PeptideCompareSemax — the Russian nootropic.
Semax is an ACTH(4-7) analogue developed in Russia and approved there as a registered drug for stroke recovery and cognitive enhancement. Outside Russia it is sold as a research peptide. It is among the most-studied nootropic peptides — with genuine clinical trial data, unlike most research peptides in this category.
BDNF upregulation — the core mechanism
Semax's primary studied mechanism is upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) — the key protein involved in neuronal growth, synaptic plasticity, and neuroprotection. It also modulates serotonin and dopamine receptor activity. Unlike many nootropics, these mechanisms are backed by peer-reviewed research rather than speculation.
Nasal spray vs injectable in EU
Semax is available from several EU vendors in nasal spray form (typically 0.1% or 1% concentration) as well as lyophilized powder for reconstitution. The nasal route avoids injection and offers rapid absorption via the olfactory epithelium. PeptideCompare tracks both forms where available. N-Acetyl Semax is a more bioavailable acetylated form that some EU vendors stock at a premium.
Molecular information
Pharmacokinetics
Potency retained over time
Each line is one storage condition: it starts at 100% and falls as potency is lost. Above the dashed 80% line the material is considered reliable — hover for exact values.
⚠ Estimates modelled per compound from its molecular properties (sequence length, cyclisation, oxidation- and deamidation-prone residues, light sensitivity). Indicative only — not lab-measured per batch.
Compare Semax prices across EU suppliers
Spray and injectable forms · COA-verified EU vendors
Frequently asked questions
What is Semax? ▾
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of ACTH(4-10), developed in Russia and registered there as a drug. It is studied as a nootropic and neuroprotective peptide, typically used as a nasal spray or injectable.
How does Semax work? ▾
Its primary studied mechanism is upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein central to neuronal growth and plasticity. It also modulates serotonin and dopamine receptor activity.
What does the research show? ▾
There is strong evidence for neuroprotection and stroke recovery, for which it is approved in Russia, moderate evidence for BDNF upregulation measured in human CSF and blood, and moderate evidence for cognitive improvement in patients with cognitive impairment.
Nasal spray or injectable? ▾
Semax is sold by several EU vendors as a nasal spray, typically 0.1% or 1%, and as a lyophilized powder for reconstitution. Both forms are discussed in the research.
Is Semax legal in the EU? ▾
It is a registered drug in Russia but is not approved in the EU, where it is sold as a research compound for laboratory use only.
Is Semax banned in sport? ▾
Yes. It appears on the WADA prohibited list (S0).
References
- Semax (an ACTH(4-7) fragment stabilised with a Pro-Gly-Pro tail) raised BDNF expression in rat brain — the mechanistic anchor for its nootropic and stroke-recovery claims. This is animal data. Dolotov OV, et al. Neurosci Lett. 2003;351(1):33–36. PubMed 14556513
- Genome-wide analysis of Semax in a rat stroke model. Worth stating plainly: Semax is registered as a drug and used clinically for stroke only in Russia, and its human trials are generally small and not placebo-controlled — a real limit on how far the findings carry. Medvedeva EV, et al. BMC Genomics. 2014;15(Suppl 12):S12. PMC3987924