Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide with the sequence Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro (MEHFPGP).[1][7] It joins the 4-7 segment of the N-terminal domain of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) to a Pro-Gly-Pr...
Certificate of Analysis included with every order.
Technical Specifications
Purity
≥98%
Form
Lyophilized Powder
Storage
-20°C
Molecular Weight
813.9 g/mol
Sequence
Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro
CAS Number
80714-61-0
About Semax
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide with the sequence Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro (MEHFPGP).[1][7] It joins the 4-7 segment of the N-terminal domain of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) to a Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide, and it is described as an analog of the ACTH(4-10) fragment.[1][3] Pepitiva supplies Semax as a lyophilized powder (10 mg vials, ≥98% purity) for in vitro and preclinical research.
Semax was developed and mostly studied in Russia, largely at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and clinical reports are published mainly in Russian-language journals.[1][4][5] Some independent work exists, for example copper-binding studies from Italy.[3]
For research use only. Not for human consumption.
Quality & Storage
≥98% purity. Lyophilized Powder. Storage: -20°C. For research purposes only.
Mechanism of Action
BDNF and its receptor TrkB
Hippocampus: in rats, a single application of Semax increased BDNF protein in the hippocampus up to 1.4-fold and TrkB phosphorylation 1.6-fold, with 3-fold and 2-fold rises in the corresponding mRNAs.[1]
Specific binding sites: tritium-labeled Semax bound specifically and reversibly to membranes from the rat basal forebrain (KD about 2.4 nM), and intranasal Semax raised BDNF levels in that region within 3 hours, but not in the cerebellum.[2]
Other reported activities
Gene expression after ischemia: in a rat model of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion, Semax mainly changed the expression of immune-related genes, including genes for immunoglobulins and chemokines, and genes linked to the vascular system.[4]
Copper binding: Semax binds copper(II) with high affinity and reduced copper-induced toxicity in neuroblastoma and endothelial cell lines.[3]
Research Applications
Preclinical findings
Learning in rats: Semax-treated rats showed more conditioned avoidance reactions, in parallel with the BDNF/TrkB changes in the hippocampus.[1]
Experimental stroke: transcriptome studies in rat focal ischemia are a main line of Semax research.[4]
Human data
A Russian-language study in 110 patients recovering from ischemic stroke reported higher plasma BDNF and better functional scores in the groups that received Semax.[5] It was not a placebo-controlled international trial, and comparable studies outside Russia have not been published. A Belgian medicines-control laboratory that found Semax in seized products noted that, to its knowledge, it had not completed clinical trials.[6]
Laboratory research applications
Neurotrophin signaling: BDNF and TrkB expression and activation.
Ischemia models: transcriptome and immune-gene profiling.
Metal-binding studies: copper coordination and metal-induced cytotoxicity.
Analytical method development: LC-MS/MS identification of nootropic research peptides.[6]
Comparison studies: with Selank, another Russian heptapeptide ending in Pro-Gly-Pro, and with Cerebrolysin.
Semax is not approved by the FDA or the European Medicines Agency.[6] This product is sold for laboratory research only.
Storage & Handling Guidelines
Proper storage and handling are essential to maintain peptide integrity and ensure reliable research results. All Pepitiva Biolabs peptides are supplied as lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder, which provides excellent long-term stability when stored correctly. Store lyophilized peptides at -20°C for long-term storage or 2-8°C for short-term use. Once reconstituted, peptide solutions should be stored at 2-8°C and used within the timeframe specified in the product documentation. Always use sterile bacteriostatic water for reconstitution and handle peptides in a clean laboratory environment to prevent contamination. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, as thermal stress can cause peptide degradation and loss of biological activity.
Quality Control & Certification
This product is manufactured under strict quality control protocols and has been verified through comprehensive analytical testing. Each batch undergoes reverse-phase HPLC analysis for purity determination and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) for molecular identity confirmation. A detailed Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available for download, documenting purity percentage, molecular weight verification, appearance, and recommended storage conditions. Pepitiva Biolabs maintains batch-level traceability from synthesis through delivery, ensuring complete transparency and quality assurance for your research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Semax?
A synthetic 7-amino-acid peptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) that combines the ACTH(4-7) segment with a Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide. It is described as an analog of ACTH(4-10).
What is the Semax mechanism of action?
The best-documented finding is that Semax raises BDNF and activates its receptor TrkB in the rat hippocampus and basal forebrain. Specific binding sites for Semax were found in rat brain membranes.
Is Semax approved in the US?
No. Semax is not approved by the FDA. Its clinical literature is mainly Russian, and independent clinical trials have not been published.
Does Semax have hormonal ACTH activity?
Semax contains only the 4-7 segment of ACTH plus a Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide, not the full hormone. The studies cited on this page examine neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects, not adrenal hormone release.
What is the difference between Semax and Selank?
Both are Russian synthetic heptapeptides ending in Pro-Gly-Pro. Semax is derived from ACTH; Selank is derived from tuftsin, an immune-system peptide. See Selank.
How should Semax be stored?
Keep the lyophilized powder at −20 °C, protected from light and moisture.
Is this product approved for human use?
No. This product is intended exclusively for in vitro scientific research and laboratory use. It is not approved for human or veterinary use, not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, and should not be administered to humans or animals under any circumstances.
How do I reconstitute this peptide?
Add sterile bacteriostatic water slowly to the vial, directing the stream against the glass wall rather than directly onto the lyophilized powder. Gently swirl the vial until the powder is fully dissolved — do not shake vigorously. The recommended reconstitution volume depends on your desired concentration. Refer to the product documentation for specific guidance.
Can I get a Certificate of Analysis (COA)?
Yes. A Certificate of Analysis is included with every order and is also available for download from the product page. The COA documents HPLC purity, mass spectrometry identity confirmation, batch number, production date, and storage recommendations.
Scientific References
Dolotov OV, Karpenko EA, Inozemtseva LS, et al. Semax, an analog of ACTH(4-10) with cognitive effects, regulates BDNF and trkB expression in the rat hippocampus. Brain Res. 2006;1117(1):54-60. PubMed
Dolotov OV, Karpenko EA, Seredenina TS, et al. Semax, an analogue of adrenocorticotropin (4-10), binds specifically and increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor protein in rat basal forebrain. J Neurochem. 2006;97 Suppl 1:82-86. PubMed
Tabbì G, Magrì A, Giuffrida A, et al. Semax, an ACTH4-10 peptide analog with high affinity for copper(II) ion and protective ability against metal induced cell toxicity. J Inorg Biochem. 2015;142:39-46. PubMed
Medvedeva EV, Dmitrieva VG, Povarova OV, et al. The peptide semax affects the expression of genes related to the immune and vascular systems in rat brain focal ischemia: genome-wide transcriptional analysis. BMC Genomics. 2014;15:228. PubMed
Gusev EI, Martynov MY, Kostenko EV, et al. [The efficacy of semax in the tretament of patients at different stages of ischemic stroke]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2018;118(3. Vyp. 2):61-68. PubMed
Vanhee C, Francotte A, Janvier S, et al. The occurrence of putative cognitive enhancing research peptides in seized pharmaceutical preparations: An incentive for controlling agencies to prepare for future encounters of the kind. Drug Test Anal. 2020;12(3):371-381. PubMed
PubChem. Semax, CID 9811102: C37H51N9O10S, 813.9 g/mol; CAS 80714-61-0. Source
Sources are peer-reviewed publications indexed in PubMed and trial registrations on ClinicalTrials.gov. Each citation was checked against its PubMed record.
For research use only. Not for human consumption.
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