Synthetic heptapeptide derived from the ACTH(4--7) fragment with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro extension that confers enzymatic stability and removes hormonal activity. Studied in BDNF/TrkB signaling, cerebral-ischemia neuroprotection, and attention and memory models. 99%+ purity confirmed by independent HPLC-MS; lot COA published before sale.
Independent laboratory testing confirms purity and composition of this research material.
Semax was developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences as a stabilized analog of the melanocortin fragment ACTH(4–10). The Met-Glu-His-Phe core retains the neurotropic activity of the parent fragment, while the Pro-Gly-Pro tail protects against aminopeptidase and carboxypeptidase cleavage and eliminates the adrenal-stimulating (corticotropic) activity of ACTH itself. The result is a compound that acts on melanocortin and neurotrophin signaling in the CNS without endocrine effects — the property that has made it a reference tool in Russian and, increasingly, Western neuropharmacology.
| Size | 10 mg lyophilized powder, 3 mL clear glass vial |
|---|---|
| Purity | ≥ 99% by HPLC; identity confirmed by LC-MS |
| Sequence | Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro |
| Molecular formula | C₃₇H₅₁N₉O₁₀S |
| Molecular weight | 813.9 Da |
| CAS | 80714-61-0 |
| Appearance | White lyophilized powder |
| Solubility | Water |
| Storage | −20 °C long term; 2–8 °C short term |
| Testing | Lot-specific COA from Janoshik Analytical |
Semax rapidly increases BDNF and NGF expression and TrkB phosphorylation in hippocampus and frontal cortex — the mechanism most often invoked for its cognitive effects in animal models.
Extensive rodent stroke-model work examines infarct volume, neurological recovery, and transcriptional responses; transcriptome studies show Semax modulating immune, vascular, and neurotransmission gene clusters after ischemia.
Semax improves performance in passive-avoidance, Morris water maze, and attention tasks in animals, and has been studied for effects on evoked potentials in humans.
The peptide inhibits enkephalin-degrading enzymes and modulates dopaminergic and serotonergic transmission, linking it to motivation and mood research.
Semax acts at melanocortin receptors (MC4R in particular) and through non-receptor pathways to increase neurotrophin gene expression, enhance TrkB signaling, and up-regulate genes involved in synaptic plasticity. It also reduces oxidative stress and modulates the immune-inflammatory response in injured brain tissue. Its short length and metabolic stability make it practical for in-vitro neuronal-culture work.
Foundational pharmacology is from the Myasoedov and Ashmarin groups at the Russian Academy of Sciences, with the BDNF/TrkB findings in Dolotov et al. (2006, Brain Research). Transcriptome work after ischemia is in Medvedeva et al. (2014, BMC Genomics) and Dergunova et al. (2017, Frontiers in Genetics). A 2018 review in Frontiers in Pharmacology (Gusev et al.) summarizes the clinical and preclinical literature. Semax is registered as a pharmaceutical in Russia; it has no regulatory status in the US.
Both are Russian-origin heptapeptides with a Pro-Gly-Pro stabilizing tail, but from different parents: Semax from ACTH(4–10), Selank from the immunopeptide tuftsin. Semax is studied chiefly in neurotrophin and neuroprotection models; Selank in anxiety, GABAergic, and immune models. See Selank.
No — this is the parent Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro sequence. The N-acetylated and amidated variants are distinct compounds.
Match the lot number on your vial to the COA on the Lab Results page.
Every lot is analyzed by Janoshik Analytical, an independent accredited laboratory, before listing. Testing covers identity (LC-MS), purity (HPLC), net content, and endotoxin (LAL assay, USP <85>). The COA is published to the Lab Results page before the lot goes on sale.
Sealed lyophilized vials remain stable up to 24 months at −20 °C. Refrigerate at 2–8 °C on arrival and for short-term holding, protected from light and moisture. Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
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