A synthetic heptapeptide derived from ACTH(4-10), researched as a nootropic and neuroprotective agent; approved in Russia for stroke recovery and cognitive disorders.
Approved in Russia only (and some neighbouring states) as a nootropic/neuroprotective drug for stroke and cognitive indications. Not approved by FDA or EMA — research-use / gray-market elsewhere.
Also known as: ACTH(4-10) analog
An ACTH(4-10) analog without steroidogenic activity that rapidly upregulates BDNF and its TrkB receptor, plus NGF and VEGF, in the hippocampus and cortex, while modulating serotonergic/dopaminergic signalling — promoting neuroplasticity and neuroprotection.
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from ACTH(4-10) with the hormonal activity removed, studied for neuroprotection, cognition and ischemic stroke recovery. Its main proposed mechanism is rapid upregulation of BDNF and TrkB, plus dopaminergic and serotonergic modulation. Russian clinical work reports reduced stroke deficits and improved motor scores when added to standard care, and preclinical studies show reduced infarct size. The major limitation: these are largely non-randomised or small Russian trials with variable reporting quality, not replicated in large Western phase 3 RCTs. It is essentially not used clinically outside Russia, and off-label nootropic use is not backed by rigorous controlled data.
We report both positive and negative trial results. For exact study protocols, read the sources — we cite them rather than repackage them.
Bars reflect the strength & volume of research evidence for each use — not a guarantee of results.
Reported as well tolerated, with few documented adverse effects (occasional mild nasal irritation with intranasal use). Robust long-term and large-scale safety data are absent, so the profile is not well characterised to Western standards.
Selank — the complementary Russian pair (calm plus focus). Other claimed BDNF-raising nootropics. Combination evidence is anecdotal.
Mechanistic context only — we don't publish combinations, amounts or protocols.
Versus Selank, Semax is oriented toward cognition, neuroprotection and stroke recovery via a neurotrophic mechanism rather than GABAergic anxiolysis. Versus Western neuroprotective agents, its distinguishing feature is a mechanism validated mainly in Russian, not international, trials.
In Russia it is used adjunctively with supporting trials, but it lacks the large randomised Western trials needed for broad regulatory approval.
Some Russian studies report elevated plasma BDNF, but this needs independent replication before being treated as established.
No. It is approved only in Russia; elsewhere it is unapproved and research-use.
No reviews yet. If you've used Semax, be the first to share what it helped with and any side effects.
⚠️ Educational research information only — not medical advice. Many peptides are sold strictly for laboratory research and are not approved treatments. The evidence scores reflect research interest and strength, not efficacy or safety for any individual. Always consult a qualified professional.