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Research summary
Semax — clinical & mechanistic profile
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of ACTH(4-10) that enhances BDNF and NGF expression, modulates dopaminergic, serotonergic, and cholinergic systems, and demonstrates neuroprotective effects through inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis, improved cerebral blood flow, and anti-inflammatory gene modulation in stroke research.
Research status
mixed
Sequence
Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro
Molecular weight
813.93 g/mol
Molecular formula
C37H51N9O10S
Studied applications
- •BDNF upregulation: intranasal administration increases BDNF levels in rat basal forebrain within 3 hours, supporting neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity
- •Neuroprotection in ischemia: inhibits nitric oxide synthesis, improves cerebral blood flow and oxygen delivery, reduces neuroinflammation
- •Neurotransmitter modulation: enhances dopaminergic (motivation/executive function), serotonergic (mood), and cholinergic (memory/attention) systems
- •Vascular effects: causes capillary bore extension within 15 minutes, alters genes promoting artery vasodilation within 3 hours of ischemic injury
- •Anti-amyloid properties: shows anti-aggregation properties against amyloid-beta, inhibiting fiber formation in presence of copper ions
Mechanisms of action
- •BDNF/NGF pathway: rapidly upregulates BDNF and NGF expression supporting neuronal survival and neurogenesis
- •Neurotransmitter enhancement: modulates dopaminergic (motivation), serotonergic (mood), and cholinergic (memory) activity
- •Melanocortin interactions: may antagonize α-MSH at MC4/MC5 receptors through specific, reversible, calcium-dependent membrane binding
- •Anti-inflammatory signaling: inhibits nitric oxide synthesis, reduces neuroinflammation by modulating inflammatory response genes
- •Vascular enhancement: improves cerebral blood flow, causes rapid vasodilation with capillary extension within 15 minutes
- •Blood-brain barrier penetration: modified structure with Pro-Gly-Pro enables efficient CNS delivery via intranasal route
Research constraints & safety notes
- •Approved only in Russia—not FDA approved or available by prescription in Western countries
- •Most research originates from Russian institutions with limited Western replication
- •Short half-life requires frequent administration or intranasal delivery for CNS effects
- •No completed Western clinical trials meeting FDA/EMA standards
- •Effects in Western populations and with Western medications largely unstudied
Peer-reviewed references
- Semax neuroprotective mechanisms in ischemia modelsPMID: 18076762View
- Semax BDNF and neurotrophic effects researchPMID: 26048037View
- Semax gene expression and anti-inflammatory effectsPMID: 27333909View
- Semax neuropeptide signalling studiesPMID: 24292880View
- PMC3987924 — Semax gene expression in focal ischemia models
For research use only. This summary is a research-scientific overview compiled from peer-reviewed sources. It is not medical advice and is not intended for human or veterinary consumption.
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