OnePeptideShip

Semax Research Profile

Research Use

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide based on ACTH(4-10), developed in Russia for neuroprotection. It dramatically upregulates BDNF and NGF, modulates dopaminergic and serotonergic tone, and is used clinically for acute ischemic stroke recovery and cognitive enhancement.

Semax Quick Technical Specifications

Category
Nootropic & Cognitive
Elimination Half-Life
approx. 2 to 6 hours
Storage Protocol
Refrigerated (2°C-8°C)
Status
Research Use
OE
Written by OnePeptideShip Editorial Team
Reviewed by Dr. Aris Thorne, MD, Board Certified Endocrinology Advisor
Updated September 2026

Mechanism of Action & Biochemical Context

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide based on ACTH(4-10), developed in Russia for neuroprotection. It dramatically upregulates BDNF and NGF, modulates dopaminergic and serotonergic tone, and is used clinically for acute ischemic stroke recovery and cognitive enhancement.

Storage, Reconstitution & Stability Guidelines

Prior to reconstitution, lyophilized Semax powder should be stored away from light between 2°C and 8°C for short-term access, or -20°C for long-term preservation. Once reconstituted with Bacteriostatic Water (0.9% benzyl alcohol preservative), maintain strict refrigeration between 2°C and 8°C. Do not freeze liquid solution.

Cited Scientific References

  1. Dolotov OV, et al. Semax, an analog of ACTH(4-10) with cognitive effects, regulates BDNF and VGF expression in rat hippocampus. Eur J Pharmacol. 2006.
  2. Shelest TN. Clinical efficacy of Semax in patients with cerebral ischemia. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2012.

Calculate Semax Syringe Units

Input your vial mg and BAC water mL to calculate exact U-100 draw units.

Open Semax Calculator →

Frequently Asked Questions

Add 3mL of BAC water to the 30mg vial. This creates a concentration of 10mg/mL (10,000mcg/mL). For a standard 300mcg dose: 300 ÷ 10,000 = 0.03mL = just 3 units on a U-100 syringe. This is an extremely small draw. To make it easier, add 6mL of water instead (making it 5,000mcg/mL), which makes a 300mcg dose = 6 units.

Regular Semax is enzymatically degraded relatively quickly in the body. Researchers have developed two enhanced versions: N-Acetyl Semax (with an added acetyl group on the N-terminus) - more stable, slightly more potent. N-Acetyl Semax Amidate (NASX) - has both the acetyl group AND an amide group added to the C-terminus. This double modification makes it the most stable, most potent, and most blood-brain-barrier-penetrating form of Semax available. Effective doses of NASX are roughly 3-5x lower than regular Semax.

Researchers and subjects consistently report: significantly improved working memory and cognitive processing speed (typically noticeable within 30-60 minutes of injection), enhanced focus and mental clarity without jitteriness or stimulant "edge," elevated mood and motivation (via dopaminergic upregulation), reduced anxiety in many subjects, and improved learning and memory consolidation (via BDNF-driven synaptic plasticity). Effects are most pronounced in the first 6-8 hours.

Both routes work. Intranasal delivery rapidly transports Semax along the olfactory nerve directly to the brain, producing a very fast onset (10-20 minutes) but with roughly 60-70% bioavailability vs. injection. SubQ injection has 100% bioavailability, a slightly slower onset (30-45 minutes), and is more precisely dosed. Research protocols use both; injection is preferred for critical precision and maximum bioavailability.

Yes, extensively. Semax is used clinically in Russia (approved) for treating acute ischemic stroke, traumatic brain injury, optic nerve disease, and cognitive decline. Its mechanism of dramatically upregulating BDNF and NGF provides profound neuroprotection - essentially instructing neurons to survive and repair after injury. In stroke research, it is administered in the acute phase to limit neuronal death in the ischemic penumbra.

Most research protocols run 2-4 weeks on, followed by a 2-week break. This prevents tachyphylaxis (tolerance build-up) to the dopaminergic effects, which can reduce the nootropic impact over time. Because Semax works by genuinely upregulating BDNF/NGF synthesis (rather than depleting a neurotransmitter like stimulants do), it has a much more favorable tolerance profile than amphetamine-class nootropics.

Semax is considered well-tolerated with a clean side effect profile. The most commonly reported issues are: mild headaches (especially in the first few days of use, from increased brain activity), mild anxiety or restlessness in subjects sensitive to dopaminergic activation, insomnia if taken too late in the day, and a mild "crash" or flat mood the day after stopping an extended cycle (due to BDNF normalization).