What does Semax do? Benefits and evidence
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 a synthetic nasal medicine used in Russia, with small or poorly controlled studies of stroke recovery, eye disease and attention. Brain scans do not prove better focus; long-term safety and injected use remain untested.
- In Russia, nasal drops are given to people for mental tiredness and attention; these uses are not approved in the US. (Studied in a trial)
- In a small study after stroke, people given it with usual care recovered faster, but the study was not randomized. (Studied in a trial)
- People report clearer thinking, alertness and better focus, though some notice no effect. (Reported by users)
Uses in the sources
- Studied alongside usual care after ischemic stroke. Reliable long-term disability benefit is unproven. (Studied in a trial) (source)
- Russian nasal instructions include mental fatigue and attention-related uses. These are not FDA-approved indications. (Clinician-published) (source)
- People report nasal sprays or injections for focus; responses include no effect. (Reported by users) (source)
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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