Semax

Semax

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from adrenocorticotropic hormone. Its first four residues, Met-Glu-His-Phe, match ACTH(4-7); the C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro was added to make the fragment more resistant to peptidases. The name is short for “seven amino acids.” Semax was developed in Russia, where it has been studied since the 1980s in molecular, cellular and rodent models.

Product Specifications

• Product: Semax
• Amount: See available options above
• Form: Lyophilized powder
• Purity: Third-party tested by an ISO 17025 U.S. laboratory. The batch Certificate of Analysis (COA) is posted on this page when the batch is in stock.
• Storage: Keep sealed and refrigerated at 2–8°C (36–46°F), protected from light.
• Ships from: United States, 2-day UPS

Chemical Profile

• Compound class: Synthetic heptapeptide (ACTH(4-10) analogue)
• Sequence: Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro (7 residues)
• Molecular formula: C₃₇H₅₁N₉O₁₀S
• Molecular weight: 813.9 g/mol
• CAS number: 80714-61-0

What researchers study

Although Semax is derived from ACTH, it lacks the residues needed for adrenal steroid release, so research has focused on its actions in the brain. Common themes in the literature:

• Neurotrophins: receptor-binding studies on rat basal forebrain membranes, and measurements of BDNF protein and BDNF/TrkB expression in the hippocampus.
• Monoamine systems: rodent experiments measuring dopamine, serotonin and their metabolites in striatum and other regions.
• Peptide stability: how blood and serum enzymes cleave ACTH(4-10) and Semax, and how Semax and Selank inhibit enkephalin-degrading enzymes in vitro.
• Melanocortin receptors: receptor assays have reported competitive antagonism of α-MSH at MC4 and MC5 receptors.
• Ischemia and amyloid models: gene-expression work in rodent brain ischemia and in-vitro studies of copper-induced amyloid-β aggregation.

The molecular target of Semax has not been firmly established, and most of the evidence comes from a small number of research groups. Animal and cell findings do not establish effects in humans.

Regulatory status

Semax is used as a prescription medicine in Russia and appears on the Russian List of Vital and Essential Drugs. It is not approved by the FDA and has not been approved in most other countries. The material sold here is a research reagent, not an approved drug product.

Quality & Documentation

Every batch of Semax is made in small runs for Rogue Compounds and tested by an independent U.S. laboratory for identity (mass spectrometry) and purity (HPLC). Each vial is labeled with its batch number and a QR code that opens the testing lab’s own report for that batch. When a batch is in stock, its Certificate of Analysis is posted on this page and in our COA Library, so you can check one against the other.

Research overview

For a longer look at Semax, covering where it came from, what cell and animal studies have measured, and what the evidence does not show, read our Semax research overview. It is written as background reading, and every study it cites is linked to PubMed.

Selected literature

• Dolotov OV, et al. Semax, an analogue of adrenocorticotropin (4-10), binds specifically and increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor protein in rat basal forebrain. J Neurochem. 2006;97(Suppl 1):82-86. PMID 16635254
• Dolotov OV, et al. Semax, an analog of ACTH(4-10) with cognitive effects, regulates BDNF and trkB expression in the rat hippocampus. Brain Res. 2006;1117(1):54-60. PMID 16996037
• Eremin KO, et al. Semax, an ACTH(4-10) analogue with nootropic properties, activates dopaminergic and serotoninergic brain systems in rodents. Neurochem Res. 2005;30(12):1493-1500. PMID 16362768
• Kost NV, et al. Semax and selank inhibit the enkephalin-degrading enzymes from human serum. Bioorg Khim. 2001;27(3):180-183. PMID 11443939
• Panikratova YR, et al. Functional connectomic approach to studying Selank and Semax effects. Dokl Biol Sci. 2020;490(1):9-11. PMID 32342318

Research Use Only

This product is sold strictly as a research chemical for in-vitro laboratory and analytical use by qualified professionals. It is not a drug, dietary supplement, food, or cosmetic, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Not for human or veterinary use. Rogue Compounds does not provide dosing, preparation, or usage instructions. The literature on this page is listed for scientific background only and does not describe this product or any use of it.