Semax

Cognitive & Nootropic

aka Semaks · Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro · ACTH(4-7) Pro-Gly-Pro analog

Compare

Formula

MW (Da)

Half-life

~20–30 min (intranasal)

Saves

Overview

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) — an analog of an ACTH fragment, but devoid of hormonal activity. Marketed in Russia as a 0.1% (general use) and 1% (stroke) intranasal drop. Used for neuroprotection, stroke recovery, cognitive disorders, optic-nerve disease, and adaptation under stress.

Mechanism

Russian labeling describes an "original neuro-specific action" affecting learning, memory formation, attention, and adaptation to hypoxia and cerebral ischemia. Preclinical studies support increased expression of BDNF, TrkB, and NGF-related pathways, along with effects on monoaminergic systems and nitric oxide signaling. The safest analytic conclusion is that Semax is a multi-pathway neuroactive peptide with strong preclinical neurotrophin evidence — not a fully target-deconvoluted molecule by modern standards.

0

Vendors

—

no vendors yet

Lowest price

—

Reported benefits

Acute hemispheric ischemic stroke recovery

A 1997 clinical study in acute hemispheric ischemic stroke reported most-effective daily doses of 12 mg for moderate strokes and 18 mg for severe strokes, with treatment courses of 5 and 10 days.

[semax-gusev-1997]

clinical

Post-stroke rehabilitation: BDNF and functional recovery

A 2018 stroke-rehabilitation study in 110 patients used 6000 mcg/day for 10 days repeated after a 20-day interval. Reported increases in plasma BDNF, accelerated functional recovery, and improved motor performance and Barthel outcomes.

[semax-gusev-2018]

clinical

Preclinical neurotrophin upregulation

Primary preclinical studies support increased expression of BDNF, TrkB, and NGF-related pathways along with monoaminergic and nitric-oxide signaling effects.

[semax-dolotov-2006]

preclinical

Reported side effects

Mild nasal mucosal irritation with prolonged use
clinical
The strongest explicit adverse-effect statement in current Russian references is mild irritation of the nasal mucosa with prolonged use.
Label claims of "practically nontoxic"
anecdotal
The 0.1% product label states the drug is practically nontoxic and lacks allergenic, embryotoxic, teratogenic, mutagenic, and local-irritant properties in nonclinical evaluation. Useful, but not a substitute for broad contemporary pharmacovigilance with standardized international reporting.

Dosing notes

0.1% nasal drops: 50 mcg per drop; typical cerebrovascular and cognitive regimens 800–8000 mcg/day for 10–14 days. 1% stroke dosing: 6–12 mg/day for moderate stroke and 12–20 mg/day for severe stroke, typically for 10 days.

Research use only. Information on this page is editorial reference, not medical or dosing advice. Always consult qualified medical guidance before use.

Storage

Per Russian label: protect from light, store not above 10 °C, do not freeze. Shelf life 2 years. Approximately 30 days after opening at up to 25 °C.

Vendors carrying Semax

No approved vendors are listing this peptide yet. Check back later or browse the full vendor directory.

Discussion

Ask, answer, and vote on questions about Semax.

No questions yet. Be the first to ask.

References

[semax-rlsnet]
Semax (Semaks) Russian RLS drug registry monograph
RLS (Russian drug registry) · Russian RLS label
Source
[semax-peptogen-label]
Semax 0.1% product label (Peptogen)
Peptogen · Russian product label (Peptogen)
Source
[semax-gusev-1997]
Gusev et al. 1997 — Semax in acute hemispheric ischemic stroke
Gusev EI et al. · 1997 · PubMed
Source
[semax-gusev-2018]
Gusev et al. 2018 — Semax in stroke rehabilitation (110 patients)
Gusev EI et al. · 2018 · ResearchGate
Source
[semax-dolotov-2006]
Dolotov et al. 2006 — Semax preclinical neurotrophin effects
Dolotov OV et al. · 2006 · PubMed
Source