Semax
Also known as: ACTH 4-10 analog · Heptapeptide Semax
Contents
MW
813.93 Da
Amino Acids
7 AA
Half-Life
3-5 minutes (rapid CNS uptake)
Route
Intranasal, SubQ
CAS
80714-61-0
Formula
C37H51N9O10S
Amino Acid Sequence
Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro
Mechanism of Action
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of ACTH fragment 4-7 (Met-Glu-His-Phe) with Pro-Gly-Pro C-terminal extension. Despite being derived from ACTH, Semax does NOT activate the adrenal cortex — no cortisol elevation. The nootropic active region (positions 4-7) is distinct from the adrenal-stimulating region (positions 1-3).
BDNF/NGF UPREGULATION: Potently upregulates BDNF and NGF expression in hippocampus and cortex → enhanced neuroplasticity, learning, memory consolidation, and neuroprotection.
DOPAMINE/SEROTONIN MODULATION: Modulates dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission, increasing attention, focus, and information processing speed without stimulant side effects.
NEUROPROTECTION: In ischemic stroke models, Semax reduces infarct volume by activating anti-apoptotic pathways and enhancing cerebral blood flow. This is the basis for its Russian approval in stroke recovery.
Approved in Russia and Ukraine for cognitive enhancement and stroke recovery. One of the most widely prescribed nootropic peptides in the former Soviet countries.
Dosing Protocol
Low Dose
███ – ███ mcg/day
Standard Dose
███ mcg/day
High Dose
███ – ███ mcg/day
Dosing protocols are for paid members
Get exact dosing ranges, injection frequency, timing rationale, and reconstitution math.
Get Clinical Access — $79/moFrequency
2–3x daily intranasal.
Half-Life
3-5 minutes (rapid CNS uptake)
Reconstitution Guide
Full reconstitution protocol with BAC water volumes, concentration math, and units-to-draw per dose is available on the Clinical plan.
Unlock reconstitution guide →Clinical Warnings
Russian research program — limited Western replication.
May interfere with sleep at higher doses.
Not FDA approved.
Potential interaction with dopaminergic medications.
Quality concerns outside Russia/Ukraine.
Contraindications
Absolute
Pregnancy
Acute psychosis
Relative Cautions
Seizure disorders
Bipolar disorder
Hypertension
Side Effect Profile
Mild
- ●Nasal dryness
- ●Mild headache
Moderate
- ●Irritability
- ●Insomnia
- ●Blood pressure fluctuation
Severe (Rare)
- ●Psychomotor agitation in susceptible individuals
Synergistic Peptides
Common Stacks
Selank
Research Status
APPROVED IN RUSSIA/UKRAINE. PMID 22411908 (Jain 2012): ACTH 4-7 analog neuroprotection and BDNF upregulation. PMID 9399231 (Ashmarin 1997): Stroke clinical data and Russian approval basis. Limited Western research.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Semax work?
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of ACTH fragment 4-7 (Met-Glu-His-Phe) with Pro-Gly-Pro C-terminal extension. Despite being derived from ACTH, Semax does NOT activate the adrenal cortex — no cortisol elevation. The nootropic active region (positions 4-7) is distinct from the adrenal-stimulating region (positions 1-3). BDNF/NGF UPREGULATION: Potently upregulates BDNF and NGF expression in hippocampus and cortex → enhanced neuroplasticity, learning, memory consolidation, and neuroprotect
What is the standard dose of Semax?
Semax dosing protocols are available with a ClinPep Clinical subscription. Dosing varies by indication and patient factors — consult a licensed healthcare provider. General frequency: 2–3x daily intranasal.
What is the half-life of Semax?
The half-life of Semax is 3-5 minutes (rapid CNS uptake). This determines optimal dosing frequency and timing.
Who should not use Semax?
Semax is absolutely contraindicated in: Pregnancy; Acute psychosis. Use with caution in: Seizure disorders; Bipolar disorder; Hypertension.
What are the side effects of Semax?
Common mild side effects include: Nasal dryness, Mild headache. Moderate effects: Irritability, Insomnia, Blood pressure fluctuation.
What peptides stack well with Semax?
Semax is commonly stacked with: Selank, BPC-157, NAD+.
How do you reconstitute Semax?
Semax is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water. Exact volumes, concentrations, and units-to-draw calculations are available in the ClinPep Clinical plan. Always follow your compounding pharmacy's instructions.
How long should you cycle Semax?
Semax cycle protocols vary by indication. Detailed cycle length, on/off schedules, and monitoring guidelines are available with ClinPep Clinical access. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized cycling guidance.
References & Citations
10 PubMed studies · 0 clinical trials
Effect of ACTH4-10Pro8-Gly9-Pro10 on anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-4, IL-10, IL-13) expression in acute spinal cord injury models (male Sprague Dawley rats).
Asadullah Asadullah, Bajamal Abdul Hafid, Parenrengi Muhammad Arifin, Turchan Agus et al.. F1000Research. 2023
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a damage to the spinal cord caused mainly by trauma resulting in major motor, sensory and autonomic dysfunctions. Its final neurological outcome is determined by both prima
The Effect of Peptide Semax, an ACTH(4-10) Analogue, on Intracellular Calcium Dynamics in Rat Brain Neurons.
Kolbaev S N, Sharonova I N, Skrebitsky V G. Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine. 2025
We studied the effects of Semax on spontaneous fluctuations of intracellular calcium ion concentration [Ca2+]i in pyramidal neurons on hippocampal slices and on proton-induced increase in [Ca2+]i in c
Genes That Associated with Action of ACTH-like Peptides with Neuroprotective Potential in Rat Brain Regions with Different Degrees of Ischemic Damage.
Filippenkov Ivan B, Shpetko Yana Yu, Ales Daria A, Stavchansky Vasily V et al.. International journal of molecular sciences. 2025
In the treatment of ischemic stroke, an innovative approach is the use of neuroprotective compounds. Natural peptides, including adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), can serve as the basis for such dru
Antidepressant-like and antistress effects of the ACTH(4-10) synthetic analogs Semax and Melanotan II on male rats in a model of chronic unpredictable stress.
Inozemtseva Ludmila S, Yatsenko Ksenia A, Glazova Natalya Yu, Kamensky Andrey A et al.. European journal of pharmacology. 2024
Current antidepressant therapy shows substantial limitations, and there is an urgent need for the development of new treatment strategies for depression. Stressful events and hyperactivity of the hypo
Changes of Transcriptomic Activity in Rat Brain Cells under the Influence of Synthetic Adrenocorticotropic Hormone-Like Peptides.
Filippenkov Ivan B, Glazova Nataliya Y, Sebentsova Elena A, Stavchansky Vasily V et al.. Biochemistry. Biokhimiia. 2024
Synthetic peptides have a wide range of clinical effects. Of particular interest are peptides based on adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) both as already used and as potential drugs for preventing con
Synthetic Adrenocorticotropic Peptides Modulate the Expression Pattern of Immune Genes in Rat Brain following the Early Post-Stroke Period.
Filippenkov Ivan B, Remizova Julia A, Stavchansky Vasily V, Denisova Alina E et al.. Genes. 2023
Ischemic stroke is an acute local decrease in cerebral blood flow due to a thrombus or embolus. Of particular importance is the study of the genetic systems that determine the mechanisms underlying th
Synthetic corticotropins and the GABA-receptor system: Direct and delayed effects.
Vyunova Tatiana V, Andreeva Ludmila A, Shevchenko Konstantin V, Glazova Nataliya Yu et al.. Chemical biology & drug design. 2023
The central effectors of the stress system are greatly interconnected and include, among others, a large group of peptides derived from proopiomelanocortin. In addition to natural corticotropins, a nu
Semax, a Synthetic Regulatory Peptide, Affects Copper-Induced Abeta Aggregation and Amyloid Formation in Artificial Membrane Models.
Sciacca Michele F M, Naletova Irina, Giuffrida Maria Laura, Attanasio Francesco. ACS chemical neuroscience. 2022
Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, is characterized by the aggregation of amyloid beta protein (Aβ). The aggregation and toxicity of Aβ are strongly modulated by metal
Symptom Indications
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This information is for educational and research reference purposes only. ClinPep does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. All protocols should be reviewed by a licensed healthcare provider.