Compounds / Semax

Semax

Also known as: Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro, ACTH(4-7) analogue

Early clinical Not FDA-approved · registered in Russia Category: Nootropic

The compounds described in this library are research-use-labeled chemicals and are not FDA-approved for human use. This content is factual scientific reference drawn from published literature. It is not medical, dosing, or purchasing advice. VialReport does not sell, supply, or distribute any compound.

Short summary

A synthetic heptapeptide derived from a fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone, developed in Russia and registered there as a medicine. Not FDA-approved, and the clinical literature is largely Russian-language and not widely replicated internationally.

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Origin and Development

Developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics in Russia, based on the ACTH(4-10) fragment with modifications intended to extend stability while removing hormonal activity. It has been registered in Russia for clinical use in neurological indications.

Mechanism as Understood in the Literature

Described in the literature as influencing brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression and as having effects on the cholinergic and monoaminergic systems. Mechanistic characterization is less developed than the volume of clinical claims would suggest.

Research Status

A body of clinical work exists, predominantly conducted and published in Russia, covering stroke, cognitive function, and optic nerve conditions. That literature has not been widely replicated by independent groups outside Russia, and much of it is not indexed in the databases Western clinicians typically consult. This is a genuine evidence-quality caveat rather than a dismissal.

Regulatory status

Not FDA-approved for any indication. Registered as a medicine in Russia. Removed from the FDA's Category 2 bulk drug substances list in April 2026 (heptapeptide form) without being moved to Category 1, and scheduled for Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee review.

Commonly Confused With

Frequently paired with and confused for Selank, a different peptide from the same research lineage but derived from tuftsin rather than ACTH, and associated with anxiolytic rather than nootropic effects in the literature. Also note that Semax exists in more than one form, including N-acetyl and other modified variants sold under related names.

How This Compound Is Marketed

Vendor marketing for this compound typically references cognition, focus, and neuroprotection. VialReport does not evaluate or endorse these claims. See Research Status above for what the published literature actually establishes.

Analytical Profile

Seven amino acids, sequence MEHFPGP, molecular weight approximately 813 Da. Modified variants such as N-acetyl semax differ in mass, so the specific form should be verified rather than assumed from the name.

Stability and Handling

Supplied lyophilized. Short peptides are generally stable lyophilized at reduced temperature.

Key Literature

  1. 01 Ashmarin IP, et al. Design and investigation of an ACTH(4-10) analog lacking D-amino acids and hormonal activity. J Physiol Paris. 1997;91(3-5):179-181.
  2. 02 Dolotov OV, et al. Semax, an analog of ACTH(4-7), regulates expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. J Histochem Cytochem. 2006;54(11):1231-1240.

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Published reports

Reports for Semax

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