Semax
- Half-life
- 1 h
- Steady state
- ~0 d
- Class
- Nootropic
- Category
- Peptide
Published population averages. Steady state is the usual five half-life rule of thumb, not a measurement. See peptide half-life, explained.
Overview
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from ACTH(4-10), the pro-opiomelanocortin fragment involved in attention and memory formation. Developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, it is approved in Russia and Ukraine as a prescription nootropic for cognitive enhancement, stroke recovery, and neurodegenerative conditions.
How it works
Upregulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor TrkB, promoting neuroplasticity, neurogenesis, and synaptic strengthening. Modulates serotonergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission. Enhances cholinergic activity. Inhibits enkephalin-degrading enzymes, prolonging endogenous opioid peptide action. Also reduces oxidative stress in neural tissue via MnSOD upregulation.
Half-life and peak
Intranasal half-life approximately 60 minutes (rapidly degraded by peptidases). Effects on BDNF and neurotrophin expression persist 24 hours beyond plasma clearance. N-Acetyl Semax (NA-Semax) has extended half-life of ~4 hours due to acetylation protection. Typical dose: 200–600 mcg intranasally.
What it is studied for
Cognitive enhancement, neuroprotection post-stroke, BDNF upregulation, attention and memory, optic nerve atrophy, ADHD, anxiety, neurodegenerative disease prevention.
Research status
Approved in Russia (2011) for cognitive disorders, stroke recovery, optic atrophy. Not studied in FDA-regulated clinical trials for the US market. Russian clinical data available but limited Western replication. Used off-label globally as a nootropic.
Sources
- Semax neuroprotective effects — CNS Drug Reviews · doi.org
- Semax and BDNF expression — Doklady Biological Sciences · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- ACTH(4-10) analogue pharmacology — Neuroscience Behavioral Physiology · doi.org
- Semax intranasal bioavailability · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Educational reference only. This page describes what is published about a compound; it is not medical advice, not a recommendation to take anything, and not a dosing guide. Several compounds in this catalog are investigational and are not approved medicines. Talk to a doctor.