What is Semax?
The first four amino acids of Semax match a section of the hormone ACTH; the added Pro-Gly-Pro makes the peptide more resistant to degradation. According to current data, Semax has no hormonal ACTH effects on the adrenal glands. Molar mass 813.9 g/mol (CAS 80714-61-0). It was developed in the 1980s at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Research status
In rodent models Semax increased levels of the growth factor BDNF and its receptor in the hippocampus. Other work examined gene expression after experimental disturbances of brain blood flow. Human studies come mostly from Russia and have rarely been replicated independently.
Status
Registered as a medicine in Russia, not approved in the EU. Research use only. Compare with Semax vs. Selank; also available as N-acetyl Semax amidate.
Background in the magazine: Semax and selank: effects and evidence
