— Research monograph
Semax
A synthetic ACTH(4-10) analog studied in neuroprotection and BDNF models.
- Class
- Synthetic heptapeptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) — ACTH(4-10) analog
- Half-life (research)
- Short circulating half-life; intranasal administration is the primary route in research protocols.
- Origin
- Developed at Moscow State University by the Ashmarin laboratory in the 1980s. Designed as an N-terminal ACTH fragment with the C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro extension for proteolytic stability. Approved in Russia as a nootropic.
- Solubility
- Highly water-soluble; commonly formulated as an intranasal solution.
What is Semax?
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide composed of an N-terminal ACTH(4-7) tetrapeptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe) extended with the C-terminal tripeptide Pro-Gly-Pro. The Pro-Gly-Pro extension dramatically increases plasma stability compared to the parent ACTH fragment.
Semax is one of the most-studied compounds in the Russian neuropeptide literature, with a substantial body of preclinical work on neurotrophic factor expression, monoamine neurotransmission, and behavioral models.
How does Semax work?
Modulates BDNF and NGF expression in cultured glial cells and rodent brain tissue. Affects dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission in preclinical models. Specific receptor targets continue to be characterized.
Research applications
- Neurotrophic factor research (BDNF, NGF)
- Monoamine neurotransmission studies
- Cognitive-pathway preclinical models
- Nootropic-class peptide pharmacology
Handling & reconstitution
Semax ships as a sealed, lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder and is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water for laboratory handling. Highly water-soluble; commonly formulated as an intranasal solution. Concentration equals vial mass divided by diluent volume.
See the Semax reconstitution protocol for a step-by-step guide and an interactive research calculator (vial size → diluent → draw volume).
Frequently asked questions
What is Semax?
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide composed of an N-terminal ACTH(4-7) tetrapeptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe) extended with the C-terminal tripeptide Pro-Gly-Pro. The Pro-Gly-Pro extension dramatically increases plasma stability compared to the parent ACTH fragment. Merit supplies it as a lyophilized research compound for research use only — not for human or veterinary use.
How does Semax work?
Modulates BDNF and NGF expression in cultured glial cells and rodent brain tissue. Affects dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission in preclinical models. Specific receptor targets continue to be characterized. Mechanistic descriptions summarize published preclinical findings and are not clinical claims.
What is the half-life of Semax?
Short circulating half-life; intranasal administration is the primary route in research protocols. Values reflect preclinical or research-context reports, not clinical pharmacokinetics.
How is Semax reconstituted for research?
A lyophilized vial is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water; concentration equals vial mass divided by diluent volume. See the Semax reconstitution protocol for a step-by-step guide and a research calculator.
Is Merit Semax for human use?
No. It is sold strictly for research use only — not for human or veterinary use, and not for diagnostic or therapeutic use. Every lot ships with a certificate of analysis documenting ≥99% HPLC purity.
References
- Semax, an ACTH(4-10) analogue with nootropic properties, activates dopaminergic and serotoninergic brain systems in rodents. Eremin KO, Kudrin VS, Saransaari P, et al.. Neurochemistry Research, 2005 · PMID 16362768
- Semax, an analogue of adrenocorticotropin (4-10), binds specifically and increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor protein in rat basal forebrain. Dolotov OV, Karpenko EA, Inozemtseva LS, et al.. Journal of Neurochemistry, 2006 · PMID 16635254
- Rapid induction of neurotrophin mRNAs in rat glial cell cultures by Semax, an adrenocorticotropic hormone analog. Shadrina MI, Dolotov OV, Grivennikov IA, et al.. Neuroscience Letters, 2001 · PMID 11457573
For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not FDA-approved. Reference information summarized from published literature — not medical or dosing advice.
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