Semax
Also known as ACTH(4-7)PGP, Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro
A synthetic heptapeptide derived from a fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Researchers study it for reported effects on brain neurotrophin expression, learning in rodents, and outcomes in models of cerebral ischemia.
Approved drug substance
Size
2 options- Catalog no.
- XA5
- Specification
- 5mg*10vials
- Per kit
- 10 vials
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or animal consumption. Buyers must be 21 or older.
Overview
Semax was developed in Russia, where it is registered as a medicine. Its sequence, Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro, links the ACTH(4-7) fragment to a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro extension intended to slow enzymatic breakdown, and it is described as lacking the adrenal-stimulating activity of full-length ACTH. Most published work comes from Russian research groups and covers rodent models of learning and stroke, genome-wide expression studies, and clinical studies in ischemic stroke, many of them in Russian-language journals. Large randomized trials conducted outside Russia have not been reported.
Class: Synthetic ACTH(4-10)-analogue heptapeptide
Mechanism of action
How the compound acts, as described in the literature.
Pairs the ACTH(4-7) sequence with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro extension, a design intended to resist peptidase degradation while lacking the adrenal-stimulating activity of ACTH.
In rats, a single treatment raised hippocampal BDNF protein, trkB phosphorylation, and BDNF and trkB mRNA, alongside more conditioned avoidance responses (Dolotov 2006).
Specific, calcium-dependent binding sites for labeled Semax have been reported in rat basal forebrain membranes; the molecular receptor itself has not been identified.
In rat focal ischemia models, genome-wide studies reported shifts in immune- and vascular-related gene expression. In vitro, Semax also inhibited enkephalin-degrading enzymes from human serum.
Published research
Selected studies, each linked to its PubMed record. Summaries describe what the studies reported.
2006
Rodent study
PMID 16996037Semax, an analog of ACTH(4-10) with cognitive effects, regulates BDNF and trkB expression in the rat hippocampus.
Dolotov OV, et al. · Brain Res
A single treatment in rats increased hippocampal BDNF protein and trkB phosphorylation, raised BDNF exon III and trkB mRNA, and was accompanied by more conditioned avoidance responses.
2014
Rodent study
PMID 24661604The peptide semax affects the expression of genes related to the immune and vascular systems in rat brain focal ischemia: genome-wide transcriptional analysis.
Medvedeva EV, et al. · BMC Genomics
Genome-wide analysis of rat cortex after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion found that Semax mainly altered immune-response genes, including chemokines and immunoglobulins, and genes linked to vascular development.
1997
Controlled clinical study
PMID 11517472[Effectiveness of semax in acute period of hemispheric ischemic stroke (a clinical and electrophysiological study)].
Gusev EI, et al. · Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova
Thirty patients with acute hemispheric ischemic stroke received Semax with standard therapy and were compared with 80 conventionally treated patients; authors reported faster regression of neurological, especially motor, deficits. Allocation was not described as randomized.
Evidence & safety
What the research does not show, and the adverse events and regulatory status it reports.
Most evidence comes from Russian research groups, often in Russian-language journals, with small samples and non-randomized or incompletely described designs; independent replication outside Russia is limited. Adverse events are sparsely reported in the indexed literature. Semax is registered in Russia but is not approved by the FDA or EMA.
Specifications
All sizes, exactly as catalogued.
| Catalog no. | Product | Specification | Vials per kit |
|---|---|---|---|
| XA5 | Semax | 5mg*10vials | 10 |
| XA10 | Semax | 10mg*10vials | 10 |
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or animal consumption. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Research summaries are provided for educational purposes and do not describe this product’s use.