Semax upregulates BDNF and NGF expression through melanocortin receptor activation. It enhances dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission, promotes neuronal survival signaling, and modulates gene expression involved in neuroplasticity and immune regulation in brain tissue.
Research Use Only
Semax — Nootropic Heptapeptide Research Compound
A synthetic peptide derived from ACTH fragment 4-10, studied for cognitive enhancement, neuroprotection, and BDNF upregulation in research models.
Cognitive EnhancementNeuroprotection
CAS 80714-61-0 • 813.93 g/mol • Prepared for research use • Per research workflow
Semax Structure
Reference identifiers are batch-specific for coded materials and are documented on the lot COA/SDS rather than inferred or estimated.
Mechanism of Action
Semax Overview
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from the ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) fragment 4-10, with an added Pro-Gly-Pro C-terminal tripeptide for enhanced metabolic stability. Developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, semax retains the neurotrophic properties of ACTH without hormonal (corticotropic) activity. In research, semax has been studied for its ability to upregulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) expression. It has demonstrated neuroprotective effects in ischemic brain injury models and cognitive enhancement in various behavioral paradigms. Semax also modulates dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission and has shown effects on gene expression related to neuronal survival, immune response, and vascular function in brain tissue.
Purity & Testing
Semax is listed as 5mg lyophilized vial; 10mg lyophilized vial. Catalog identity: CAS 80714-61-0; formula C37H51N9O10S; molecular weight 813.93 g/mol. The lot COA for Semax is available in your account. Finnrick Analytical performs HPLC purity analysis and mass spectrometry identity confirmation on that lot.
- Catalog configurations: 5mg lyophilized vial, 10mg lyophilized vial
- CAS: 80714-61-0
- Formula: C37H51N9O10S
- Molecular weight: 813.93 g/mol
See the Semax COA page.
Storage & Handling
Store the lyophilized powder at -20°C or 2-8°C, protected from light. Bring to room temperature before opening. For in-vitro preparation, use an appropriate laboratory diluent.
Shipping
Ships worldwide from 6 distribution centers via USPS Ground Advantage
Available for direct research purchase
Research-use-only products are sold strictly for laboratory and research purposes. By purchasing, you acknowledge that these products are not intended for human or veterinary use, and you agree to PharmaOrder's RUO terms of service.
Published Research
Selected peer-reviewed studies referenced in this product overview.
Semax, an ACTH(4-10) analogue with nootropic properties, activates BDNF and trkB receptor expression in the rat hippocampus
Dolotov OV, Karpenko EA, Inozemtseva LS, et al. — Brain Research (2006)
Demonstrated that semax upregulates BDNF and TrkB receptor expression in the hippocampus, supporting its neurotrophic mechanism.
Neuroprotective effects of the synthetic ACTH(4-10) analogue Semax in a model of incomplete global cerebral ischemia in rats
Bashkatova VG, Koshelev VB, Fadyukova OE, et al. — Neurochemical Research (2001)
Showed semax provided significant neuroprotection in a rat cerebral ischemia model by reducing nitric oxide overproduction and oxidative damage.
Regulatory peptide Semax stimulates the expression of neurotrophic factor genes in rat brain
Agapova TY, Agniullin YV, Silachev DN, et al. — Doklady Biological Sciences (2007)
Found that semax stimulates expression of BDNF, NGF, and their receptors in the rat cerebral cortex and hippocampus.
FAQ
What is semax derived from?
Semax is a synthetic analog of ACTH fragment 4-10 (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro). It retains the neurotrophic properties of ACTH without any corticotropic (hormonal) activity.
How does semax affect BDNF?
Semax has been shown to significantly upregulate BDNF and NGF expression in brain tissue. BDNF supports neuronal survival, differentiation, and synaptic plasticity, which are key targets in cognitive research.
How should semax be stored?
Store the lyophilized powder at -20°C for long-term or 2-8°C for short-term storage, protected from light. Bring to room temperature before opening. For in-vitro preparation, use an appropriate laboratory diluent.
Editorial Review
Updated March 2026. Reviewed against product catalog, quality, and fulfillment standards. This page is educational and not instructions for human use. See our editorial standards and quality process.
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