Peptide Info

What Is Semax? The ACTH-Derived Nootropic Peptide Explained

Semax is a seven-amino-acid peptide built from a fragment of ACTH, developed in Moscow in the 1980s and studied as a nootropic. Here is its structure, history and research focus.

AussiePeptides Research Team 2 min read
Semax 10mg nootropic peptide vial with AussiePeptides label

Semax at a glance

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide (seven amino acids). Its first four amino acids come from adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and the last three, Pro-Gly-Pro, were added to protect it from enzymes. It was developed in the 1980s at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences and is described as a nootropic peptide.

Sequence
Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro
Length
7 amino acids
Parent
ACTH (4-7) + PGP
Registered in
Russia
Our vial
10mg

How Semax is built

Part Amino acids Purpose
ACTH (4-7) Met-Glu-His-Phe The active fragment, without ACTH's adrenal effects
Tail Pro-Gly-Pro Protects against enzyme breakdown

Full ACTH (39 amino acids) acts on the adrenal glands to release cortisol. The short fragment used in Semax keeps the brain-related activity seen in early research without that hormonal effect.

Length compared (amino acids)
  • ACTH (full)39
  • Semax7
  • Selank7

What researchers study

  • BDNF: rat studies showing increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the hippocampus.
  • Neuroprotection: stroke and ischaemia models.
  • Attention and memory: behavioural models in animals.

Much of the published work comes from Russian research groups.

Status

  1. 1980sDeveloped at the Institute of Molecular Genetics, Moscow.
  2. 1990s onwardRegistered as a medicine in Russia.
  3. TodayNot approved in Australia, the US or the EU; supplied for laboratory research.

Semax vs Selank

Semax's sister peptide Selank shares the same Pro-Gly-Pro tail but is built from tuftsin instead of ACTH. See Semax vs Selank. We stock Semax in 10mg vials.

Further reading

For laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption. Not medical or legal advice.

FAQ

Common questions

What is Semax?

Semax is a seven-amino-acid peptide made from an ACTH fragment plus a protective Pro-Gly-Pro tail, studied as a nootropic.

Where was Semax developed?

At the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the 1980s.

Does Semax act like ACTH?

No. It uses a short ACTH fragment that does not have ACTH's effect on the adrenal glands.

Is Semax approved in Australia?

No. It is registered in Russia but not approved in Australia.

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