Short answer
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide built from the ACTH 4 to 7 fragment with a proline glycine proline tail added to slow enzymatic breakdown. It is studied in neurotrophic signalling and cerebral ischaemia models, mostly in Russian language preclinical literature. Vitality Peps supplies it as lyophilised vials and as a prepared nasal spray, for laboratory research only.
Semax appears in neuroscience research literature and in a great deal of imprecise summary writing. This explainer sets out the molecule, its origin and the limits of the published record.
Where does Semax come from?
Semax was developed in the Russian neuropeptide research programme. The starting point was the ACTH 4 to 10 region of adrenocorticotropic hormone, a sequence studied since the 1970s for effects on learning and attention in animal models.
The design change that produced Semax was the addition of a proline glycine proline tail, which slows enzymatic degradation and gives a longer measurement window in experiments.
Which research pathways involve it?
- Brain derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor expression in cultured neurons.
- Rodent models of cerebral ischaemia, where infarct volume and behavioural recovery are measured.
- Cognitive load and attention models.
- Oxidative stress markers in neuronal tissue.
What the evidence does not establish
Semax holds no marketing authorisation in the European Union. The clinical record outside Russia is thin, and most published work is preclinical. Describing the compound in terms of a human benefit is not supported by that record.
Which formats exist?
- Semax 5mg lyophilised vial for smaller preparations.
- Semax 10mg lyophilised vial for longer running work.
- Semax nasal spray 10mg, supplied as a prepared solution in a metered pump bottle.
How is it handled in the laboratory?
Lyophilised vials are stored cold and dark and reconstituted with bacteriostatic water once at room temperature. Prepared sprays arrive in solution, are stored refrigerated, kept capped and upright, and dated on opening.
Concentration is calculated from the actual vial mass, never carried over from another compound.
Research use only
Semax supplied by Vitality Peps is for in vitro laboratory research only. Not a medicine, not a supplement, not for human or veterinary consumption. Nothing above is dosing guidance.
Frequently asked questions
What is Semax in simple terms?
A short synthetic peptide derived from a fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone. The fragment used carries no corticotropic activity of its own in the published models, and a stabilising three amino acid tail was added so the molecule survives longer in biological samples.
What research is Semax used in?
Mainly preclinical neuroscience: expression of neurotrophic factors such as brain derived neurotrophic factor, rodent models of cerebral ischaemia, and cognitive load models. Most of the record is Russian language and preclinical.
How does Semax differ from Selank?
Different parent molecules. Semax comes from an ACTH fragment and its literature concerns neurotrophic signalling. Selank comes from tuftsin, an immune signalling peptide, and its literature concerns anxiety related behaviour and cytokine measures. Our Semax and Selank comparison covers this in detail.
Which format should a study use?
The lyophilised vial when the researcher needs to set the concentration, the prepared nasal spray when a fixed prepared solution is wanted. Format does not change what the literature reports about the molecule.
For research purposes only. Not for human consumption. This article is educational and references published laboratory research; it is not medical advice and does not describe an approved use of any compound.