MECHANISM OF ACTION
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) based on the ACTH 4-7 fragment with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro extension preventing rapid degradation. Unlike ACTH, no glucocorticoid-stimulating activity. Primary interest: rapid BDNF and NGF upregulation in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Dopaminergic and serotonergic pathway modulation also documented. Russian clinical approvals (stroke, cognitive disorders) have generated human data absent from Western literature.
RESEARCH APPLICATIONS
- BDNF upregulation and neuroplasticity research
- Ischaemic stroke neuroprotection models
- Attention, memory, and executive function studies
- Anxiety and depression neurobiological models
- Optic nerve and retinal neuroprotection
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
Rapid BDNF Upregulation
2006Single intranasal dose produced 1.6× BDNF mRNA upregulation in hippocampus within 1 hour, sustained 72+ hours in repeat-dose models.
Ref: Dolotov et al., J Neurochem
Stroke Neuroprotection RCT
1999Russian RCT (n=200+) demonstrated improved neurological deficit recovery scores at 30 days with 0.1% intranasal Semax vs. standard care.
Ref: Miasoedov et al., Neurosci Behav Physiol
RESEARCH PROTOCOL NOTES
Chemical Identity
Sequence
Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro
Storage & Stability
Lyophilised: -20°C, 24+ months. Reconstituted/solution: 2–8°C, 30 days. Less stable at room temperature.
Regulatory Status
Approved prescription drug in Russia (0.1% nasal spray). No FDA/EMA/SAHPRA approval. Research use only. Not WADA prohibited.