Semax

What is Semax?

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide (seven amino acids) based on the ACTH(4-10) fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone, extended with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro motif that improves its metabolic stability. Its sequence is Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro. Semax was first developed in Russia and is widely studied as a nootropic and neuroprotective research peptide. GenoPept supplies Semax in the UK as a lyophilised powder for laboratory research.

As a regulatory peptide, Semax is investigated for its reported influence on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and related signalling pathways in preclinical models. Because the Pro-Gly-Pro tail resists enzymatic breakdown, Semax shows a longer functional half-life than the native ACTH fragment in experimental systems.

Semax research applications

Published research on Semax has examined it across several model-based areas. GenoPept lists these for scientific context only.

• Cognition and memory: studied in animal models of learning, attention and memory consolidation.
• Neuroprotection: investigated in models of cerebral ischaemia and oxidative stress for effects on neuronal survival.
• Neurotrophic signalling: research explores its reported modulation of BDNF and nerve growth factor expression in cell culture.
• Stress and adaptation: examined for effects on behaviour under experimental stress paradigms.

Mechanism of action (preclinical)

In preclinical work, Semax is reported to act as an ACTH(4-10) analogue that does not raise cortisol, while modulating melanocortin-related and neurotrophic pathways. A frequently cited mechanism is up-regulation of BDNF and its receptor TrkB in the hippocampus of animal models, alongside effects on dopaminergic and serotonergic systems. Semax has also been reported to influence expression of neurotrophins and to reduce markers of oxidative stress in cell-culture studies. These findings derive from preclinical literature and are not claims about outcomes in people.

Semax product specifications

Available sizes

• Semax 5mg vial
• Semax 10mg vial
• Semax 30mg vial

Semax is offered in the vial sizes listed above for UK research laboratories. Wholesale boxes of 10 vials are available through GenoPept for teams running larger studies, with tiered savings on bulk orders. See the bulk and wholesale page for details.

Reconstitution, handling and storage (laboratory)

Semax is supplied as a lyophilised (freeze-dried) powder in a sealed sterile glass vial with a black cap. For laboratory reconstitution, add bacteriostatic water or a suitable sterile diluent slowly down the inner vial wall, then swirl gently until dissolved. Never shake the vial, as agitation can shear the peptide.

Store unopened vials at –20 °C for long-term stability, or at 2–8 °C for short periods, protected from light. After reconstitution, keep the solution at 2–8 °C and use it within the window stated in the laboratory protocol. See the GenoPept guides on how to reconstitute research peptides and how to store research peptides.

Quality assurance and Certificate of Analysis

Purity and identity results are batch-specific. Consult the applicable supplied report for its results and methods; confirm the batch covers current stock and verify the laboratory’s accreditation scope directly.

The matching Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available from the “View Certificate of Analysis” button on this page, and the full library is published at the GenoPept COA certificates page. Learn more about what a Certificate of Analysis shows and the UK legal status of research peptides.

Related research compounds

• Selank — a tuftsin-derived anxiolytic peptide often studied alongside Semax.
• Semax + Selank Blend — the two peptides co-formulated for combined study.
• NA-Semax Amidate — an N-acetylated, amidated Semax variant with greater stability.
• DSIP — a neuropeptide studied in sleep and stress-response research.

Semax frequently asked questions

What is Semax used for in research?

Semax is used in laboratory research to study cognition, memory, neuroprotection and neurotrophic signalling in cell-culture and animal models. Reported work focuses on its influence on BDNF and related pathways. It is supplied strictly for in-vitro research and is not intended for human use, diagnosis or therapy of any kind.

How is Semax supplied and what is its purity?

Purity and identity results are batch-specific. Consult the applicable supplied report for its results and methods; confirm the batch covers current stock and verify the laboratory’s accreditation scope directly.

How should Semax be stored?

Store unopened Semax vials at –20 °C for long-term stability, or at 2–8 °C for short periods, always protected from light. After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water or sterile diluent, keep the solution refrigerated at 2–8 °C and use it within the period stated in the laboratory protocol to preserve peptide integrity.

Is Semax for human use?

No. Semax from GenoPept is a research chemical supplied for in-vitro laboratory research only. It is not a medicine, not for human or veterinary use, and not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. All handling should be performed by trained personnel in a controlled laboratory setting in line with UK research guidance.

What is the difference between Semax and Selank?

Semax is an ACTH(4-10) analogue studied mainly as a nootropic and neuroprotective peptide, while Selank is a tuftsin-derived peptide investigated for anxiolytic and immunomodulatory activity. They share Russian origins and a Pro-Gly-Pro stabilising motif, and are sometimes co-investigated, but target different research questions in preclinical models.

Research use only. This product is supplied for in-vitro laboratory research only. It is not for human or veterinary use, is not a medicine, and is not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic use. Handling should be carried out only by qualified personnel in an appropriate laboratory setting.