Semax
Last reviewed May 27, 2026
Also known as: ACTH(4-7)-PGP
Quick Answer
Semax is a cognitive peptide research compound (not FDA-approved for human use) studied for mental clarity. Semax is a synthetic ACTH-derived cognitive peptide approved in Russia studied for enhancing memory, focus, and neuroprotection by upregulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Research dose: 300–300 mcg 7x/wk. Half-life: 20 minutes. Available from COA-verified vendors with code PEPTIDEX for up to 20% off.
Where to Source
Ranked by $/mg1Limitless Life Best $/mg
$38.24
$44.99Save $6.75
30mg vial
$1.50/mg
99%+ purityTested Apr 2026
Use code for 15% off:
Shop Limitless Life Compare all 3 vendors →
Rankings independent · Research use only
BDNF upregulation, nootropic effects. Enhances neural plasticity, protects neurons from oxidative stress, and improves cerebral blood circulation.
Where to Buy Semax
COA-verified vendors · Use code PEPTIDEX for up to 20% off
* Prices for research peptide acquisition. Not therapeutic products.
| Vendor | Purity | List Price | With PEPTIDEX | Code | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Amino ClubEditor's Pick | 99%+ | $29.9910 mg | $23.99Save 20% | PEPTIDEX | * Research vendor — verify your regional regulations before purchase. Shop |
| 99%+ | $44.9930 mg | $38.24Save 15% | PEPTIDEX | * Research vendor — verify your regional regulations before purchase. Shop | |
| 98%+ | $55.0010 mg | $27.50Save 50% | PEPTIDEX | * Research vendor — verify your regional regulations before purchase. Shop | |
Bio Longevity LabsTriple-Tested | 99%+ | $64.9720 mg | $55.22Save 15% | PEPTIDEX | * Research vendor — verify your regional regulations before purchase. Shop |
Amino ClubEditor's Pick
$29.99 · 10 mg$23.99−20%
Use code PEPTIDEX for 20% off at Amino Club.
* Research vendor — verify your regional regulations before purchase.
Shop at Amino Club$44.99 · 30 mg$38.24−15%
Use code PEPTIDEX for 15% off at Limitless Life.
* Research vendor — verify your regional regulations before purchase.
Shop at Limitless Life$55.00 · 10 mg$27.50−50%
Use code PEPTIDEX for 50% off at Ascension Peptides.
* Research vendor — verify your regional regulations before purchase.
Shop at Ascension PeptidesBio Longevity LabsTriple-Tested
$64.97 · 20 mg$55.22−15%
Use code PEPTIDEX for 15% off at Bio Longevity Labs.
* Research vendor — verify your regional regulations before purchase.
Shop at Bio Longevity Labs§ Mechanism of Action
BDNF upregulation, nootropic effects. Enhances neural plasticity, protects neurons from oxidative stress, and improves cerebral blood circulation.
§ Primary Benefits
- 1Mental clarity
- 2focus
- 3neuroprotection
§ Clinical Evidence
Semax cognitive improvement in humans
Human trial showing cognitive improvement including enhanced attention, memory formation, and learning capacity.
ModerateSemax increases BDNF and TrkB expression in hippocampus
Dolotov et al. demonstrate Semax significantly upregulates BDNF and its receptor TrkB in the rat hippocampus, providing mechanistic basis for its nootropic effects.
PreclinicalSemax high efficacy in acute ischemic stroke
Clinical-electrophysiologic studies report high efficacy of Semax in acute ischemic stroke patients, with significant neuroprotective effects and improved functional recovery.
Moderate-StrongSemax modulates neurotrophin gene expression (NGF, BDNF)
Molecular study showing Semax modulates expression of multiple neurotrophin genes including BDNF and nerve growth factor, supporting its broad neuroprotective mechanism.
PreclinicalSemax effects on brain functional connectivity (fMRI)
fMRI study in healthy individuals demonstrates Semax modulates brain functional connectivity networks, providing imaging evidence for its nootropic effects.
ModerateThe Potential of the Peptide Drug Semax and Its Derivative for Correcting Pathological Impairments in the Animal Model of Alzheimer's Disease.
A study published in Acta naturae investigating the effects and mechanisms.
PreclinicalThe effect of Semax and its C-end peptide PGP on the morphology and proliferative activity of rat brain cells during experimental ischemia: a pilot study.
A study published in Journal of molecular neuroscience : MN investigating the effects and mechanisms.
PreclinicalACTH-like Peptides Compensate Rat Brain Gene Expression Profile Disrupted by Ischemia a Day After Experimental Stroke.
A study published in Biomedicines investigating the effects and mechanisms.
PreclinicalSemax and Pro-Gly-Pro activate the transcription of neurotrophins and their receptor genes after cerebral ischemia.
A study published in Cellular and molecular neurobiology investigating the effects and mechanisms.
PreclinicalSemax, an ACTH4-10 peptide analog with high affinity for copper(II) ion and protective ability against metal induced cell toxicity.
A study published in Journal of inorganic biochemistry investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Preclinical§ Safety Profile
Nasal spray common; well-tolerated. Approved in Russia/Ukraine. Not FDA-approved in the US.
See our evidence grading methodology for how we evaluate and grade peptide safety data.
§ Dosing Protocol
* Dosing data from published literature — not a human use recommendation.
RouteNasal
Dose Range300–300 mcg
Frequency7x/wk
TimingMorning
Cycle Length8–8 weeks
BAC Water2.5 ml / 5mg vial
Nasal spray: 1-2 sprays per nostril. Can cycle 5 days on/2 off.
§ Pharmacokinetics
⏱️ Half-Life: 20min
Plasma concentration over time§ Regulatory
🇺🇸USA
Research Only🇨🇦Canada
Research Only🇬🇧UK
Unregulated🇪🇺EU
Unregulated🇦🇺Australia
Research OnlyLast updated: 2026-01 · Laws change frequently. Verify current status in your jurisdiction.
§ Expected Outcomes
Week 1
Noticeable cognitive enhancement: sharper focus, mental clarity, faster recall within days
Weeks 2–4
BDNF-mediated improvements in memory consolidation and mood stability
Month 2–3
Neuroprotective adaptation; reduced cognitive fatigue under stress
Long-term
Sustained cognitive baseline improvement; may support neurogenesis
§ Adverse Effects
| Side Effect | Incidence | Severity |
|---|---|---|
Nasal irritation Intranasal administration only | ~8% of users | mild |
Mild headache | ~5% of users | mild |
Irritability at high doses | ~3% of users | mild |
Where to Source Semax for Research
Finding verified, high-purity Semax requires rigorous COA verification. We independently evaluate vendors based on third-party HPLC testing, purity thresholds (≥98%), and batch-specific documentation.
View COA-Verified Semax✓ Third-party tested·✓ US shipping·✓ COA on every batch
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§ Comparisons
§ Community Stacks
Cite This Page
⚠️ Educational only · Not medical advice · For research use only. Information on this page is compiled from peer-reviewed literature and is intended strictly for educational and informational purposes. Peptides discussed may be unapproved research chemicals — consult a licensed healthcare professional before considering any peptide compound. Read our full disclaimer
Affiliate disclosure: PeptiDex may earn commissions from purchases made through vendor links on this page. This does not affect our editorial ranking or vendor recommendations — we exclusively feature vendors that pass independent COA verification. See our methodology · Editorial policy
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