PreclinicalResearch compound

Semax

Russian Rx heptapeptide (ACTH 4-10 analog). Stroke rehab + cognitive enhancement, intranasal spray.

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WHAT IS SEMAX?

Detailed overview

Semax is a Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro heptapeptide, a synthetic analog of the 4-10 fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), with BDNF-mimicking action. It is Rx in Russia as an intranasal spray for acute ischemic stroke, post-stroke rehabilitation, and transient ischemic attack (TIA). It exhibits a dopaminergic + serotonergic + neurotrophic + nootropic profile. Intranasal administration allows it to cross the blood-brain barrier and act centrally. Note: this entry also appears in the peptide library with different framing (peptide-focus vs nootropic-focus).

Mechanism

ACTH(4-10) heptapeptide, BDNF-mimicking

Half-life

20-30 min (intranasal)

Onset

10-15 min

Legal status

Russia Rx, EU/USA research

Safety

Side effects, stop signs, contraindications

Side effects · 6

  • Nasal mucosa irritation, stinging or dryness at the intranasal application site
  • Headache, especially at higher doses
  • Overstimulation, irritability or restlessness (raised dopaminergic/serotonergic tone)
  • Disrupted sleep if taken in the late afternoon or evening
  • Transient blood-pressure rise in sensitive individuals (ACTH-fragment analog nature)
  • Anecdotal hair thinning/shedding reports (presumed BDNF hair-follicle-cycle effect, not clinically confirmed)

Contraindications · 6

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding (peptide-specific human safety data lacking)
  • Avoid combining with MAO inhibitors (risk of serotonergic potentiation)
  • Active schizophrenia, mania or bipolar spectrum (dopaminergic overstimulation, mania-trigger risk)
  • Caution and clinical monitoring with SSRIs/SNRIs or stimulants (additive serotonergic/stimulant effect)
  • Known hypersensitivity to Semax or ACTH-fragment analogs
  • Melanocortin-receptor-sensitive tumors, e.g. active melanoma (theoretical, due to ACTH-analog nature)

Related Nootropics

Same therapeutic category

Studies

Related research and clinical findings

Brain research

Semax, an analog of ACTH(4-10) with cognitive effects, regulates BDNF and trkB expression in the rat hippocampus.

Dolotov OV, Karpenko EA, Inozemtseva LS, et al.

PMID: 16996037Open
Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2005;105(2):35-40.

[Semax in prevention of disease progress and development of exacerbations in patients with cerebrovascular insufficiency].

Gusev EI, Skvortsova VI, Chukanova EI

PMID: 15792140Open
Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2001;101(8):16-21.

Effectiveness of Semax in acute period of hemispheric ischemic stroke (12-18 mg dose)

Gusev EI, Skvortsova VI et al.

PMID: 11517472Open
Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2018;118(3):54-60.

Efficacy of semax in different stages of ischemic stroke

Skvortsova VI et al.

PMID: 29798983Open
Zh Vyssh Nerv Deiat Im I P Pavlova. 1997;47(2):420-30.

[A nootropic adrenocorticotropin analog 4-10-semax (15 years experience in its design and study)].

Asmarin IP, Nezavibatko VN, Miasoedov NF, Kamenskii AA, Grivennikov IA

PMID: 9173745Open

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MolekulaX Editorial Team·Source-verified · PubMed · FDA · EMA
Updated: June 19, 2026

The information here is strictly for educational and scientific purposes. It does not replace medical advice or clinical consultation, and it does not encourage illegal substance or pharmaceutical use. Data is sourced. When in doubt, consult your doctor.