Semax
ACTH(4–10) analogue heptapeptide
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from the ACTH(4–10) fragment, developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics in Moscow. It is studied for neuroprotective and nootropic effects and is used clinically in Russia. Supplied lyophilized, one 5mg vial.
About Semax
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide based on the 4–10 fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), modified with a Pro-Gly-Pro tail that protects it from enzymatic breakdown. It was developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences and first described in 1991.
In Russia it is a registered drug — administered as nasal drops — and is on the Russian list of vital and essential medicines, with indications including ischaemic stroke and cognitive disorders. It has never been evaluated or approved by Health Canada, the FDA or the EMA. Outside Russia it is used in neuroscience research on neurotrophic factors, cerebral ischaemia and the melanocortin system.
Mechanism
Semax retains the melanocortin-related core of ACTH without its hormonal (corticotropic) activity. In rat studies it increases expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor TrkB in the hippocampus, and genome-wide studies in a stroke model show changes in genes of the immune and vascular systems. Effects on dopamine and serotonin turnover have also been reported.
Areas of research
- Studied for upregulation of BDNF and TrkB expression
- Investigated for neuroprotection in ischaemic models
- Research interest in attention and memory-consolidation tasks
- Typically administered intranasally in the published literature
References
- Dolotov OV et al. Semax, an analog of ACTH(4-10) with cognitive effects, regulates BDNF and trkB expression in the rat hippocampus. Brain Res. 2006;1117(1):54-60. PubMed
- Medvedeva EV et al. The peptide semax affects the expression of genes related to the immune and vascular systems in rat brain focal ischemia: genome-wide transcriptional analysis. BMC Genomics. 2014;15:228. PubMed
Research use only. Information on this page is provided for educational and research purposes and summarises published literature, mostly from cell and animal studies; it is not a claim of efficacy or safety. Products are not intended for human or veterinary use, or for any diagnostic or therapeutic purpose.
Molecular details
- Class
- ACTH(4–10) analogue, melanocortin-derived heptapeptide
- Sequence
- Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro (MEHFPGP)
- Length
- 7 amino acids
- Molecular formula
- C37H51N9O10S
- Molecular weight
- 813.9 g/mol
- CAS number
- 80714-61-0
- Form
- Lyophilized powder, 5 mg per vial
Storage
Lyophilized: store cool, dark and dry — refrigeration is ideal. Once reconstituted, refrigerate at 2–8 °C.
Reconstitution
Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water.
Handling
Water-soluble; 1 mL of bacteriostatic water per 5 mg vial gives 5 mg/mL. Swirl gently. The N-terminal methionine is prone to oxidation, so keep solution cold, protected from light and used within a short period. Store lyophilized at 2–8 °C.
Details
Semax · 5mg
Cognitive & Mood
Lyophilized powder, sealed vial
