Peptide Name
Semax
Updated March 2026
Semax Dosing Protocol
Complete Semax research dosing protocol with daily titration schedule (300–800 mcg), reconstitution calculator, half-life data, side effects, and clinical trial references.
Half-life
~3–5 minutes plasma; 20–24 hour effects
Dose range
300–800 mcg/day SubQ; 400–6,000 mcg/day intranasal
Status
Approved in Russia/Ukraine; not FDA-approved
Category
Nootropic / Neuroprotective Peptide (ACTH analogue)
Need to calculate reconstitution and dosing units? Use the dose to units converter.
Quick Reference Card
Use Case
Research users commonly explore Semax for focus, memory, and cognitive-performance nootropic protocols.
Aliases
СЕМАКС, ACTH(4-7)PGP, MEHFPGP, Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro
Category / Class
Nootropic / Neuroprotective Peptide (ACTH Analogue)
Half-Life
~3–5 minutes (plasma); functional effects persist 20–24 hours
Dosing Frequency
Once daily (subcutaneous) or 2–4× daily (intranasal)
Dose Range
300–800 mcg/day (subcutaneous); 400–6,000 mcg/day (intranasal, indication-dependent)
Common Vial Sizes
5 mg, 10 mg, 30 mg
Route of Administration
Intranasal spray/drops (primary) or subcutaneous injection
Regulatory Status
Approved in Russia and Ukraine for stroke, cognitive disorders, optic nerve disease; on Russia's List of Vital & Essential Drugs; not FDA-approved
Developer
Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences / JSC Peptogen
Key Stat
In 110 post-ischemic-stroke patients, Semax (6,000 mcg/day × two 10-day courses) increased plasma BDNF levels and accelerated functional recovery on the Barthel index regardless of rehabilitation timing (Gusev et al., 2018)
Peptide Partners Spotlight
COA-Verified Suppliers Carrying Semax
Research-grade peptide suppliers vetted for COAs, purity data, and reliability.
59 Finnrick TestsMulti-Lab Verification4 Testing Categories
Affiliate disclosure: some outbound supplier links are affiliate links, and we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports our free tools and protocol database. Our protocol content and editorial ratings are independent of affiliate relationships.
Preferred Partner: Peptide Partners
What Is Semax?
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide nootropic and neuroprotective agent derived from the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) fragment ACTH(4-10). Developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the late 1980s, Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) was engineered to isolate the cognitive and neuroprotective effects of ACTH while eliminating its hormonal activity — specifically, Semax does not stimulate cortisol release. The name "Semax" is derived from the Russian abbreviation for "seven amino acids" (СЕМь АминоКиСлот). Semax has been one of the most extensively studied Russian-developed peptides, with decades of clinical use in neurological medicine.
Structurally, Semax consists of the ACTH(4-7) fragment (Met-Glu-His-Phe) extended at the C-terminus with the tripeptide Pro-Gly-Pro. This PGP extension serves two purposes: it dramatically increases metabolic stability compared to native ACTH fragments (whose half-life is seconds), and it independently contributes to Semax's biological activity by modulating neurotrophin expression and immune signaling. Despite a short plasma half-life of approximately 3–5 minutes, the C-terminal modification extends Semax's functional duration to 20–24 hours in animal models, enabling once-daily dosing for most applications.
Semax is approved as a prescription medication in Russia and Ukraine and is listed on Russia's List of Vital & Essential Drugs (approved December 7, 2011). Medical indications include treatment of ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, dyscirculatory encephalopathy, memory and cognitive disorders, optic nerve disease, and immune system support. Semax is manufactured in Russia by JSC Peptogen and is available in 0.1% and 1% intranasal formulations. In the largest published stroke rehabilitation trial, Semax (6,000 mcg/day for two 10-day courses) significantly increased plasma BDNF levels and accelerated functional recovery in 110 post-stroke patients.
This compound is not FDA-approved. All information on this page is for educational and research reference purposes only.
How Semax Works: Neurotrophic, Neuroprotective & Neuromodulatory Pathways
Semax's mechanism spans neurotrophic signaling, monoaminergic modulation, receptor interaction, anti-inflammatory transcriptomic effects, and endogenous peptide stabilization.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) Upregulation
Semax's most well-characterized mechanism is rapid, robust upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) in the central nervous system. In animal models, intranasal Semax rapidly elevates BDNF and its signaling receptor TrkB in the hippocampus, and increases both BDNF and NGF in the frontal cortex and hippocampus within 8 hours of administration. BDNF is critical for neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, memory consolidation, and learning. NGF supports the maintenance and repair of cholinergic neurons involved in attention and memory. In the 110-patient stroke rehabilitation trial (Gusev et al., 2018), Semax treatment produced sustained elevations in plasma BDNF that positively correlated with functional recovery scores.
Dopaminergic and Serotonergic System Modulation
Semax activates both dopaminergic and serotonergic brain systems. It increases serotonin metabolism and potentiates the locomotor and behavioral effects of dopaminergic stimulation (demonstrated by amphetamine potentiation studies in animals). Dopamine modulation underlies Semax's effects on attention, motivation, executive function, and reward processing. Serotonin modulation contributes to mood regulation and stress resilience. Unlike stimulant medications, Semax's dopaminergic effects do not appear to produce tolerance, dependence, or post-use crashes in published data.
Melanocortin Receptor Interaction
Although the exact receptor-level mechanism remains under investigation, evidence suggests Semax interacts with melanocortin receptors — particularly MC4R. In HEK293 cells expressing human MC4R, Semax did not directly activate cAMP signaling but antagonized the cAMP-inducing effect of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). Since alpha-MSH exhibits strong anti-inflammatory, neurogenic, and neuroprotective effects in brain ischemia and inflammation models, Semax may recapitulate aspects of melanocortin-mediated neuroprotection through this receptor pathway.
Anti-Inflammatory and Immune System Modulation
Genome-wide transcriptomic analysis in ischemic rat brain tissue revealed that Semax significantly modulates over 1,500 genes, predominantly enhancing the expression of genes related to immune system function and vascular development. Under ischemic conditions, Semax suppressed pro-inflammatory gene expression while activating neurotransmission-related genes — effectively counteracting pathological gene-expression patterns of ischemia-reperfusion injury. This anti-inflammatory neuroprotection is considered a key mechanism underlying Semax's efficacy in stroke treatment.
Enkephalin Degradation Inhibition
Like its sister compound Selank, Semax inhibits enzymes involved in the degradation of enkephalins and other endogenous regulatory peptides (IC50 = 10 micromolar). This stabilization of endogenous opioid peptides may contribute to stress-reducing and mood-stabilizing effects, though the clinical significance of this particular pathway is considered uncertain.
Together, these pathways produce Semax's distinctive multi-target profile: neurotrophic support (BDNF/NGF), neurotransmitter optimization (dopamine/serotonin), neuroprotection (anti-inflammatory transcriptomic modulation), and cognitive enhancement — explaining its clinical utility across both acute neurological injury and chronic cognitive optimization applications.
Tools for this Protocol
- calculate injection units for reconstitution and units.
- Pep Pal calculator to lock in syringe draw volume.
Semax Dosing Protocol & Titration Schedule
Initiation (SubQ)
Weeks 1-2
300 mcg
Once daily (morning). Assess tolerance and cognitive response.
Escalation (SubQ)
Weeks 3-4
500 mcg
Once daily (morning). Increase if initiation dose is well tolerated.
Therapeutic Range (SubQ)
Weeks 5-8
600-800 mcg
Once daily (morning). Adjust based on individual response.
Cycle Off (SubQ)
Weeks 9-12
0 mcg
4-week rest period; repeat as needed.
Mental Fatigue (IN 0.1%)
3-5 days
400-900 mcg/day
2-3× daily (split).
Mild Cognitive Dysfunction Adults (IN 0.1%)
10-14 days
200-2,000 mcg/day
4× daily (split).
Mild Cognitive Dysfunction Children 7-18 (IN 0.1%)
30 days
200-400 mcg/day
2× daily.
Optic Nerve Disorders (IN 0.1%)
7-10 days
600-900 mcg/day
2-3× daily.
Moderate Stroke (IN 1%)
Up to 10 days
6,000-12,000 mcg/day
3-4× daily.
Severe Stroke (IN 1%)
Up to 10 days
12,000-20,000 mcg/day
4-6× daily (q 2.5-3 hr).
Stroke Rehabilitation Cycling (IN 1%)
10 on / 20 off / 10 on
6,000 mcg/day
Per clinical protocol.
Titration Notes
Why titration pacing matters: Semax is dose-dependent. Cognitive and neuroprotective effects scale with dose, but individual response thresholds vary considerably. Starting at 300 mcg allows identification of the minimum effective dose before escalating.
Dose flexibility: Russian clinical prescribing for the 0.1% solution spans a wide range (200-8,000 mcg/day) depending on indication and severity. For non-clinical nootropic subcutaneous use, 300-800 mcg/day captures the community-consensus effective window.
Morning dosing is critical: Semax promotes wakefulness, alertness, and dopaminergic activity. Administration after 2 PM may interfere with sleep. If splitting doses, keep the last dose before early afternoon.
Missed dose guidance: If a dose is missed, resume at the next scheduled morning administration. Do not double-dose. Semax's neurotrophic effects are cumulative over multi-day courses.
Cycling rationale: Most published human data covers 4-8 weeks of continuous use. For longer protocols, a 4-week-on / 4-week-off pattern is commonly used, while Russian stroke protocols use a 10-on / 20-off / 10-on structure.
Semax Reconstitution Guide
Vial Size: 5 mg
BAC Water: 2 mL
Concentration: 2,500 mcg/mL (2.5 mg/mL)
300 mcg: 0.12 mL (12 units)
500 mcg: 0.20 mL (20 units)
800 mcg: 0.32 mL (32 units)
1,000 mcg: 0.40 mL (40 units)
Vial Size: 5 mg
BAC Water: 3 mL
Concentration: 1,667 mcg/mL (1.67 mg/mL)
300 mcg: 0.18 mL (18 units)
500 mcg: 0.30 mL (30 units)
800 mcg: 0.48 mL (48 units)
1,000 mcg: 0.60 mL (60 units)
Vial Size: 10 mg
BAC Water: 2 mL
Concentration: 5,000 mcg/mL (5 mg/mL)
300 mcg: 0.06 mL (6 units)
500 mcg: 0.10 mL (10 units)
800 mcg: 0.16 mL (16 units)
1,000 mcg: 0.20 mL (20 units)
Vial Size: 10 mg
BAC Water: 3 mL
Concentration: 3,333 mcg/mL (3.33 mg/mL)
300 mcg: 0.09 mL (9 units)
500 mcg: 0.15 mL (15 units)
800 mcg: 0.24 mL (24 units)
1,000 mcg: 0.30 mL (30 units)
Vial Size: 30 mg
BAC Water: 3 mL
Concentration: 10,000 mcg/mL (10 mg/mL)
300 mcg: 0.03 mL (3 units)
500 mcg: 0.05 mL (5 units)
800 mcg: 0.08 mL (8 units)
1,000 mcg: 0.10 mL (10 units)
Reconstitution Steps
- Gather supplies: lyophilized Semax vial, bacteriostatic water, sterile insulin syringe (U-100; consider 30- or 50-unit syringe for small volumes), alcohol swabs, sharps container.
- Clean the vial: wipe the rubber septum of the Semax vial and BAC-water vial with separate alcohol swabs and allow to air dry.
- Draw BAC water: using a sterile syringe, draw the target volume of bacteriostatic water (2 mL or 3 mL per the table above).
- Inject slowly: insert the needle into the Semax vial and inject BAC water gently along the inner wall of the vial. Avoid directing the stream at powder to prevent foaming.
- Allow to dissolve: let the vial sit for 1-2 minutes. Do not shake vigorously.
- Gently mix: roll the vial gently between your palms until the powder is fully dissolved and the solution is clear.
- Label and store: write the reconstitution date, concentration, and discard-by date on the vial. Refrigerate immediately at 2-8C and protect from light.
Semax Side Effects — What Clinical Trials Show
Semax has been used clinically in Russia for over 25 years and is listed on the Russian List of Vital & Essential Drugs. Published data consistently describe Semax as well-tolerated with minimal side effects and no significant elevations in cortisol.
Nasal Irritation (Intranasal Route): The most commonly reported side effect of intranasal Semax is mild nasal irritation, including dryness, burning sensation, or minor mucosal discoloration. Alternating nostrils and using saline spray may reduce irritation.
Headache: Some users report mild headaches during the first few days of Semax use, particularly at higher doses. This typically resolves with continued use or dose reduction.
Sleep Disruption: Semax promotes wakefulness and dopaminergic activity. When administered too late in the day, it may interfere with sleep onset. All doses should be administered before 2 PM.
Blood Glucose Elevation (Diabetic Patients): One review of Russian clinical data noted that approximately 7.4% of diabetic patients receiving Semax experienced increases in blood glucose levels. Monitoring is recommended in diabetic individuals.
Emotional Sensitivity / Irritability: Some users report increased emotional sensitivity or mild irritability, potentially related to Semax's dopamine and serotonin pathway effects. This is typically dose-dependent.
Injection Site Reactions (Subcutaneous Route): Mild injection-site reactions (redness, itching) may occur with subcutaneous administration. Proper site rotation and aseptic technique minimize this risk.
Discontinuation / Dependence: No dependence, tolerance, or withdrawal symptoms have been reported in published Semax studies.
Evidence quality note: Semax safety data is based primarily on Russian clinical use. As of March 2026, no Western Phase 1-3 safety program with comprehensive adverse-event reporting is available.
Semax Clinical Trial Results
Gusev et al., 2018 (Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr)
Clinical rehabilitation study • Two 10-day courses (20-day interval)
110 post-ischemic-stroke patients
Semax (6,000 mcg/day intranasal) increased plasma BDNF levels; elevated BDNF correlated with accelerated recovery on Barthel index and motor outcomes.
Gusev et al., 1999 (Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr)
Clinical trial • Not specified
Acute ischemic stroke patients
Semax showed high efficiency in acute ischemic stroke and shifted immunobiochemical balance toward anti-inflammatory agents.
Lebedeva et al., 2018 (fMRI pilot)
Pilot study • Single dose
24 healthy subjects
Intranasal 1% Semax (1.2 mg total dose) increased resting fMRI signal in a default-mode-network rostral subcomponent relative to placebo.
Russian registration data (Kolomin et al., 2013 review)
Clinical studies • Variable
Healthy volunteers + clinical populations
Semax (250-1,000 mcg/kg intranasal) improved attention and short-term memory and produced EEG changes similar to other neuroprotective drugs.
Semax glaucoma trial (Vestnik Oftalmologii)
Clinical study • 30 days
Adult glaucoma patients with optic neuropathy
0.1% intranasal Semax for 30 days showed benefit in glaucomatous optic neuropathy with favorable safety profile.
Medvedeva et al., 2014 (BMC Genomics)
Preclinical (transcriptomic) • 3 and 24 hr post-pMCAO
Rat focal cerebral ischemia model
Over 1,500 genes significantly modulated by Semax; enhanced immune and vascular expression with suppressed inflammatory expression.
Dergunova et al., 2020 (Genes/MDPI)
Preclinical (RNA-Seq) • 24 hr post-tMCAO
Rat ischemia-reperfusion model
394 differentially expressed genes; Semax suppressed inflammation-related genes and activated neurotransmission-related genes.
Semax has the most extensive clinical track record of any Russian-developed neuropeptide. First described in scientific literature in 1991, it achieved formal approval in Russia and was placed on the Russian List of Vital & Essential Drugs in December 2011. Clinical use in Russia spans stroke treatment, traumatic brain injury rehabilitation, cognitive disorders, optic nerve disease, and immune support. The most significant published clinical data comes from stroke rehabilitation studies involving up to 110 patients, demonstrating BDNF elevation and functional recovery. As of March 2026, no ClinicalTrials.gov-registered trials exist for Semax and no Western-standard Phase 1-3 development program has been initiated.
Storage & Handling
Lyophilized (powder)
-20C (-4F) long-term; 2-8C short-term
2+ years frozen; months refrigerated
Reconstituted
2-8C (refrigerator)
Up to 30 days
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles of reconstituted solution. Protect from light by wrapping vials in foil or storing in an opaque container. Allow vials to briefly reach room temperature before opening, and use reconstituted nasal solution within 30 days for best potency.
Semax vs. Selank vs. Noopept
Peptide Class
Semax: ACTH(4-10) analogue (heptapeptide)
Selank: Tuftsin analogue (heptapeptide)
Noopept (Omberacetam): Dipeptide (N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester)
Primary Mechanism
Semax: BDNF/NGF upregulation, dopaminergic/serotonergic modulation, melanocortin receptor interaction
Selank: GABAergic modulation, serotonin modulation, enkephalin stabilization
Noopept (Omberacetam): AMPA/NMDA receptor modulation, BDNF/NGF upregulation
Half-Life
Semax: ~3–5 min (plasma); 20–24 hr functional
Selank: ~2–10 min (plasma); 12–24 hr functional
Noopept (Omberacetam): ~5–10 min (oral bioavailability ~10%)
Primary Indication
Semax: Nootropic / Neuroprotective / Stroke recovery
Selank: Anxiolytic / Nootropic
Noopept (Omberacetam): Nootropic / Neuroprotective
Dosing Frequency
Semax: Once daily (SC) or 2–4× daily (IN)
Selank: Once daily (SC) or 2–3× daily (IN)
Noopept (Omberacetam): 2–3× daily (oral or sublingual)
Dose Range
Semax: 300–800 mcg/day (SC); up to 6,000 mcg/day (IN stroke)
Selank: 250–500 mcg/day (SC)
Noopept (Omberacetam): 10–30 mg/day (oral)
FDA Status
Semax: Not approved (Russian List of Vital Drugs)
Selank: Not approved (approved in Russia)
Noopept (Omberacetam): Not approved (marketed in Russia as Noopept)
Regulatory Strength
Semax: Strongest among trio — formal Russian drug approval
Selank: Moderate — Russian pharmaceutical approval
Noopept (Omberacetam): Moderate — Russian OTC nootropic
Dependence Risk
Semax: None reported
Selank: None reported
Noopept (Omberacetam): None reported
Key Differentiator
Semax: Strongest neuroprotection; proven BDNF elevation in human stroke patients; broadest clinical evidence base
Selank: Best anxiolytic profile; benzodiazepine-class anxiolysis without sedation/dependence
Noopept (Omberacetam): Oral bioavailability; most accessible administration (no injection/nasal required); potency ~1,000× piracetam
Semax, Selank, and Noopept are the three most widely used Russian-developed nootropic compounds.
Semax leads in neuroprotective evidence, Selank leads in anxiolytic applications, and Noopept is often used for oral convenience.
Semax and Selank are frequently combined in the Russian Nootropic Stack. These compounds are not interchangeable, and dose/reconstitution requirements differ.
See the Selank Protocol Page for compound-specific guides.
Stacking Protocols
Community Stack
Russian Nootropic Stack (Semax + Selank)
Semax is most frequently stacked with Selank, leveraging Semax's cognitive and neuroprotective profile with Selank's anxiolytic effects.
Community protocols typically start with lower doses of each (for example, 300 mcg Semax + 250 mcg Selank daily, both in the morning).
Compounds may be given as separate subcutaneous injections or intranasally spaced 15-30 minutes apart.
See the compound-specific Russian Nootropic Stack Page for additional context.
View Russian Nootropic StackCommunity Stack
Semax + BPC-157
Community-reported pairing for combined cognitive support and gut/tissue-healing goals.
No combination clinical data currently exists for this stack.
See the compound-specific BPC-157 Protocol Page for additional context.
View BPC-157 protocolCommunity Stack
Semax + GHK-Cu / Choline Support
Other community combinations include Semax + GHK-Cu and Semax + alpha-GPC or CDP-choline.
No combination clinical data exists for these stacks.
Interaction caution: stimulant medications may have additive effects with Semax, and MAO inhibitors should be avoided due to overlapping monoaminergic activity.
See the compound-specific GHK-Cu Protocol Page for additional context.
View GHK-Cu protocolFrequently Asked Questions - Semax
Q1: What is the starting dose of Semax?
For subcutaneous injection, the recommended starting dose is 300 mcg once daily, administered in the morning. This dose aligns with the lower end of human nootropic dosing ranges documented in Russian clinical literature. After 1-2 weeks at this starting dose, increase by 100-200 mcg every 1-2 weeks as tolerated, with most protocols targeting 600-800 mcg daily. For intranasal use, Russian 0.1% solution guidelines recommend starting at 200-400 mcg per administration, 2-3 times daily.
Q2: What is Semax's half-life?
Semax has a short plasma half-life of approximately 3-5 minutes, similar to other small peptides. However, the C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro modification dramatically extends Semax's functional duration to 20-24 hours in animal models. This pharmacokinetic profile supports once-daily subcutaneous dosing.
Q3: What results can be expected from Semax?
In clinical studies, Semax improved attention, short-term memory, and cognitive processing speed in healthy volunteers. In stroke patients, Semax (6,000 mcg/day) increased plasma BDNF levels and accelerated functional recovery on the Barthel index. In the nootropic community, users commonly report improved mental clarity, enhanced focus and concentration, faster learning, better verbal fluency, and reduced brain fog.
Q4: How do you reconstitute Semax?
Add bacteriostatic water to the lyophilized Semax vial using a sterile syringe. For a 10 mg vial, adding 3 mL of BAC water produces a concentration of 3,333 mcg/mL (3.33 mg/mL), where each unit on a U-100 syringe delivers approximately 33.3 mcg. For a 5 mg vial, adding 2 mL produces 2,500 mcg/mL. Inject water slowly along the vial wall, let sit 1-2 minutes, then gently roll between palms until dissolved. Do not shake vigorously. For custom calculations use https://www.peppal.app/calculator.
Q5: Is Semax FDA-approved?
Semax is not FDA-approved in the United States. It has not undergone FDA-standard Phase 1-3 clinical development. In the U.S., Semax is available as a research chemical or through compounding pharmacies with a prescription. Semax has stronger regulatory credentials than most gray-market peptides because it has been a prescription medication in Russia and Ukraine for over two decades and has been on Russia's List of Vital & Essential Drugs since 2011.
Q6: What are the most common side effects of Semax?
Semax is generally well-tolerated in published data. The most commonly reported side effects are mild nasal irritation (intranasal use), mild headache during early days, and sleep disruption if administered too late in the day. Approximately 7.4% of diabetic patients in Russian studies experienced blood-glucose elevations. Some users report increased emotional sensitivity or mild irritability. No tolerance, dependence, or withdrawal has been reported.
Q7: How does Semax compare to Selank?
Semax and Selank are complementary Russian heptapeptides with distinct primary profiles. Semax is primarily nootropic and neuroprotective, working through BDNF/NGF upregulation and dopaminergic/serotonergic modulation. Selank is primarily anxiolytic, working through GABAergic modulation and serotonin metabolism. They are frequently used together in the Russian Nootropic Stack and have different dose ranges, half-lives, and reconstitution math.
Q8: What vial sizes are available for Semax?
Semax is commonly available in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 30 mg lyophilized vials. The 10 mg vial is the most common and provides 12-33 days of supply depending on daily dose (300-800 mcg). The 30 mg vial is cost-effective for extended protocols or higher-dose applications and provides 37-100 days of supply at standard doses.
Q9: How much bacteriostatic water should be added to Semax?
For a 5 mg vial, add 2 mL for 2,500 mcg/mL or 3 mL for 1,667 mcg/mL. For a 10 mg vial, add 2 mL for 5,000 mcg/mL or 3 mL for 3,333 mcg/mL. For a 30 mg vial, add 3 mL for 10,000 mcg/mL. The 3 mL dilution in a 10 mg vial (3.33 mg/mL) is the most commonly recommended setup for standard nootropic dosing.
Q10: What is the maximum dose of Semax studied?
In Russian severe-stroke protocols, intranasal Semax (1% solution) has been administered at 12,000-20,000 mcg/day split across 4-6 daily administrations for up to 10 days. For moderate stroke, a common clinical dose is 6,000 mcg/day. For non-clinical cognitive/nootropic use, most community protocols cap subcutaneous doses at 800-1,000 mcg/day.
Q11: How should reconstituted Semax be stored?
Reconstituted Semax should be refrigerated at 2-8C and used within 30 days. Protect from light by wrapping in foil or storing in an opaque container. Do not freeze reconstituted solution. Lyophilized Semax is typically stored at -20C for long-term stability or 2-8C for shorter-term storage.
Q12: What clinical trials have been conducted on Semax?
Semax has an extensive Russian clinical track record. Key studies include a 110-patient stroke rehabilitation trial (Gusev et al., 2018) demonstrating BDNF elevation and improved Barthel-index scores, acute ischemic stroke clinical studies, an fMRI pilot in healthy subjects (Lebedeva et al., 2018), and a 30-day glaucoma trial. As of March 2026, no ClinicalTrials.gov-registered Western phase program exists.
Sources & Research
- Gusev EI, et al. "The efficacy of semax in the treatment of patients at different stages of ischemic stroke." Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova, 2018 PMID: 29798983.
- Gusev EI, et al. "Investigation of mechanisms of neuro-protective effect of semax in acute period of ischemic stroke." Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova, 1997 PMID: 10358912.
- Medvedeva EV, et al. "The peptide semax affects the expression of genes related to the immune and vascular systems in rat brain focal ischemia: genome-wide transcriptional analysis." BMC Genomics, 2014 PMC3987924.
- Dergunova LV, et al. "Novel Insights into the Protective Properties of ACTH(4-7)PGP (Semax) Peptide at the Transcriptome Level Following Cerebral Ischaemia-Reperfusion in Rats." Genes (MDPI), 2020 DOI.
- Dolotov OV, et al. "Semax and Pro-Gly-Pro Activate the Transcription of Neurotrophins and Their Receptor Genes after Cerebral Ischemia." Cell Mol Neurobiol, 2010 PMC11498467.
- Bakhmet AA, et al. "Functional Connectomic Approach to Studying Selank and Semax Effects." Bull Exp Biol Med, 2020 PMID: 32342318.
- La Mendola D, et al. "Semax, a Synthetic Regulatory Peptide, Affects Copper-Induced Abeta Aggregation and Amyloid Formation in Artificial Membrane Models." ACS Chemical Neuroscience, 2022 PMC8855339.
- Kolomin T, et al. "A New Generation of Drugs: Synthetic Peptides Based on Natural Regulatory Peptides." Neuroscience & Medicine, 2013 PDF.
- Wikipedia - Semax. Link.
- Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation - Semax Cognitive Vitality For Researchers. PDF.
Related Protocols
~2–10 min plasma; 12–24 hr functional
Selank
Nootropic / Anxiolytic (Tuftsin Analogue)
View protocol~4 hours
BPC-157
Tissue Repair / Gut Healing
View protocol~30–60 minutes
GHK-Cu
Tissue Remodeling / Anti-Aging
View protocol~30 minutes
KPV
Anti-Inflammatory / Immunomodulatory
View protocolVariable
MOTS-c
Mitochondrial / Metabolic
View protocol~2–3 hours
Epithalon
Telomere / Longevity
View protocolConvert this protocol into exact units and save it in Pep Pal with the peptide reconstitution calculator.
Disclaimer
The information on this page is for educational and research reference purposes only. Semax is not FDA-approved in the United States. No compounds discussed on this site are intended for unsupervised human consumption. This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before considering any peptide protocol.
This site contains affiliate links to vetted peptide suppliers. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Our protocol content and editorial ratings are independent of affiliate relationships.