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Semax

Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro · ACTH(4-7)PGP

Nootropic & CNSPreclinical
From$1.94/mgCompare prices
MW
813.9g/mol
Formula
C37H51N9O10S

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) fragment, specifically comprising the sequence Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro. Researchers primarily study Semax for its neuroprotective and nootropic properties, particularly in the context of neurological conditions such as spinal cord injury and Alzheimer's disease. Key findings indicate that Semax promotes functional recovery following spinal cord injury by modulating pathways related to ubiquitination and immune response, while also reducing amyloid aggregation in models of Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, studies suggest that Semax enhances the expression of genes associated with immune and vascular systems during ischemic events. Current research is ongoing, with a focus on elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying its effects and exploring its potential applications in clinical settings.

Chemical Profile

Chemical Profile

Chemical structure
Chemical Structure
FormulaC37H51N9O10S
Molecular Weight813.9 g/mol
CAS Number80714-61-0
PubChem CID9811102

Half-Life

INIntranasal

~15 minutes

POOral

Poor bioavailability

Intranasal administration is preferred due to rapid absorption and onset of action.

Mechanism

Mechanism of Action

Semax primarily targets the μ-opioid receptor, promoting deubiquitination via the ubiquitin-specific protease USP18, which enhances neuronal survival and functional recovery following spinal cord injury. It also modulates gene expression related to the immune and vascular systems, influencing pathways such as the immune response and angiogenesis during ischemic conditions. Additionally, Semax exhibits neuroprotective properties by preventing amyloid beta aggregation through its interaction with copper ions, although the complete mechanism of action remains partially understood.

Research

59 Research Publications

685

Total Citations

6

Human/RCT

1.3

Avg. Influence

2025

Latest

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#01

Semax and Pro-Gly-Pro activate the transcription of neurotrophins and their receptor genes after cerebral ischemia.

Dmitrieva Veronika G, et al. · Cellular and molecular neurobiology · 2010

AnimalInfluence1.0
52
Researchers observed that both Semax and its C-terminal peptide PGP activated the transcription of neurotrophins and their receptors in rat brains after cerebral ischemia.

Key findings

  1. 01Semax and PGP both increased the expression of neurotrophins and their receptors in the brains of rats after a stroke.
  2. 02Semax specifically enhanced the production of certain neurotrophins at different time points following the stroke.
  3. 03PGP's effects were less specific compared to Semax, indicating different mechanisms of action.
60 nmol/kg of body weight (BW)intraperitoneal(male adult Sprague-Dawley rats)chronic50 and 250 microg/kg bodyweightintranasal(rat)not mentioned5, 50, 150, and 450 μg/kgintraperitoneal(Wistar male rats)not mentioned10 and 100 µMnot mentioned(dorsal root ganglion and dorsal horn neurons)12 days in vitro
PubMed
#02

Semax, an analog of ACTH(4-10) with cognitive effects, regulates BDNF and trkB expression in the rat hippocampus.

Dolotov Oleg V, et al. · Brain research · 2006

Animal
46
The study demonstrated that Semax increased BDNF and trkB expression in the rat hippocampus, correlating with improved cognitive functions.

Key findings

  1. 01Researchers observed a 1.4-fold increase in BDNF protein levels in the hippocampus after Semax treatment.
  2. 02There was a 1.6-fold increase in trkB protein activation levels following Semax application.
  3. 03Semax-treated rats demonstrated enhanced learning behaviors, indicated by increased conditioned avoidance reactions.
PubMed
#03

Effects of semax and its Pro-Gly-Pro fragment on calcium homeostasis of neurons and their survival under conditions of glutamate toxicity.

In VitroInfluence3.0
35
The study demonstrated that Semax and its Pro-Gly-Pro fragment improved neuronal survival by 30% and delayed calcium dysregulation under glutamate toxicity in cultured cerebellar granule cells.
60 nmol/kg of body weight (BW)intraperitoneal(male adult Sprague-Dawley rats)chronic50 and 250 microg/kg bodyweightintranasal(rat)not mentioned5, 50, 150, and 450 μg/kgintraperitoneal(Wistar male rats)not mentioned10 and 100 µMnot mentioned(dorsal root ganglion and dorsal horn neurons)12 days in vitro
PubMed
#04

The effect of Semax and its C-end peptide PGP on the morphology and proliferative activity of rat brain cells during experimental ischemia: a pilot study.

Animal
29
The study demonstrated that Semax increased the proliferation of neuroglia and endothelial cells in the rat brain during ischemia, while also reducing ischemic damage.
60 nmol/kg of body weight (BW)intraperitoneal(male adult Sprague-Dawley rats)chronic50 and 250 microg/kg bodyweightintranasal(rat)not mentioned5, 50, 150, and 450 μg/kgintraperitoneal(Wistar male rats)not mentioned10 and 100 µMnot mentioned(dorsal root ganglion and dorsal horn neurons)12 days in vitro
PubMed
#05

The peptide semax affects the expression of genes related to the immune and vascular systems in rat brain focal ischemia: genome-wide transcriptional analysis.

Animal
28
Researchers observed that Semax significantly altered the expression of immune-related genes in the rat brain following focal ischemia, indicating its immunomodulatory effects.
60 nmol/kg of body weight (BW)intraperitoneal(male adult Sprague-Dawley rats)chronic50 and 250 microg/kg bodyweightintranasal(rat)not mentioned5, 50, 150, and 450 μg/kgintraperitoneal(Wistar male rats)not mentioned10 and 100 µMnot mentioned(dorsal root ganglion and dorsal horn neurons)12 days in vitro
PubMed
#06

[A nootropic adrenocorticotropin analog 4-10-semax (l5 years experience in its design and study)].

HumanInfluence1.0
24
The study demonstrated that semax enhances memory and attention in humans under extreme conditions and shows no negative side effects, indicating its potential for broader medical applications.
5, 50, 150, and 450 μg/kgintraperitoneal(Wistar male rats)12-15 min before modeling restraint stress60 nmol/kg of body weight (BW)intraperitoneal(male adult Sprague-Dawley rats)daily6000 mcg/daynot specified(patients after ischemic stroke)2 courses for 10 days with 20 day interval0.05 mg/kgnot specified(mice)single administration75 and 0.1 mg/kg per daynot specified(mice)preventive course administration for 6 days50 and 250 microg/kg bodyweightintranasal(rat)not specified
PubMed
#07

Novel Insights into the Protective Properties of ACTH(4-7)PGP (Semax) Peptide at the Transcriptome Level Following Cerebral Ischaemia-Reperfusion in Rats.

Animal
24
Researchers observed that Semax suppressed inflammatory gene expression and activated neurotransmission-related genes in a rat model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, indicating its neuroprotective properties.
60 nmol/kg of body weight (BW)intraperitoneal(male adult Sprague-Dawley rats)chronic50 and 250 microg/kg bodyweightintranasal(rat)not mentioned5, 50, 150, and 450 μg/kgintraperitoneal(Wistar male rats)not mentioned10 and 100 µMnot mentioned(dorsal root ganglion and dorsal horn neurons)12 days in vitro
PubMed
#08

Semax, an analogue of adrenocorticotropin (4-10), binds specifically and increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor protein in rat basal forebrain.

Animal
23
The study demonstrated that Semax specifically binds to receptors in the rat basal forebrain, leading to increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor protein after intranasal application.
60 nmol/kg of body weight (BW)intraperitoneal(male adult Sprague-Dawley rats)chronic50 and 250 microg/kg bodyweightintranasal(rat)not mentioned5, 50, 150, and 450 μg/kgintraperitoneal(Wistar male rats)not mentioned10 and 100 µMnot mentioned(dorsal root ganglion and dorsal horn neurons)12 days in vitro
PubMed
#09

Semax, an ACTH(4-10) analogue with nootropic properties, activates dopaminergic and serotoninergic brain systems in rodents.

Eremin Kirill O, et al. · Neurochemical research · 2005

Animal
23
Researchers observed that Semax enhances serotonergic activity and dopamine release in rodents, indicating its positive modulatory effects on these neurotransmitter systems.

Key findings

  1. 01Semax significantly increased the levels of a serotonin marker in the brain.
  2. 02The peptide enhanced the effects of D-amphetamine on dopamine levels.
  3. 03Semax also boosted locomotor activity in the rodents when combined with D-amphetamine.
60 nmol/kg of body weight (BW)intraperitoneal(male adult Sprague-Dawley rats)chronic50 and 250 microg/kg bodyweightintranasal(rat)not mentioned5, 50, 150, and 450 μg/kgintraperitoneal(Wistar male rats)not mentioned10 and 100 µMnot mentioned(dorsal root ganglion and dorsal horn neurons)12 days in vitro
PubMed
#10

Comparison of the temporary dynamics of NGF and BDNF gene expression in rat hippocampus, frontal cortex, and retina under Semax action.

Animal
20
The study demonstrated that Semax administration results in differential gene expression of neurotrophins NGF and BDNF in various brain regions of rats over time.
60 nmol/kg of body weight (BW)intraperitoneal(male adult Sprague-Dawley rats)chronic50 and 250 microg/kg bodyweightintranasal(rat)not mentioned5, 50, 150, and 450 μg/kgintraperitoneal(Wistar male rats)not mentioned10 and 100 µMnot mentioned(dorsal root ganglion and dorsal horn neurons)12 days in vitro
PubMed
Safety

Safety & Handling

Research Gaps

No randomized controlled human trials have been conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of Semax in treating spinal cord injuries or Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, the long-term effects of Semax on cognitive function and immune response modulation remain unclear, as well as the specific molecular mechanisms underlying its neuroprotective properties in human subjects.

Solubility

Semax is soluble in water and saline solutions.

Storage & Handling

Lyophilized

Stable for 2+ years at -20°C, 12 months at 4°C

Reconstituted

Use within 14 days when refrigerated at 4°C

Avoid

Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, direct light

Solvent

Bacteriostatic water or sterile saline recommended

Safety information is derived from published research and may not reflect all known risks. This is not medical advice.

Legal Status

Legal Status

🇩🇪DE

Not approved as a medicinal product. Not a controlled substance. Sale as research chemical is a legal grey area.

🇺🇸US

Not approved by the FDA. Not scheduled by the DEA.

🇦🇺AU

Data limited

🇬🇧UK

Data limited

Legal status information is provided for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulatory changes. Always verify with official government sources before making any decisions.

Community Insights

Community Insights

Publications per Year

47 total
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Pricing

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Legal Disclaimer

This page is for informational and research purposes only. All information is based on published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Many substances listed may not be approved for human use and may be subject to drug regulation laws (e.g., AMG in Germany, FDA in the US). PepStack does not encourage the use of any substance on humans. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. Use of this information is entirely at your own risk. PepStack assumes no liability for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content provided. Full disclaimer