Semax — ACTH 4-10 Analogue

Background

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) — an analogue of fragment 4-10 of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) with a Pro-Gly-Pro extension to confer enzymatic stability. It was developed at Moscow State University and the Russian Institute of Molecular Genetics in the 1980s.

Mechanism

Documented mechanisms in published work include upregulation of BDNF and NGF, modulation of dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission, and neuroprotection in models of cerebral ischaemia. Unlike full ACTH, Semax has minimal effect on the HPA axis and adrenal steroid release.

What is proven (largely in Russian literature)

Russian clinical practice reports improved neurological outcomes when Semax is administered intranasally within the first hours of ischaemic stroke. It is registered in Russia for stroke and certain cognitive disorders.

Animal models show neuroprotection, reduced infarct volume, and improved post-ischaemic cognition.

What is NOT proven

Western RCTs and regulatory approvals are absent. Cognitive enhancement in healthy individuals is not robustly demonstrated by independent Western trials.

Open research questions

Reproducibility of Russian stroke-outcome data in Western trial designs; pharmacokinetics outside the intranasal route; long-term safety; dose-response in non-acute settings.

Regulatory status

Registered in Russia. Not approved by the FDA, MHRA, or EMA.

All Proteus® compounds are sold strictly for in-vitro research. Nothing on this page is medical advice, a treatment claim, or a recommendation for human use. Where compounds are licensed medicines in any jurisdiction, that approval applies to the licensed product supplied through a regulated pharmacy — not to research-grade material.