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Semax

Also known as: ACTH(4-10), ACTH 4-10 Pro-Gly-Pro, Heptapeptide Semax
FDA: Not FDA-approved WADA: Not listed

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of ACTH(4-10) with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide extension that confers metabolic stability and enhanced CNS penetration. Developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the 1980s, it has been approved in Russia since 2011 for the treatment of stroke, cognitive disorders, and peptic ulcers. Semax enhances brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) expression, modulates monoamine neurotransmission, and exhibits potent neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. It is administered intranasally, bypassing first-pass metabolism and achieving rapid CNS delivery. For educational purposes only. Not medical advice. Semax operates through

This content is for educational and research purposes only. VialBase does not provide medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using any peptide.

Molecular weight 813.93 Da
Half-life ~30 minutes intranasal
CAS number —
Route Intranasal · Subcutaneous intranasal preferred
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Mechanism

Synthetic ACTH(4-7) analog with C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro extension — enhances BDNF/NGF expression, modulates dopamine/serotonin systems, neuroprotective via anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic pathways

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Dosing

DOSE RANGE 200–600 mcg
FREQUENCY 1-2x daily
CYCLE LENGTH 2-4 weeks on, 2 weeks off

Intranasal spray — no injection needed. Russian clinical dose: 200-600 mcg/day intranasal. N-Acetyl Semax Amidate (NASA) is a more potent derivative.

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Research summary

Study Type Year Key Finding
Bioactive Peptides and Proteins in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Neuroprotective Roles Review 2025 Semax identified among key neuroprotective peptides (alongside NGF, BDNF, GDNF, Exendin-4)
The Effect of Peptide Semax on Intracellular Calcium Dynamics in Rat Brain Neurons In vitro (brain slices) 2025 Semax (1 microM) significantly increased frequency of spontaneous calcium oscillations in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons
ACTH 4-10 (Semax) Regulating the Inflammatory Cascade in Spinal Cord Injury Preclinical 2025 Semax showed neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties in SCI
The Potential of Semax and Its Derivative for Correcting Pathological Impairments in Alzheimer's Disease Model Preclinical (transgenic mouse model) 2025 Semax and derivative improved cognitive function in APPswe/PS1dE9/Blg mice
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Stacking & interactions

Cognitive + anxiolytic combo — Semax for focus/drive, Selank for calm/anxiety

Neuroplasticity + longevity stack

Cognitive enhancement + mitochondrial support

Stacks containing Semax

Brain Blitz

Semax + Dihexa + Cerebrolysin

Dopamine & Motivation

Semax + Tesofensine + GHK-Cu

Executive Function

Semax + Cerebrolysin + Selank

28-day resets featuring Semax

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Sourcing

Current prices

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10mg

20mg

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25mg

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30mg

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Also vetted at
What bloodwork do I need?

Reference ranges are general guidelines. Consult your physician for interpretation.

PRE-CYCLE
  • CMP
  • CBC
DURING CYCLE
  • CMP (if extended use beyond 30 days)
POST-CYCLE
  • CMP
Safety & Regulatory Status
FDA STATUS Not FDA-approved. Approved in Russia since 2011 for stroke, cognitive disorders, and peptic ulcers
WADA STATUS Not listed

Regulatory status for Semax may change. Verify current status with your jurisdiction before use. This is not legal or medical advice.

References

  1. Various. Bioactive Peptides and Proteins in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Neuroprotective Roles. Neuropeptides (2025). PMID: 41004910
  2. Kolbaev SN, Sharonova IN, Skrebitsky VG. The Effect of Peptide Semax on Intracellular Calcium Dynamics in Rat Brain Neurons. Bull Exp Biol Med (2025). PMID: 41171324
  3. Various. ACTH 4-10 (Semax) Regulating the Inflammatory Cascade in Spinal Cord Injury. F1000Research (2025). PMID: 41179234
  4. Radchenko AI, Kuzubova EV, Apostol AA, et al.. The Potential of Semax and Its Derivative for Correcting Pathological Impairments in Alzheimer's Disease Model. Acta Naturae (2025). PMID: 41479572