What is Semax?
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) derived from ACTH(4-10) fragment with a stabilizing Pro-Gly-Pro C-terminal extension. Research literature examines semax in neuroprotection, BDNF/neurotrophin signaling, and cerebral ischemia models.
Research-grade materials are available from vendors offering certificates of analysis documenting batch identity and purity. Laboratories sourcing semax for experimental use should match supplier documentation to institutional assay protocols.
Research areas & preclinical findings
BDNF and neurotrophin research
Dolotov et al. (2006, DOI:10.1016/j.brainres.2006.07.108) reported semax increased BDNF protein, trkB phosphorylation, and BDNF/trkB mRNA in rat hippocampus—assay outcomes depend on species, dose, and experimental design.
Cerebral ischemia models
Sudarkina et al. (2021, PMID:34201112) found semax reduced MMP-9, c-Fos, and JNK expression while upregulating CREB in rat tMCAO model—translation to human stroke endpoints remains investigational.
Human stroke studies (limited, Russian literature)
Small Russian clinical trials reported functional recovery improvements in acute ischemic stroke patients treated with semax (PMID:11517472, PMID:29798983)—these studies provide hypothesis-generating data, not regulatory-quality evidence.
HHS enforcement discretion status (Oct 2026)
On October 30, 2026, HHS published an enforcement discretion policy for 503A compounding with semax free base (intranasal route only) under specified conditions (Federal Register Vol. 91, No. 209, FR Doc. 2026-22192). The policy applies to state-licensed pharmacies, federal facilities, and licensed physicians compounding patient-specific prescriptions—not RUO catalog suppliers. See HHS enforcement discretion analysis.
Published research (selection)
| Study | Journal | Year | DOI | Finding (summary) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semax, an analog of ACTH(4-10) with cognitive effects, regulates BDNF and trkB expression in the rat hippocampus | Brain Res | 2006 | link | Rat hippocampus showed increased BDNF and trkB after semax—rodent model only. |
| Brain Protein Expression Profile Confirms the Protective Effect of the ACTH(4-7)PGP Peptide (Semax) in a Rat Model of Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion (Sudarkina et al.) | Int J Mol Sci | 2021 | link | Rat tMCAO model showed reduced inflammation markers and activated CREB—species translation limitations apply. |
| Effectiveness of semax in acute period of hemispheric ischemic stroke (clinical study) | Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova | 1997 | link | Small Russian trial (n=30 semax, n=80 control) reported improved neurological recovery—hypothesis-generating. |
| The efficacy of semax in the treatment of patients at different stages of ischemic stroke | Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova | 2018 | link | Russian trial (n=110) correlated semax with increased plasma BDNF and improved Barthel scores—limited generalizability. |
Important Disclaimer
All products and information on this page are intended strictly for laboratory and scientific research use only. Not for human consumption. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
Quality & documentation
Certificates of analysis should document amino-acid sequence confirmation and HPLC purity suitable for your institutional assay requirements. Verify formulation (free base vs salt) matches assay plan.
Storage & reconstitution (laboratory protocol)
- Store lyophilized peptide with desiccant at −20 °C or per vendor insert.
- Reconstitute with sterile solvent validated for peptide stability.
- Aliquot to minimize freeze–thaw cycles; document cold-chain compliance.
Use the research peptide stock solution calculator to translate mass and concentration targets into documented laboratory volumes.
Where to source for research
Compare vendor documentation depth on the retailer matrix; see partner codes for checkout context. Semax shop listings: semax product page.
| Vendor | List context | COA signal | Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live Alpha LabsPartner | Verify SKU and price on vendor site. | Batch COA and HPLC documentation should be verified before procurement. | SOL |
| BluGenPartner | From $46 list — verify current price at checkout. | Batch COA and HPLC documentation should be verified before procurement. | — |
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Reviewed by Dr. Marcus Webb, Ph.D.· Last reviewed November 2026