Semax

Historical Background

Semax (MEHFPGP — Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a synthetic heptapeptide analogue of ACTH(4-10), developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the 1980s. It was originally designed to study ACTH's cognitive effects without its adrenal hormonal actions. Semax has been approved in Russia since 1994 for cognitive impairment, stroke, and optic nerve disease. It is one of the most extensively studied nootropic peptides with a clinical record spanning 30+ years.

What It's Used For

• Cognitive enhancement and neuroprotection research
• BDNF upregulation studies
• Stroke recovery and neuroprotection models
• Attention and focus research (ADHD-adjacent mechanisms)
• Anxiety and mood regulation studies
• Optic nerve and vision neuroprotection
• Immune-modulating melanocortin research

Positive Effects

• Potent BDNF upregulation (most studied mechanism) — drives neuroplasticity and neuronal survival
• Improves spatial memory, learning, and attention in animal models
• Significantly upregulates BDNF mRNA in hippocampus and cortex
• Neuroprotective in ischemia models — reduces infarct size in stroke models
• Stimulates serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine systems
• Anti-anxiety and anti-stress effects in chronic stress models
• Approved clinical use for stroke recovery in Russia and Ukraine
• Reduces hippocampal neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's models

Potential Side Effects

• Generally well-tolerated with excellent long-term safety record
• Mild anxiety or irritability at high doses
• Nasal irritation with intranasal use
• Transient mild elevation of blood pressure
• Restlessness if taken late in the day (stimulating at higher doses)

Administration

Intranasal administration most common (highly effective due to direct nose-to-brain pathway). Drops: 0.5–3 mg per session administered intranasally. Subcutaneous injection also studied. Standard research protocols: 5–7 day courses with breaks. Store reconstituted solution at 2–8°C; use within 14 days.