How Semax works
A Russian nasal peptide with limited human evidence for brain and nerve effects.
Also called: Семакс, ACTH(4–7)-PGP, MEHFPGP.
Nootropic peptides · ACTH-fragment analogue studied for brain and nerve effects.
Semax is built from part of the ACTH signal plus a short stabilizing tail. Animal studies show changes in growth-factor and chemical signals in the brain. Its useful target in humans is not established.
- BDNF and trkB signaling: Changed expression in rat brain; human benefit not established.
- Enkephalin-degrading enzymes: Inhibited in laboratory serum assays.
- Dopamine and serotonin signaling: Changed in rodents, including stronger amphetamine responses.
Half-life: No validated human elimination half-life was found.
Related to Semax
- Selank: A Russian nasal anxiety peptide with uncertain long-term benefit and safety.
- PE-22-28: An experimental mood peptide studied in mice, with no human trials found.
- Dihexa: An experimental memory compound with disputed animal research and no established human dose.
- P21: An experimental memory peptide with animal research and no established human dose or safety profile.
- Cerebrolysin: An injectable pig brain mixture with mixed stroke, brain-injury and dementia evidence.
Sources
- 503B Bulk Drug Substances List, FDA · FDA · 2026
- Bulk Drug Substances Nominated for Use in Compounding Under Section 503A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, FDA · FDA · 2026
- Certain Bulk Drug Substances for Use in Compounding that May Present Significant Safety Risks, FDA · FDA · 2026
- Federal Register: nonbinding draft HHS interim policy, October 30 2026, 2026
- HHS 503A peptide interim enforcement policy and conditions, October 30 2026, 2026
- July 23-24, 2026: Meeting of the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee - 07/23/2026, FDA · FDA · 2026
- MHRA Products | Home, MHRA · MHRA · 2026
- The Prohibited List, World Anti-Doping Agency · World Anti-Doping Agency · 2026
- Therapeutic Goods (Poisons Standard—October 2026) Instrument 2026, Australian Government · Australian Government · 2026
- Think twice before injecting peptides bought online: unauthorized products can seriously harm you, Health Canada · Health Canada · 2026
- Anaphylaxis, NHS · NHS · 2023
- Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), Therapeutic Goods Administration · TGA
- Search, European Medicines Agency
- Semax-Related Bulk Drug Substances: Semax (Free Base) and Semax Acetate
- Symptoms of a stroke
Sources checked: 2026-10-18.
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