MECHANISM OF ACTION
Semax is a short chain of seven amino acids built from a piece of a stress hormone your body already makes. Researchers added a small tail to stop it breaking down too fast. Its main job in research is to study BDNF effects (a protein that helps brain cells grow and survive, often called "brain fertiliser") in key thinking areas of the brain. It also nudges the dopamine and serotonin systems, which affect mood, focus, and memory. It does not stimulate the adrenal glands the way the original hormone does. Russia has approved it as a prescription nasal spray for stroke recovery and cognitive disorders, which gives it more human data than most peptides.
RESEARCH APPLICATIONS
- BDNF upregulation and neuroplasticity research
- Ischaemic stroke neuroprotection models
- Attention, memory, and executive function studies
- Anxiety and depression neurobiological models
- Optic nerve and retinal neuroprotection
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
Rapid BDNF Upregulation
2006Single intranasal dose produced 1.6× BDNF mRNA upregulation in hippocampus within 1 hour, sustained 72+ hours in repeat-dose models.
Ref: Dolotov et al., J Neurochem
Stroke Neuroprotection RCT
1999Russian RCT (n=200+) demonstrated improved neurological deficit recovery scores at 30 days with 0.1% intranasal Semax vs. standard care.
Ref: Miasoedov et al., Neurosci Behav Physiol
RESEARCH PROTOCOL NOTES
Chemical Identity
Sequence
Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro
Storage & Stability
Lyophilised: -20°C, 24+ months. Reconstituted/solution: 2–8°C, 30 days. Less stable at room temperature.
Regulatory Status
Approved prescription drug in Russia (0.1% nasal spray). No FDA/EMA/SAHPRA approval. Research use only. Not WADA prohibited.