Semax

Semax (CAS: 80714-61-0; trade name: Семакс®) is a synthetic heptapeptide (7 amino acids) developed in the Russian Academy of Sciences in the 1980s. It is a stabilized analog of ACTH (4–10) (adrenocorticotropic hormone fragment) with a Pro-Gly-Pro (PGP) C-terminal extension, designed for nootropic, neuroprotective, neuroregenerative, anxiolytic, and immunomodulatory effects. It is a prescription drug in Russia and other Eastern European countries, widely used for stroke, TBI, cognitive decline, ADHD, and optic nerve disorders.

5mg*10vials

$50

10mg*10vials

$75

Product Information

Target Population & Applications

Approved Uses

Ischemic stroke (acute and recovery phases): reduces infarct size, improves motor/cognitive recovery
Traumatic brain injury (TBI): post-concussion syndrome, cognitive impairment, headache
Cerebrovascular disease: arteriosclerosis, chronic cerebral ischemia, memory loss
ADHD (children/adults): improves attention, reduces impulsivity/hyperactivity
Optic nerve atrophy, glaucoma, optic neuritis: protects retinal ganglion cells
Neurasthenia, chronic stress, anxiety: reduces fatigue, improves emotional stability

Research & Off-Label Uses

Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, Parkinson’s: slows cognitive decline
Long COVID (PASC): brain fog, memory loss, chronic fatigue
Healthy individuals: enhances working memory, focus, learning, mental stamina
Depression, PTSD: adjunct to antidepressants
Multiple sclerosis: neuroprotection
Neuropathic pain: analgesic via enkephalinase inhibition

Mechanism of Action (Molecular & Cellular)

A. Neuroprotection & Anti-Apoptosis (Core)
Blocks NMDA receptors (reduces Ca²⁺ influx), activates PI3K/Akt/ERK1/2 (upregulates Bcl-2, downregulates Bax/Caspase-3), stabilizes mitochondria, chelates Cu²⁺ to prevent neurotoxicity.

B. Neurotrophic & Synaptic Plasticity
Upregulates BDNF/NGF in hippocampus/cortex, activates TrkB receptors (supports synaptogenesis, learning, memory), promotes neural stem cell differentiation.

C. Neurotransmitter Modulation
Increases dopamine (focus/motivation), enhances serotonin turnover (mood/resilience), boosts acetylcholine (memory/attention).

D. Enkephalinase Inhibition
Inhibits aminopeptidase N/CD13, prolongs endogenous enkephalins (analgesic/anxiolytic/anti-stress).

E. Anti-Inflammatory & Immunomodulatory
Reduces pro-inflammatory factors (IL-6, TNF-α, NF-κB), increases IL-10, modulates T/B cells, macrophages, NK cells.

F. Cerebrovascular & Metabolic Effects
Vasodilation improves cerebral blood flow (ischemic regions), enhances mitochondrial ATP production.

G. Melanocortin Receptor Action
Antagonist/partial agonist at MC4/MC5 receptors, mediates anti-inflammatory/neuroprotective/metabolic effects.