Neurotropic & Cognitive
Semax
ACTH(4-10) analog
Semax (ACTH 4-10 analogue)
Research context
Semax comprises the 4-10 fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone extended at the C-terminus with a proline-glycine-proline sequence conferring resistance to enzymatic degradation. Published research examines BDNF and NGF transcript expression in neural tissue models alongside monoamine measurements.
Common assays: BDNF/TrkB transcript quantification · Neuronal survival assay · Monoamine turnover
Specification
| Designation | ACTH(4-10) analog |
|---|---|
| Full name | Semax (ACTH 4-10 analogue) |
| Sequence | Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro |
| CAS number | 80714-61-0 |
| Molecular formula | C37H51N9O10S |
| Molecular weight | 813.93 g/mol |
| Formats | 10 mL Vial · 15 mL Advanced Liquid Peptide Spray |
| Solubility | Sterile water, bacteriostatic water |
| Storage | Lyophilised: −20 °C. Reconstituted: 2–8 °C. |
| Regulatory status | Not an approved drug. Removed from FDA 503A Category 2 in April 2026 and recommended for the 503A bulks list by the advisory committee in July 2026. Since 30 October 2026, an HHS interim policy says the agency will not take enforcement action against licensed 503A compounding of it under set conditions. It has not been added to the bulks list. 2026 status by compound → |
| Current lot | SEM10N0626 → |
Semax COA: certificates of analysis by lot
3 lots of Semax have a published certificate of analysis from AxisPharm, LLC, an independent laboratory. Each certificate reports the laboratory's results for that lot.
| Lot | Format | Purity (HPLC-UV) | Reported |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEM10N0626 | 10 mg Spray | 99.3% | 2026-06-18 |
| SEM10N0526 | 10 mg Spray | 99.0% | 2026-06-02 |
| SEM10V1125 | 10 mg Vial | >99.0% | 2025-11-13 |
Published literature
Selected peer-reviewed references describing research involving this compound. Listed for reference only; inclusion is not a claim about any outcome.
- Dolotov OV, Karpenko EA, Inozemtseva LS, et al.Semax, an analogue of adrenocorticotropin (4-10), binds specifically and increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor protein in rat basal forebrainJournal of Neurochemistry · 2006 Find on PubMed ↗
- Ashmarin IP, Nezavibatko VN, Levitskaya NG, et al.Design and investigation of an ACTH(4-10) analog lacking D-amino acids and hydrophobic radicalsNeuroscience Research Communications · 1995 Find on PubMed ↗
Common questions
Why is Semax extended with Pro-Gly-Pro?
The C-terminal PGP extension substantially reduces enzymatic degradation relative to the unmodified ACTH(4-10) fragment, which is what makes the analogue practical for research use.
What endpoints appear most often in the Semax literature?
BDNF and NGF transcript levels, TrkB receptor expression, and monoamine turnover in neural tissue preparations.
Where can I see the Semax certificate of analysis?
Every published Semax lot has its own certificate page on this site, listed under "Semax COA" above. There are 3 published lots; the most recent, lot SEM10N0626, was reported on 2026-06-18 at 99.3% purity by HPLC-UV. The certificates are issued by AxisPharm, LLC, an independent laboratory.
Components, blends and pathway
Related compounds
Semax / Selank
Peptide blend
A prepared blend of two Pro-Gly-Pro stabilised heptapeptides.
Selank
Tuftsin analog heptapeptide
A synthetic tuftsin analogue with a stabilising Pro-Gly-Pro extension, studied in GABAergic signalling.
DSIP
Delta sleep-inducing peptide
A nonapeptide first isolated from cerebral venous blood, studied in sleep architecture research.
Dihexa
Angiotensin IV analog
A metabolically stabilised angiotensin IV analogue studied in hepatocyte growth factor / c-Met signalling.