Semax research overview
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide, Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro. Its first four residues are the ACTH(4-7) fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone, and the C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro was added to slow breakdown by peptidases. The literature often calls it an ACTH(4-10) analog. Most published work comes from the Institute of Molecular Genetics in Moscow.
Semax is not approved by the FDA for any use. Pep Shop Texas supplies it as a lyophilized powder for laboratory research only.
Identity and structure
| Name | Semax (ACTH(4-7)-Pro-Gly-Pro, MEHFPGP) |
|---|---|
| Sequence | Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro (MEHFPGP) |
| Length | 7 amino acids |
| Molecular formula | C37H51N9O10S |
| Molecular weight | about 813.9 g/mol |
| CAS number | 80714-61-0 |
| Form | White lyophilized powder in a sealed vial |
Published research
Published Semax studies are mostly in cultured rat cells and rat models, measuring neurotrophin gene and protein expression. The papers below are listed by what was measured. They are not evidence of safety or effect in people.
Cultured glial cells from the basal forebrain of newborn rats. Measured NGF and BDNF mRNA levels at time points after Semax was added, against untreated cultures.
Shadrina MI, Dolotov OV, Grivennikov IA, et al. Rapid induction of neurotrophin mRNAs in rat glial cell cultures by Semax, an adrenocorticotropic hormone analog. Neurosci Lett. 2001;308(2):115-118. PubMed 11457573
Rat hippocampus after a single administration. Measured BDNF protein, trkB tyrosine phosphorylation, exon III BDNF and trkB mRNA, and conditioned avoidance responses.
Dolotov OV, Karpenko EA, Inozemtseva LS, et al. Semax, an analog of ACTH(4-10) with cognitive effects, regulates BDNF and trkB expression in the rat hippocampus. Brain Res. 2006;1117(1):54-60. PubMed 16996037
Rats with permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion. Measured transcription of neurotrophin genes (Bdnf, Ngf, Nt-3) and their Trk receptors in the cortex at several time points, comparing Semax with its C-terminal tripeptide Pro-Gly-Pro.
Dmitrieva VG, Povarova OV, Skvortsova VI, Limborska SA, Myasoedov NF, Dergunova LV. Semax and Pro-Gly-Pro activate the transcription of neurotrophins and their receptor genes after cerebral ischemia. Cell Mol Neurobiol. 2010;30(1):71-79. PubMed 19633950
Storage of lyophilized material
Keep lyophilized Semax sealed, dry and away from light. Supplier data sheets give -20 °C (a standard freezer) for long-term storage of the powder. Let a cold vial reach room temperature before opening it so moisture does not condense on the powder.
Lab testing
Each batch Pep Shop Texas sells is sent to an independent lab for identity (LC-MS) and purity (HPLC) testing. How we test.
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For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not a drug, food, cosmetic or supplement. Pep Shop Texas is not a compounding pharmacy and does not give dosing or preparation guidance. Nothing on this page is medical advice or a claim about use in people.