Semax
Semax is a synthetic ACTH fragment analogue developed in Russia and widely researched for cognitive and neuroprotective effects.
Also known as: ACTH(4-10) analogue
Research context
- Synthetic analogue of a naturally occurring ACTH fragment.
- One of the most researched nootropic peptides.
- Available in 5mg and 11mg.
Related compounds
What Semax is
Semax is a synthetic peptide analogue of ACTH(4-10) — the short fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone that retains the neuroactive portion without the hormonal (steroid-releasing) activity of the full molecule. It was developed in Russia in the 1990s and is one of the most studied members of the small "nootropic peptide" group.
Two honest caveats belong at the top of this page. First, the clinical literature is overwhelmingly Russian: it exists, it is reported, and very little of it has been independently replicated in Western randomised trials. Second, "ACTH fragment" does not mean "hormone" — the sequence was selected specifically to drop the corticotropic effect, which is why it is researched for cognition and neuroprotection rather than for anything endocrine.
Where Semax sits in the catalogue
Semax belongs to the group studied for cognitive and neuroprotective activity. Comparing it against its shelf-mates by the volume and origin of human evidence is more useful than comparing marketing claims:
| Compound | Class / origin | Volume of human evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Semax | ACTH(4-10) analogue (melanocortin family) | Limited — Russian clinical reports, minimal Western replication |
| Selank | Tuftsin analogue (immunopeptide family) | Limited — same origin and caveat as Semax |
| Cerebrolysin | Porcine brain-derived peptide complex (mixture) | Moderate — several randomised trials, mixed results |
| Epitalon | Tetrapeptide (pineal-extract lineage) | Limited — largely model and small-study work |
Semax and Selank are frequently researched together — one usually described as activating, the other as calming. Both act on overlapping systems and neither has the trial depth of Cerebrolysin. None of them are medicines.
Supply, handling and documentation
We supply Semax as a lyophilised (freeze-dried) powder in sealed vials: 5mg and 11mg presentations. Reconstitution is done with bacteriostatic water, not sterile water, if the material is to be stored for any length of time after opening.
- Lyophilised powder: store sealed, refrigerated, protected from light.
- Reconstituted solution: refrigerate at 2–8°C and keep covered.
- Do not repeatedly warm and cool the vial; condensation degrades short peptides quickly.
Every batch ships with documentation available on request — see our lab and COA policy for what we will and will not claim, and the reconstitution guide for the method in detail.
Ordering, payment and delivery
Pricing is per vial, shown openly at the top of this page. Card checkout runs through Stripe. Bank transfer is offered at a 10% discount and prices are shown under each card price; bank orders are confirmed once funds clear. UK dispatch is same or next working day, with tracked delivery.
Delivery times and payment details are set out in full on the delivery page. If anything is unclear before ordering, contact us — we would rather answer a question than process a return.
Semax: common questions
Is Semax the same as ACTH?
No. It is an analogue of the ACTH(4-10) fragment, selected to retain the neuroactive portion without the steroid-releasing activity of the full hormone.
Is Semax a medicine?
Not in the UK. It is supplied as a research chemical. It is not a medicine here, it is not for human or veterinary use, and nothing on this page is medical advice.
What is Semax researched for?
Cognitive and neuroprotective activity, with interest in BDNF expression and neurotrophic signalling. The human literature is largely Russian and has not been widely replicated.
Which sizes do you stock?
5mg and 11mg vials, priced per vial. Both are listed in the price table above.
Does Semax need to be refrigerated?
Yes — sealed lyophilised vials should be refrigerated and kept out of light. Once reconstituted, keep at 2–8°C.
Do you provide a certificate of analysis?
Batch documentation is available on request. See the lab and COA policy for exactly what is provided and what is not.