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7-amino-acid ACTH(4-10) analog
Cognitive & Neurological

Semax

A synthetic ACTH fragment studied for neuroprotection and BDNF upregulation. Pharmaceutical approval in Russia for stroke recovery.

Mechanism of Action

Bioregulator compound with targeted biochemical activity.

Evidence Chain

Semax

COMPOUND

1 Research Goal

• Cognitive & Neurological

Evidence Strength

Clinical Trial

17 articles sourced

Knowledge Graph

(18 connections)
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Compound (Center)
Research Goal
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Research Evidence

(17)

Oxandrolone: Evidence-Based Research Review

6 min

Oxandrolone (17β-hydroxy-17α-methyl-2-oxa-5α-androstan-3-one) is a synthetic oral anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) derived from dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Characterized by a unique substitution of an oxygen atom for the carbon at the C-2 position in the A-ring, oxandrolone exhibits a high anabolic-

Clinical Trial

Nandrolone Decanoate: Evidence-Based Research Review

6 min

Nandrolone decanoate (ND) is a long-acting injectable ester of the anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) nandrolone (19-nortestosterone). Characterized by a high anabolic-to-androgenic ratio, ND has been utilized clinically for decades to treat conditions involving protein catabolism, bone density loss,

Clinical Trial

Testosterone Enanthate: Evidence-Based Research Review

6 min

Testosterone enanthate (TE) is a long-acting esterified formulation of the primary endogenous androgen, testosterone. Since its clinical introduction in the 1950s, it has served as a cornerstone for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in male hypogonadism and a reference compound in clinical rese

Clinical Trial

Stanozolol: Evidence-Based Research Review

5 min

Stanozolol is a synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) derived from dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Characterized by a high anabolic-to-androgenic ratio, it is clinically distinguished by its pyrazole ring modification and 17α-alkylation. Originally developed for the treatment of hereditary angioede

Clinical Trial

Melanocortin Receptor Agonists and Neuroendocrine Signaling

8 min

Examination of melanocortin receptor signaling and synthetic agonist research applications.

Clinical Trial

BPC-157 and Tissue Repair Signaling Pathways

9 min

Comprehensive review of BPC-157 mechanisms in tissue repair, angiogenesis, and mucosal healing.

Clinical Trial

GLP-1 Receptor Agonism in Metabolic Signaling

8 min

Survey of GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptor research for metabolic signaling and incretin physiology.

Clinical Trial

BDNF Upregulation and Synaptic Plasticity Research

8 min

Investigation of BDNF-promoting peptides and their mechanisms in neurotrophin signaling.

Clinical Trial

Testolone (RAD-140): Evidence-Based Research Review

5 min

Testolone (RAD-140) is a potent, non-steroidal selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) originally developed by Radius Health, Inc. It was designed to overcome the limitations of conventional androgen therapy, such as prostate enlargement and virilization, by exhibiting high tissue selectivity.

Preclinical

Trenbolone Acetate: Evidence-Based Research Review

6 min

Trenbolone acetate (TBA) is a potent synthetic 19-nortestosterone derivative classified as an anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS). Originally developed for veterinary applications—specifically to increase muscle mass and feed efficiency in beef cattle—TBA has become a focal point of pharmacological in

Preclinical

Adalank and the Selank Peptide Class: Anxiolytic Peptide Pharmacology and Translational Rationale

6 min

Adalank is a synthetic analog of the anxiolytic peptide Selank incorporating an adamantane moiety. This review outlines the pharmacological rationale and preclinical evidence from the Selank peptide class that informs its development.

Preclinical

Pinealon (Glu-Asp-Pro): Peptide Bioregulation of Neural Gene Expression and Neuroprotection

5 min

Pinealon is a tripeptide (Glu-Asp-Pro) bioregulator investigated for neuroprotective and cognition-supporting effects. This review summarizes in vivo evidence from animal models.

Preclinical

Intranasal Peptide Delivery: Pharmacokinetic Foundations

8 min

A review of intranasal peptide delivery pharmacology, examining nasal cavity anatomy, absorption mechanisms, and bioavailability considerations.

Review

Peptide Synergy: Cognitive Enhancement and Neuroprotection

7 min

Evidence-based review of cognitive peptide synergy, examining BDNF upregulation, neuroprotection, and synaptogenesis mechanisms.

Review

Intranasal Peptide Stability and Storage Guidelines

7 min

A technical review of intranasal peptide stability, degradation pathways, and evidence-based storage guidelines.

Review

Formulation Considerations for Intranasal Peptide Delivery

8 min

A technical review of formulation parameters affecting intranasal peptide stability, absorption, and tolerability.

Review

Intranasal Bioavailability: Comparing Routes of Administration

8 min

A comparative review of peptide bioavailability across administration routes, with emphasis on intranasal delivery advantages and limitations.

Review

Overview

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) derived from the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) sequence. Developed at the Lomonosov Moscow State University and the Russian Academy of Sciences, Semax has been approved as a pharmaceutical in Russia since the 1990s for the treatment of stroke, transient ischemic attacks, and cognitive disorders. It is one of the most extensively studied nootropic peptides, with over two decades of clinical use and research in Russia and Eastern Europe.

Mechanism of Action

Semax modulates central nervous system function through multiple pathways. It upregulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) expression, promoting neuronal survival, plasticity, and synaptogenesis. It influences the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems, contributing to its cognitive-enhancing and mood-modulating effects. Semax also demonstrates neuroprotective properties by reducing oxidative stress and excitotoxicity in neural tissue. Unlike ACTH, Semax lacks corticosteroid-stimulating activity, making it suitable for CNS applications without endocrine side effects.

Research Highlights

Clinical studies in Russia have demonstrated Semax's efficacy in improving cognitive function and recovery following ischemic stroke, with benefits observed in memory, attention, and executive function. Research has shown neuroprotective effects in models of cerebral ischemia, reducing infarct volume and improving neurological outcomes. Studies have explored its potential in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), chronic fatigue, and age-related cognitive decline. Semax has been shown to improve learning and memory in both healthy and cognitively impaired animal models. Intranasal administration provides direct CNS access with minimal systemic exposure.

Dosage & Administration

In Russian clinical practice, Semax is administered intranasally at doses of 300-600 mcg per day, typically divided into 2-4 administrations. Treatment courses range from 3-14 days for acute conditions to longer courses for chronic conditions. The 0.1% and 0.6% aqueous solutions are the standard pharmaceutical formulations. For research use only (RUO).

Safety Profile

Semax has been used clinically in Russia for over 20 years with a well-established safety profile. Adverse effects are rare and mild, including occasional nasal irritation and transient agitation. No significant endocrine, cardiovascular, or systemic adverse effects have been reported at therapeutic doses. Long-term safety data is available from Russian clinical experience. Not approved by the FDA in the United States.

References

Asadulaeva ZM, et al. Semax in treatment of patients with acute ischemic stroke. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr. 2011. Kaplan AI, et al. Nootropic peptide Semax. Bull Exp Biol Med. 1992. Inozemtseva LS, et al. Semax and BDNF expression. Mol Genet Mikrobiol Virusol. 2008. All content is for educational and research purposes only.

FDA 2026 Regulatory Update

As of April–June 2026, this compound was among the 14 peptides formally removed from the FDA's Category 2 restricted compounding list following review by the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee (PCAC). This regulatory shift permits licensed compounding pharmacies to produce and dispense this compound under appropriate oversight, subject to final 503A Bulks List adjudication expected following the July 23–24, 2026 PCAC meeting. This does not constitute FDA approval for therapeutic use. All information on this page is for research purposes only.

Synergy & Compatibility

(5)

Computational assessment of bio-regulatory compatibility with compounds sharing research goals. Scores reflect half-life alignment, receptor target overlap, and bioavailability data.

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Computational assessment based on available pharmacology data. Does not account for individual variability, dose-dependent effects, or unstudied interactions. For research use only.

Community Observations

(0)

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