Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of the ACTH(4-10) fragment, engineered to retain neurotropic activity while removing the corticotropic effects of the parent hormone. For research teams studying neuroprotection, neurotrophic signaling, and cognitive-related pathways, it is a widely referenced tool compound with a substantial preclinical literature. Puritide Research supplies Semax as a high-purity, research-use-only material, synthesized for in vitro and animal-model work and backed by third-party-verified certificates of analysis so your data rests on consistent, documented quality.
Product Specifications
- Application
- Neuroprotection, neurotrophic signaling, and cognitive pathway research
- Appearance
- Solid, white lyophilized powder in a sealed glass vial
- Chemical Formula
- C37H51N9O10S
- PubChem SID
- 9941958
- CAS Number
- 80714-61-0
- Molecular Weight
- ~813.93 g/mol
- Synonyms
- Semax, ACTH(4-10) analog, Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro (MEHFPGP)
- Storage
- Store at ≤25°C, sealed, away from heat, light, and moisture. For extended storage, keep lyophilized and refrigerated or frozen.
What Is Semax?
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide with the amino acid sequence Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro (MEHFPGP). It was developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences as an analog of the N-terminal ACTH(4-10) fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone. The native C-terminal Arg-Trp-Gly tripeptide is replaced with Pro-Gly-Pro, a substitution reported to confer resistance to plasma peptidases while eliminating corticotropic activity and preserving neurotropic activity.
In experimental settings, Semax is studied for its influence on neurotrophic factor expression, neuroprotective pathways, and cognitive-related endpoints. Researchers use it to explore BDNF/TrkB signaling, monoaminergic systems, and peptide pharmacology within controlled cell-culture and animal models.
Present understanding derives from in vitro assays and animal models, together with clinical research conducted primarily in Russia. Findings should be interpreted within their experimental context and not treated as established outcomes. Puritide Research supplies Semax strictly for laboratory use; it is not approved for human or veterinary application.
Semax Mechanism of Action (Research Only)
Semax is investigated for its ability to modulate neurotrophic and neuroprotective signaling rather than acting on a single classical receptor. The mechanisms below reflect observations from biochemical assays, cell-culture studies, and animal models, and should be read strictly in a research context.
Structural Basis & Stability
The Pro-Gly-Pro substitution at the C-terminus of the ACTH(4-10) sequence is associated in the literature with resistance to enzymatic degradation, extending the molecule's stability relative to the parent fragment. Researchers examine this feature when studying peptide half-life and central activity in model systems.
BDNF/TrkB & Neurotrophic Signaling
The most consistently reported molecular mechanism in the literature is Semax's influence on the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) / TrkB system. In rat hippocampus models, single applications of Semax have been reported to increase BDNF protein and mRNA levels together with TrkB tyrosine phosphorylation, and researchers use these endpoints to characterize neurotrophic signaling.
Semax is also studied for effects on monoaminergic systems, on the expression of neurotrophic and inflammatory mediators, and on cell-survival pathways in ischemia and hypoxia models.
Across these studies, Semax serves as a research tool for characterizing neuroprotective and nootropic-related signaling under controlled conditions rather than representing a single, defined mechanism.
Semax Research Applications
Semax is investigated across preclinical and translational studies as a neuroactive peptide for exploring neuroprotection and neurotrophic biology. The observations below derive from biochemical studies, cell-based assays, and animal models, and should be interpreted within their respective settings.
Neuroprotection & Ischemia Models
A leading application is the study of neuroprotective signaling in cerebral ischemia and hypoxia models, where Semax is used to examine cell-survival endpoints, gene expression, and neurotrophic mediator levels.
Researchers also employ Semax to probe how ACTH-derived peptides influence recovery-related pathways in the central nervous system, without establishing clinical efficacy.
Cognitive Pathway & Peptide Pharmacology Studies
Semax is used in learning-and-memory paradigms to investigate nootropic-related mechanisms and their link to BDNF/TrkB signaling. It also supports broader peptide-pharmacology work exploring stability, delivery, and structure-activity relationships. These studies aim to improve mechanistic understanding rather than to establish physiological or therapeutic effects.
Laboratory Safety & Handling (Research Use Only)
Semax is a synthetic, lyophilized research peptide for laboratory investigation only. It should be handled by qualified personnel in controlled environments, in accordance with institutional policies, laboratory safety procedures, and applicable regulations. As a research material, laboratories should implement practices that prioritize material integrity, traceability, and reproducibility.
Handling & Storage Guidelines
Follow institutional SOPs, chemical hygiene plans, and approved protocols; wear appropriate PPE (lab coat, gloves, eye protection); and use engineering controls where required. Record lot numbers, storage conditions, and handling activities, and retain Certificates of Analysis and batch documentation to support traceability and audit readiness.
Store material under the conditions specified in product documentation, protected from excessive heat, moisture, and direct light. Maintain consistent conditions throughout the study period and monitor storage records as part of quality assurance. Consistent handling and documentation support reliable, reproducible outcomes.
Certificate of Analysis & Quality Assurance
Each Semax batch ships with a third-party-verified Certificate of Analysis, providing transparent, research-grade quality control. The CoA includes a purity assessment (HPLC / reverse-phase chromatography), mass-spectrometry identity confirmation, and lot number, testing date, and method documentation.
Researchers may request sample CoAs (PDF) ahead of purchase to confirm testing parameters, analytical methods, and batch consistency, and are encouraged to perform independent verification.
Research Use Only
