# Semax

> Russian synthetic ACTH(4-10) analog studied for nootropic and neuroprotective effects.

- Class: Cognitive
- FDA approved: No
- Canonical page: https://www.americanpeptide.com/catalog/semax

## Overview

Semax is a heptapeptide analog of ACTH(4-10) developed in Russia, used clinically there for stroke and cognitive disorders. Preclinical studies report BDNF / NGF upregulation.

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide based on a fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone, ACTH(4-10), modified for stability. It was developed in Russia, where it is used clinically for stroke and cognitive disorders.

Unlike full ACTH, Semax does not activate the stress (HPA) axis; instead, preclinical research focuses on its reported induction of neurotrophic factors such as BDNF and NGF. Outside Russia it is not FDA-approved and the controlled-trial base is limited.

## Mechanism

BDNF / NGF induction; melanocortin signaling without HPA activation.

## Chemistry

| Property | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Molecular formula | C37H51N9O10S |
| Molecular weight | 813.9 Da |
| CAS number | 80714-61-0 |
| PubChem CID | [9811102](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/9811102) |

## Sequence

```
MEHFPGP
```

## Research areas

Studied in: Ischemic stroke recovery, Cognition, Neuroprotection.

Guides on this site:

- [Cognition & Neuroprotection](https://www.americanpeptide.com/research-areas/cognition-neuroprotection): Nootropic and neurotrophic peptides studied for cognition and recovery.

## Key research

- Neurotrophic induction — reported to increase BDNF protein and trkB phosphorylation in the rat hippocampus and basal forebrain (Dolotov et al., 2006).
- Monoaminergic modulation — studied for enhancing dopaminergic and serotonergic signaling, alongside melanocortin activity, without activating the HPA stress axis.
- Ischemic stroke & cognition — approved in Russia for stroke, cognitive impairment, and optic-nerve disease; studied for attention and memory.
- Compared to Selank — both Russian neuropeptides, but Semax is oriented toward focus / cognition / neuroprotection where Selank targets anxiety; the two are often paired.
- Evidence quality — most controlled data are Russian-language; Western peer-reviewed replication is limited.

## FAQs

### What is Semax?

Semax is a synthetic ACTH(4-10) analog studied for nootropic and neuroprotective effects, used clinically in Russia for stroke and cognitive disorders.

### How does it work?

Research points to induction of neurotrophic factors (BDNF, NGF) and melanocortin signaling, without activating the stress axis.

### Is Semax FDA-approved?

No — it is approved and used in Russia but is a research compound elsewhere. This page is a research and educational reference.

### What is it studied for?

Ischemic stroke recovery, cognition, and neuroprotection, with most controlled data from Russian clinical use.

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Source: AmericanPeptide.com — https://www.americanpeptide.com/catalog/semax
Data license: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Attribution: AmericanPeptide.com.
Research reference only — computational and educational content, not medical advice.