What Is Semax?
Semax is a synthetic 7-amino-acid peptide derived from a fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH 4-10) with an added Pro-Gly-Pro C-terminal tripeptide to improve metabolic stability. Developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Semax has been approved in Russia as a prescription medication since the 1990s for neurological conditions.
Semax and Selank are often discussed together as "the Russian nootropic peptides" — both were developed by the same research institute and both are approved medications in Russia, though neither is FDA-approved.
Quick Facts
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Amino Acids | 7 (ACTH 4-10 analog + PGP) |
| Molecular Weight | ~813 Da |
| Sequence | Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro |
| Origin | Synthetic ACTH fragment (Russian development) |
| Regulatory Status | Expected Category 1 reclassification |
| Prescription Required | Yes (pharmacy); No (research vendor) |
| Approved in Russia | Yes — for stroke recovery and cognitive disorders |
Research Areas of Interest
- Cognitive enhancement — the most popular area of interest; studied for attention, memory, and learning
- Neuroprotection — approved in Russia for stroke recovery; studied for brain injury and neurodegeneration
- BDNF modulation — research suggests it may increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels
- Anxiety and mood — some preclinical data on anxiolytic effects, though Selank is more studied for this
- Immune modulation — secondary research area; may influence inflammatory cytokines
How It's Sold
| Source | Form | Prescription? | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Vendors | Lyophilized powder (5mg/10mg vial) | No | $20-50/vial |
| Research Vendors | Nasal spray (pre-mixed) | No | $30-70/bottle |
| Compounding Pharmacy | Nasal spray | Yes | $80-200/month |
| Compounding Pharmacy | Injectable (subcutaneous) | Yes | $100-250/month |
What to Look For on the COA
- HPLC purity — minimum 95%, ideally 98%+
- Mass spectrometry — confirmed MW of ~813 Da
- Endotoxin testing — required for injectable forms
- Sterility testing — especially important for pre-mixed nasal spray products
- Batch/lot number — must match product label
Semax Variants
Several modified versions of Semax exist in the research market:
| Variant | Modification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Semax (standard) | None | The original compound |
| N-Acetyl Semax | N-terminal acetylation | Claimed improved stability |
| NA-Semax Amidate | Acetylated + C-terminal amidation | Claimed enhanced potency |
| Adamax | Adamantane modification | Less studied, limited availability |
Be cautious with modified variants — they have significantly less research backing than standard Semax. If purchasing a variant, ensure the COA specifically tests for that compound, not just generic "Semax."
Storage Guide
- Lyophilized: Store at 2-8°C short-term; -20°C long-term
- Reconstituted/nasal spray: Refrigerate at 2-8°C. Use within 14-21 days
- Protect from light — Semax is light-sensitive
Key Sourcing Tips
- Always request and verify the COA — batch numbers must match your product label
- Nasal spray is the most popular form — if buying pre-mixed, verify sterility testing and preservative content
- Semax is a small peptide, making it relatively inexpensive to synthesize — be wary of excessive markups
- Be clear about which variant you're purchasing (standard vs. N-Acetyl vs. Amidate)
- For personal use: work with a licensed provider and compounding pharmacy
- Avoid any source making specific cognitive treatment claims — Semax is not FDA-approved