Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) derived from the 4-7 fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), extended at the C-terminus with a Pro-Gly-Pro sequence to confer resistance to enzymatic degradation. Originally developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, it belongs to the class of regulatory ACTH-derived neuropeptides that are devoid of the corticotropic (hormonal) activity of the parent molecule while retaining central-nervous-system effects. Semax is catalogued in PubChem under CID 9811102 and CAS 80714-61-0.
In the experimental literature, Semax has been investigated primarily as a nootropic and neuroprotective agent. Reported mechanisms in rodent models center on up-regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) with concurrent activation of TrkB/TrkA signaling in the hippocampus. Additional studies describe modulation of dopaminergic and serotonergic systems and effects in models of cerebral ischemia. This material is offered strictly for in-vitro and laboratory research and is not intended for human or animal use.
Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro
Research use only — not for human or animal consumption. Per-batch documentation is provided with the material.
Published rodent research reports that a single administration of Semax increased hippocampal BDNF protein and exon-III BDNF mRNA levels alongside elevated TrkB tyrosine phosphorylation, identifying the neurotrophin pathway as its most consistently described molecular correlate. Further studies describe activation of central dopaminergic and serotonergic systems and neuroprotective effects in cerebral-ischemia models.
These observations derive from in-vitro systems and animal models and characterize the compound's biochemical behavior in research settings. They do not constitute evidence of clinical efficacy or safety in humans.
Semax was developed in the 1980s-1990s at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences as a metabolically stabilized analog of the ACTH(4-10) fragment, engineered to retain neurotropic activity while eliminating the hormonal actions of full-length ACTH. It has since become a widely referenced tool compound in the neuropeptide literature.
View compound profile on NIH PubChem →
Cited literature refers to laboratory and preclinical research. Semax is supplied strictly for research use only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
