Semax

Overview

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from ACTH(4-10). It is registered as a drug in Russia (1994) for acute ischemic stroke, asthenic states, and optic nerve disease; it is not FDA-approved.

Mechanism of Action

Semax upregulates BDNF and NGF expression and activates the BDNF/TrkB pathway in the hippocampus, cortex, and basal forebrain. It retains melanocortin-receptor activity from its ACTH(4-10) core but lacks the steroidogenic C-terminus, so it does not stimulate cortisol release. Additional reported mechanisms include inhibition of enkephalin-degrading enzymes and modulation of dopaminergic and serotonergic tone.

Research Summary

Semax's evidence base is primarily Russian-language clinical literature. Gusev, Skvortsova and colleagues reported improved neurological recovery in acute hemispheric ischemic stroke when Semax was added to conventional therapy (Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr, 1997; PMID 11517472), and subsequent Russian studies extended use to cerebrovascular insufficiency (PMID 15792140). Preclinical work by Dolotov, Myasoedov and colleagues demonstrated that intranasal Semax rapidly elevates BDNF protein and TrkB activation in rat hippocampus and basal forebrain (Brain Res 2006, PMID 16996037; J Neurochem 2006, PMID 16635254). Genome-wide transcriptional analysis by Medvedeva et al. in rat focal ischemia showed Semax modulates a broad panel of immune-response and vascular-system genes (BMC Genomics 2014, PMID 24661604). Western evidence is limited; Semax has not been evaluated by the FDA and has no pivotal trials in the US or EU.

Vendors selling Semax

Scored vendors carrying Semax, ranked by trust grade. Grades are computed from indexed Certificates of Analysis. Full $/mg pricing is on the comparison page.

Prescribers who offer Semax

77 prescribers in our directory work with Semax, each confirmed from their own website. Peptides like Semax require a prescription from a licensed provider.

Reported Side Effects

• Nasal irritation (intranasal)
• Mild headache
• Transient blood pressure elevation (anecdotal)
• Limited long-term safety data outside Russian clinical use

Biomarkers researchers track for Semax

These biomarkers appear in the research literature as measures of response and safety for this compound.

Related Peptides

Compare Semax with Others

Research References

• Dolotov OV, et al. Semax, an analog of ACTH(4-10) with cognitive effects, regulates BDNF and trkB expression in the rat hippocampus. Brain Res. 2006;1117(1):54-60. (PMID 16996037)
• Dolotov OV, et al. Semax, an analogue of adrenocorticotropin (4-10), binds specifically and increases levels of BDNF protein in rat basal forebrain. J Neurochem. 2006. (PMID 16635254)
• Medvedeva EV, et al. The peptide semax affects the expression of genes related to the immune and vascular systems in rat brain focal ischemia: genome-wide transcriptional analysis. BMC Genomics. 2014;15:228. (PMID 24661604)
• Gusev EI, et al. Effectiveness of semax in acute period of hemispheric ischemic stroke. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 1997. (PMID 11517472)

Frequently asked questions

Has Semax been independently lab-tested?

Disclosed Labs has collected 88 Certificates of Analysis (COA) for Semax from 16 independent testing labs. 37 vendors have submitted material for testing. Products average 99.5% tested purity across the corpus. Full testing data is available at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/peptides/semax/testing.

What is the average purity of Semax on the market?

Based on 88 COAs analyzed by Disclosed Labs, Semax products average 99.5% (±0.5%) tested purity. Individual vendor results vary; see per-vendor COA data at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/peptides/semax/coas.

Which labs have tested Semax?

Independent labs that have tested Semax include: ILS Labs (Grade A), Ethos Analytics (Grade B). Full lab credibility grades and profiles are at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/labs.

Where can researchers source Semax?

8 vendors with Disclosed Labs trust grades currently list Semax, including Glacier Aminos, Ion Peptide, OROS Research. Compare live prices and lab-verified COAs at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/prices/semax.

Which prescribers offer Semax with a prescription?

77 prescribers in the Disclosed Labs directory work with Semax, each confirmed from their own website. Semax requires a prescription from a licensed provider. Browse them at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/prescribers?peptide=Semax.

How does Semax work?

Semax upregulates BDNF and NGF expression and activates the BDNF/TrkB pathway in the hippocampus, cortex, and basal forebrain. It retains melanocortin-receptor activity from its ACTH(4-10) core but lacks the steroidogenic C-terminus, so it does not stimulate cortisol release. Additional reported mechanisms include inhibition of enkephalin-degrading enzymes and modulation of dopaminergic and serotonergic tone.

What does the research say about Semax?

Semax's evidence base is primarily Russian-language clinical literature. Gusev, Skvortsova and colleagues reported improved neurological recovery in acute hemispheric ischemic stroke when Semax was added to conventional therapy (Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr, 1997; PMID 11517472), and subsequent Russian studies extended use to cerebrovascular insufficiency (PMID 15792140). Preclinical work by Dolotov, Myasoedov and colleagues demonstrated that intranasal Semax rapidly elevates BDNF protein and TrkB activation in rat hippocampus and basal forebrain (Brain Res 2006, PMID 16996037; J Neurochem 2006, PMID 16635254). Genome-wide transcriptional analysis by Medvedeva et al. in rat focal ischemia showed Semax modulates a broad panel of immune-response and vascular-system genes (BMC Genomics 2014, PMID 24661604). Western evidence is limited; Semax has not been evaluated by the FDA and has no pivotal trials in the US or EU.