Product details
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) derived from the central fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH 4-10), with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro extension that protects the molecule from peptidase cleavage and produces a substantially longer functional half-life than the parent ACTH fragment. Developed in the 1980s at the Institute of Molecular Genetics in Moscow, Semax is approved in Russia as a prescription medication for cerebrovascular and cognitive indications, though it is unapproved in the US and EU. The molecule is studied in research contexts for BDNF expression modulation, neuroprotection, working memory, and attention-related applications.
Peptuno supplies Semax acetate as a lyophilized powder at ≥99.0% HPLC. The dominant administration route in the published research literature is intranasal, Semax is not blood-brain-barrier permeable when delivered systemically in any practical quantity, and the intranasal route allows direct olfactory and respiratory-epithelium absorption. Buyers preparing intranasal formulations should select isotonic carrier vehicles (saline or PBS rather than plain water) and avoid preservatives like benzalkonium chloride that interact with short peptides. Standard 2-15 mg fill sizes cover routine research aliquot scales through extended-research dispensing.
Regulatory note: Approved as a prescription medication in Russia for cerebrovascular and cognitive indications; unapproved in US and EU. Peptuno supplies Semax strictly for Research Use Only; buyers are responsible for verifying ingredient eligibility in their destination market.
FAQ
- Why is Semax almost always administered intranasally in research?
- Semax is a hydrophilic heptapeptide that does not meaningfully cross the blood-brain barrier when administered systemically, systemic dosing produces detectable plasma levels but very little brain exposure. Intranasal administration bypasses the BBB through direct olfactory-nerve and trigeminal-nerve transport into the CNS, plus some absorption through the respiratory epithelium into systemic circulation. The published Russian and Western research literature is dominated by intranasal protocols for this reason. Buyers preparing intranasal formulations should use isotonic vehicles and avoid quaternary-ammonium preservatives.
- What's the difference between Semax and N-Acetyl-Semax?
- N-Acetyl-Semax is a variant with an N-terminal acetylation that confers additional resistance to aminopeptidase cleavage. The acetylation extends functional half-life beyond unmodified Semax and is sometimes preferred for research applications where extended duration of action matters. Peptuno's standard Semax SKU is the unmodified form; N-Acetyl-Semax and other Semax-family analogues are available on request through Peptuno's custom-synthesis programme.
- Is Semax available as bulk active in the US for research use?
- Yes — Peptuno supplies Semax strictly for Research Use Only to qualified academic, biotech R&D, and CRO buyers in the US and other markets. Semax has been the subject of US regulatory discussion (most notably the July 2026 FDA Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee meeting) but those proceedings do not change Peptuno's RUO scope. Buyers should reference their local registry for any other downstream pathway and treat the Peptuno-supplied lot as a research reagent only.
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
The per-lot COA for this product will appear here.