Semax
A synthetic peptide analog of ACTH(4-10) developed in Russia, studied for cognitive enhancement and neuroprotection.
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This information is for educational purposes. Peptide therapy should be guided by a licensed healthcare provider. Connect with a Noho clinician
What is Semax?
Semax is a synthetic peptide derived from adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). It was developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences and has been approved in Russia as a prescription medication for cognitive and neurological conditions. It is primarily discussed for its potential nootropic (cognitive-enhancing) and neuroprotective properties.
Why People Talk About It
Cognitive enhancement and focus
EmergingNeuroprotection
EmergingMood support
PreliminaryStroke recovery support
EmergingHow It Works
Semax works by increasing levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports the growth and survival of brain cells. Think of BDNF as fertilizer for your brain — more of it may support better cognitive function, memory, and neural resilience.
Common Questions
Safety Information
Common Side Effects
Cautions
- • Not FDA-approved in the US
- • Most clinical data from Russian studies
- • Should not be used by those with certain hormonal conditions
What We Don't Know
Western clinical trial data is limited. Long-term cognitive effects and optimal duration of use require further study.
Published Research
31 studies[The study of chronic partial denervation and quality of life in patients with motor neuron disease treated with semax]
[Effectiveness of semax in acute period of hemispheric ischemic stroke (a clinical and electrophysiological study)]
The efficacy of semax in the treatment of patients at different stages of ischemic stroke
Evaluation of therapeutic effect of new Russian drug semax in optic nerve disease
[Neonatal Semax and saline injections induce open-field behavior changes in mice of different genotypes]
Comparative study of modulatory effects of Semax and primary proline-containing peptides on hemostatic reactions
[A nootropic adrenocorticotropin analog 4-10-semax (l5 years experience in its design and study)]
Comparison of anticoagulant effects of regulatory proline-containing oligopeptides
Semax peptide targets the μ opioid receptor gene Oprm1 to promote deubiquitination and functional recovery after spinal cord injury in female mice
The Potential of the Peptide Drug Semax and Its Derivative for Correcting Pathological Impairments in the Animal Model of Alzheimer's Disease
Semax, a Copper Chelator Peptide, Decreases the Cu(II)-Catalyzed ROS Production and Cytotoxicity of aβ by Metal Ion Stripping and Redox Silencing
The Effect of Peptide Semax, an ACTH(4-10) Analogue, on Intracellular Calcium Dynamics in Rat Brain Neurons
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
Semax, a Synthetic Regulatory Peptide, Affects Copper-Induced Abeta Aggregation and Amyloid Formation in Artificial Membrane Models
Semax, synthetic ACTH(4-10) analogue, attenuates behavioural and neurochemical alterations following early-life fluvoxamine exposure in white rats
[The Peptide Drug ACTH(4-7)PGP (Semax) Suppresses mRNA Transcripts Encoding Proinflammatory Mediators Induced by Reversible Ischemia of the Rat Brain]
Morphofunctional State of the Large Intestine in Rats under Conditions of Restraint Stress and Administration of Peptide ACTH((4-7))-PGP (Semax)
Brain Protein Expression Profile Confirms the Protective Effect of the ACTH((4-7))PGP Peptide (Semax) in a Rat Model of Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion
Functional Connectomic Approach to Studying Selank and Semax Effects
Novel Insights into the Protective Properties of ACTH((4-7))PGP (Semax) Peptide at the Transcriptome Level Following Cerebral Ischaemia-Reperfusion in Rats
Composition of Colon Microbiota in Rats Treated with ACTH(4-7)-PGP Peptide (Semax) under Conditions of Restraint Stress
Peptide ACTH(4-7)-PGP: Effects on Various Types of Pain and Pain-Induced Behavior in Rats after Systemic and Central Administration
Experimental Substantiation of Application of Semax as a Modulator of Immune Reaction on the Model of "Social" Stress
Effects of Semax on the Default Mode Network of the Brain
Modulation of GABA- and Glycine-Activated Ionic Currents with Semax in Isolated Cerebral Neurons
Semax, an analog of ACTH((4-7)), regulates expression of immune response genes during ischemic brain injury in rats
Peptides semax and selank affect the behavior of rats with 6-OHDA induced PD-like parkinsonism
Influence of the N-terminus acetylation of Semax, a synthetic analog of ACTH(4-10), on copper(II) and zinc(II) coordination and biological properties
Semax prevents learning and memory inhibition by heavy metals
Semax, an ACTH4-10 peptide analog with high affinity for copper(II) ion and protective ability against metal induced cell toxicity
Semax, an ACTH(4-10) analogue with nootropic properties, activates dopaminergic and serotoninergic brain systems in rodents
Always consult a qualified clinician
This information is for educational purposes. Peptide therapy should be guided by a licensed healthcare provider. Connect with a Noho clinician
Research Insights
Related Peptides
Selank
EmergingBeginnerA synthetic peptide analog of tuftsin with anxiolytic and nootropic properties, developed in Russia.
Dihexa
PreliminaryA potent angiotensin IV analog studied for cognitive enhancement and potential treatment of neurodegenerative conditions.
NA-Semax-Amidate
LimitedA chemically modified version of Semax designed for improved stability. No published clinical or preclinical data exists for this specific compound.
Quick Facts
- Class
- Nootropic Peptide
- Evidence
- Emerging
- Safety
- Moderate Data
- Updated
- Jan 2026
- Citations
- 31PubMed
Also known as
Tags
Related Goals
Evidence Score
Clinical Trials
View Clinical TrialsLinks to ClinicalTrials.gov for reference. Listing does not imply endorsement.
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