most commonly described, typically as 10-14 day courses. Not approved in the US/EU and has no validated clinical dose in those jurisdictions; research framing only.

Research-use framing only. SavePeptides sells nothing for human consumption. Doses above reflect reported research / self-experimentation ranges, not clinical recommendations.

Editorial perspective

Semax was developed by the Ashmarin group at the Russian Academy of Sciences (Institute of Molecular Genetics) in the 1980s-90s and remains on Russia's Vital and Essential Drugs List for cerebrovascular and cognitive indications. Nearly all efficacy data is Russian-language; Western randomized controlled trials are sparse. Often discussed alongside Selank (same institute, different mechanism). Most user protocols rely on Russian-approved intranasal formulations rather than reconstituted research powder.

— SavePeptides editorial desk · last updated 2026-05-25

Cautions & contraindications

Before researching this compound, note:

  • Not FDA- or EMA-approved; research chemical outside Russia with no Western pharmacopeial oversight
  • Pregnancy and lactation safety not established; avoid
  • Theoretical interactions with antidepressants, dopaminergics, and opioid-modulating drugs
  • Use with caution in untreated psychiatric conditions (mania, psychosis) given monoaminergic effects
  • Sterility, identity, and purity of research-grade intranasal solutions vary widely between vendors
  • Active or prior CNS malignancy: theoretical concern given neurotrophic upregulation
  • Pediatric use outside Russian product labels is not supported by Western evidence

Research foundation

The papers behind the page.

  1. [01]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16996037/
  2. [02]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16635254/
  3. [03]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16362768/
  4. [04]https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11498467/
  5. [05]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11517472/

Facts verified

2026-05-25

Confidence

medium

What this means

  • evidence base is primarily Russian-language; limited Western RCT replication

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