Semax Research Peptide ā Scientific Overview
Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a synthetic 7-amino-acid peptide derived from the N-terminal sequence of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) fragment 4-10. Developed by Professor Nikolai Myasoedov and colleagues at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the 1980sā1990s, Semax has an extensive published research record including both preclinical animal studies and several human clinical trials conducted in Russia.
Unlike standard ACTH analogs, Semax lacks corticotropic activity (it does not stimulate adrenal cortisol production) but retains and enhances the cognitive and neuroprotective effects associated with the parent sequence. Semax is water-soluble, demonstrates good stability compared to native ACTH fragments, and has been studied via multiple administration routes in preclinical models.
Research Background
Published Semax research spans neurotrophic factor modulation (BDNF, NGF), neuroprotection against ischemic injury in rodent models, attention and memory function studies, serotonin and dopamine pathway modulation, and stroke recovery investigation. Russian clinical trials have examined Semax in contexts including ischemic stroke rehabilitation, optic nerve atrophy, and ADHD, though these studies represent early-phase research and do not establish clinical efficacy by current standards.
Key Research Areas
- Neuroprotective Research: Ischemia protection, oxidative stress modulation, and neuronal survival studies
- BDNF/NGF Research: Neurotrophic factor upregulation and neural growth pathway investigations
- Cognitive Research: Memory, attention, and learning studies in preclinical models
- Neurotransmitter Research: Serotonin, dopamine, and enkephalin pathway modulation
- Stroke Biology Research: Cerebrovascular event recovery pathway studies in animal models
- HIF-1Ī± Research: Hypoxia-inducible factor pathway investigation in ischemia models
Technical Specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Sequence |
Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro (MEHFPGP) |
| Molecular Weight |
813.9 Da |
| Purity |
ā„98% (HPLC-verified) |
| Form |
Lyophilized powder, sealed under argon |
| Storage |
ā20Ā°C (long-term); 4Ā°C (short-term) |
| Documentation |
Batch-specific COA (HPLC + Mass Spec) |
Storage & Handling (Research Laboratories)
Lyophilized Semax should be stored at ā20Ā°C for long-term preservation, protected from light and moisture. For short-term active research use, 4Ā°C storage is acceptable for up to approximately 4 weeks. Minimize repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Follow standard laboratory peptide reconstitution and handling protocols for all experimental use.
Frequently Asked Questions ā Semax Research
What is Semax and how does it differ from ACTH?
Semax is a synthetic 7-amino-acid peptide derived from ACTH(4-10) ā a fragment of the adrenocorticotropic hormone. Unlike full ACTH, Semax does not stimulate adrenal cortisol production (corticotropic effect) but retains and enhances the cognitive and neuroprotective properties associated with the parent sequence. This dissociation of corticotropic activity from cognitive activity makes Semax a useful research tool for studying ACTH-related neuroprotection without confounding adrenal effects.
What neurotrophic effects has Semax shown in preclinical research?
Multiple studies have documented that Semax administration in rodent models upregulates expression of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) and NGF (Nerve Growth Factor) in hippocampal and cortical tissue. These neurotrophic factors are critical for neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, and learning/memory formation. Researchers studying Semax use it as a tool to probe neurotrophic signaling pathways and their downstream effects on neurological function in animal models.
Has Semax been used in human clinical research?
Yes ā Semax has been tested in human clinical studies in Russia, primarily in contexts involving stroke rehabilitation and optic nerve conditions. It was registered in Russia as a pharmaceutical and is approved there for specific clinical uses. However, these approvals are based on Russian regulatory standards and do not represent FDA approval or clinical validation by Western regulatory standards. Research Peptides Supplies supplies Semax strictly for laboratory research use, not for human administration.
What purity and documentation is provided with Semax?
Semax from Research Peptides Supplies is independently verified at ā„98% purity by HPLC, with molecular identity confirmed by Mass Spectrometry. A batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) documenting these results is provided with every order.
Is Semax approved for human use in the USA?
No. Semax is not FDA-approved for human use in the United States. It is supplied exclusively for qualified laboratory and scientific research use in controlled research environments by trained professionals. It is not for human or veterinary administration in any form.
āļø Research Use Only: This product is strictly intended for qualified laboratory and scientific research use by trained professionals in appropriate laboratory settings. It is not intended for human or veterinary administration, therapeutic use, food supplement applications, or any use outside controlled research environments. Not for human consumption.
