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Semax

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

Nootropic & CNSPreclinical

MW: 813.9g/mol
Formula: C37H51N9O10S

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) fragment, classified as a neuroprotective agent. Researchers primarily study Semax for its potential cognitive-enhancing and neuroprotective effects, particularly in conditions such as spinal cord injury and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Key findings from recent studies indicate that Semax promotes functional recovery after spinal cord injury by targeting specific molecular pathways, including the μ-opioid receptor, and enhances cognitive functions while reducing amyloid inclusions in animal models of Alzheimer's disease. Current research is focused on elucidating the mechanisms underlying these effects and exploring its applications in gerontology and orthopaedics, although clinical trials remain limited.

Chemical Profile

Chemical Structure

Formula	C37H51N9O10S
Molecular Weight	813.9 g/mol
CAS Number	80714-61-0
PubChem CID	9811102

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, influencing the ubiquitin-specific protease USP18, which regulates deubiquitination processes critical for neuronal survival and functional recovery post-injury. It enhances neuroprotection and cognitive function through modulation of neuroplasticity pathways, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling and the MAPK pathway, while also reducing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Although the complete mechanism of action is not fully understood, its effects on lysosomal membrane permeabilization and neuronal cell death suggest a multifaceted role in neuroprotection and recovery.

Research

70 Research Publications

741

Total Citations

Human/RCT

1.2

Avg. Influence

2025

Latest

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01Top

#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

The study demonstrated that both Semax and Pro-Gly-Pro activate the transcription of neurotrophins and their receptors in the cortex of rats after cerebral ischemia.

Key findings

01Semax and PGP both increased the expression of neurotrophins and their receptors in the brains of rats after a stroke.
02Semax specifically enhanced the production of certain neurotrophins at different time points following the stroke.
03PGP's effects were less specific compared to Semax, indicating different mechanisms of action.

6000 mcg/daynot mentioned(human)10 days12 mgnot mentioned(human)5 to 10 days18 mgnot mentioned(human)5 to 10 days100 mcg/kg/dayintraperitoneal(rat)20 days50 microg/kg bodyweightintranasal(rat)not mentioned250 microg/kg bodyweightintranasal(rat)not mentioned

PubMed

02Top

#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

Researchers observed that semax administration increases BDNF protein levels and trkB expression in the rat hippocampus, correlating with enhanced cognitive functions.

Key findings

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

5, 50, 150, and 450 μg/kgintraperitoneal(Wistar male rats)12-15 min before modeling restraint stress0.05 mg/kgintraperitoneal(rats)not mentioned5, 15, 50, 150, and 450 μg/kgintraperitoneal(rats)not mentioned6000 mcg/daynot mentioned(patients)for 10 days with 20 day interval16, 40, and 400 pgintracerebroventricular(rats)not mentioned

PubMed

03Top

#03

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

AnimalInfluence3.0

Researchers observed that Semax and its Pro-Gly-Pro fragment improved neuronal survival by approximately 30% and delayed calcium dysregulation in cultured cerebellar granule cells under glutamate toxicity conditions.

6000 mcg/daynot specified(human)10 days5, 50, 150, and 450 μg/kgintraperitoneal(rat)not specified50 and 250 microg/kg bodyweightintranasal(rat)not specified

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

The study demonstrated that Semax increased proliferation of neuroglia and endothelial cells in rat brains during experimental ischemia, while mitigating ischemic damage.

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

The study demonstrated that Semax significantly altered the expression of immune and vascular system-related genes in rat brain tissues following focal ischemia.

PubMed

#06

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

Animal

The study demonstrated that Semax administration in rats after ischemia-reperfusion suppressed inflammatory gene expression and activated neurotransmission-related gene expression, indicating its neuroprotective properties.

50 and 250 microg/kg bodyweightintranasal(rat)not mentioned10 and 100 µMnot mentioned(not mentioned)not mentioned1 μMnot mentioned(rat)not mentioned

PubMed

#07

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

HumanInfluence1.0

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

#08

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

Animal

The study demonstrated that intranasal Semax administration increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in the rat basal forebrain, suggesting a mechanism for its cognitive effects.

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

Researchers observed that Semax activated dopaminergic and serotonergic systems in rodents, enhancing striatal serotonin levels and dopamine release.

Key findings

01Semax significantly increased the levels of a serotonin marker in the brain.
02The peptide enhanced the effects of D-amphetamine on dopamine levels.
03Semax also boosted locomotor activity in the rodents when combined with D-amphetamine.

PubMed

#10

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

Animal

Researchers observed multidirectional changes in NGF and BDNF gene expression in the rat hippocampus, frontal cortex, and retina following Semax administration, indicating its regulatory influence on neurotrophin levels.

PubMed

Safety

Safety & Handling

Research Gaps

No randomized controlled human trials have been conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of Semax in various clinical settings, including Alzheimer's disease and spinal cord injury. Additionally, the long-term effects of Semax treatment remain unknown, and the precise molecular mechanisms underlying its neuroprotective properties, particularly in relation to the μ-opioid receptor and ubiquitination pathways, require further elucidation.

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

🇩🇪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

Publications per Year

49 total

Pricing

Price Comparison

BESTBiolab ShopUS
50mg
$61.07
Price/mg
$1.22/mg
View
Peptide ProsUS
30mg
$58.25
Price/mg
$1.94/mg
View
PeptiLab USAUS
10mg
$20.99
Price/mg
$2.10/mg
View
Platinum LionUS
30mg
$69.99
Price/mg
$2.33/mg
View
Alpha PeptidesUS
10mg
$23.48
$21.13
Price/mg
$2.35$2.12/mg
View−10% · PEPSTACK10

Vendor	Amount	Price	Price/mg	Link
BESTBiolab ShopUS	50mg	$61.07	$1.22/mg	View
Peptide ProsUS	30mg	$58.25	$1.94/mg	View
PeptiLab USAUS	10mg	$20.99	$2.10/mg	View
Platinum LionUS	30mg	$69.99	$2.33/mg	View
Alpha PeptidesUS	10mg	$23.48$21.13	$2.35$2.12/mg	View−10% · PEPSTACK10

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Mechanism

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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