Semax

aka ACTH 4-10 analog

CAS 80714-61-0C37H51N9O10S

strong evidenceNot FDA-Approved

Semax in brief

Semax (ACTH 4-10 analog) is a synthetic analog of ACTH 4-10 with cognitive-enhancing properties, used in Russia for stroke recovery and cognitive impairment. Amino Axiom rates its evidence base strong, drawing on 202 PubMed results (45 human studies). It is filed under Cognitive & Neurological in the Amino Axiom compound index.

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Long-form breakdowns

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Full Research Data

Overview

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) 4-10 fragment. Developed in Russia, it has been approved there for cognitive impairment and stroke recovery. Unlike ACTH, it has no corticotropic activity. It is believed to act through neurotrophic factor expression and BDNF modulation.

PubMed results: 202 · Human studies: 45 · Animal studies: 189

Dosing Ranges

Ranges reflect protocols studied in published research and animal-model extrapolation. Presented for research purposes only, not a recommendation or instruction for human use.

Intranasal — standard range 300-600 mcg, 1-2 times daily
Subcutaneous — standard range 300-600 mcg, Once daily

Half-Life

Unknown (low confidence)

Observed Benefits

Cognitive and nootropic research endpoints (Moderate clinical): Russian clinical programs have studied this ACTH 4-10 analog for cognitive impairment, with reports of improved attention and memory-related measures without corticotropic activity of native ACTH.
Stroke recovery and neuroprotection research (Moderate clinical): Semax has been approved in Russia for stroke recovery research contexts; studies associate use with neurotrophic factor expression and BDNF-related pathways rather than hormonal ACTH effects.
BDNF and neurotrophic factor modulation (Limited): Mechanistic research suggests Semax influences expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and related neurotrophic signaling, providing a proposed basis for observed CNS effects.

Side Effects

Nasal irritation (intranasal formulations) — Mild, Uncommon. Intranasal research formulations have been associated with local mucosal irritation; broader international adverse-event databases remain limited.
Limited documented systemic adverse effects — Mild, Not established. Published reports generally describe good short-term tolerability, but large-scale Western randomized safety data and long-term surveillance are not established.

Contraindications

Acute psychiatric instability (research caution) (Theoretical / Preclinical): CNS-active peptide research typically excludes unstable psychiatric conditions where cognitive or mood endpoints could confound safety assessment.
Pregnancy and lactation (research caution) (Theoretical / Preclinical): Human reproductive safety data are insufficient; investigational peptide protocols standardly exclude pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Storage

Lyophilized (powder): Refrigerated (2-8°C), Up to 24 months. Light sensitive: yes, store dark

Reconstituted (solution): Refrigerated (2-8°C), 4-6 weeks. Solvent: Bacteriostatic water