Semax in Mexico: heptapeptide analog of ACTH (4-10) in neuropeptide research

EXOMA Scientific Team · Publicado el 24 de mayo de 2026 · Actualizado el 18 de septiembre de 2026

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide developed at the Russian Academy of Sciences, an analog of ACTH (4-10) with a Pro-Gly-Pro extension that increases its enzymatic stability.

Executive summary

Semax (Semax, CAS 80714-61-0, molecular formula C37H51N9O10S, molecular weight 813.93 g/mol) is the subject of growing interest in preclinical research owing to its modulation of BDNF and NGF in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex in preclinical models. This technical guide brings together molecular characterization, mechanism of action, bibliographic evidence with DOI/PubMed, and handling considerations for research use only.

Regulatory notice. This material is exclusively for in vitro and preclinical research use. It does not constitute a clinical or therapeutic recommendation.

What is Semax?

Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a synthetic analog of fragment 4-10 of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), with a C-terminal extension Pro-Gly-Pro that increases its resistance against peptidases. Unlike native ACTH, Semax lacks relevant corticotropic activity.

Key molecular data

Mechanism of action

Its molecular mechanism is pleiotropic: in preclinical models it increases the expression of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) and NGF (Nerve Growth Factor) in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, modulates the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems, and induces changes in gene expression related to synaptic plasticity.

The mechanistic characterization available in indexed literature (PubMed, Web of Science) allows Semax to be categorized as a research subject of high interest in its category. The most-cited publications are reproduced in the section Bibliographic evidence below.

Documented lines of research

The available preclinical literature addresses mainly:

1. Pharmacokinetic characterization: in vivo studies in murine and porcine models on absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of the analog.
2. Receptor mechanisms: competitive binding assays with radioligands to map affinity and selectivity for target receptors.
3. Animal efficacy models: preclinical assays on the phenotypic effect attributable to the peptide in models of the pathology under study.
4. In vitro stability and formulation: evaluation of the chemical and biological stability of the peptide under different storage and reconstitution conditions.

For an updated systematic review, the researcher is recommended to consult the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases using the term Semax.

Bibliographic evidence

• Dolotov OV, Karpenko EA, Seredenina TS, 2006 — J Neurochem. Semax, an ACTH(4-10) analog, binds specifically and raises BDNF levels in the rat hippocampus. PubMed: 16635254
• Gusev EI, Skvortsova VI, Miasoedov NF, 1997 — Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. Eficacia de Semax en la fase aguda del ictus isquémico hemisférico: estudio clínico y electrofisiológico. PubMed: 11517472

Handling, reconstitution, and storage

Receipt and verification. Each lyophilized vial of Semax is shipped with its corresponding certificate of analysis (COA) issued by Chromasys, which includes identity by mass spectrometry, purity by reverse-phase HPLC, peptide content by amino acid analysis, residual acetate/TFA, residual water by Karl Fischer and endotoxins by LAL.

Standard reconstitution (research protocol). The standard procedure for sterile reconstitution is as follows:

1. Disinfect with isopropyl alcohol the rubber stoppers of the lyophilized Semax vial and of the vial of bacteriostatic water (BAC).
2. Aspirar el volumen calculado de BAC con jeringa de insulina estéril (consultar la EXOMA reconstitution calculator).
3. Inject the solvent slowly, resting the needle against the inner wall of the vial — never directly onto the lyophilized powder, to avoid aggregation and denaturation.
4. Gently roll the vial between your fingers until a clear solution is obtained. Never shake.
5. Store the reconstituted vial refrigerated (2–8 °C) protected from light. Avoid freeze-thaw cycles.

Storage of the lyophilizate. Refrigerated at 2–8 °C protected from light until the retest date indicated in the batch's COA.

Products available at EXOMA

• `/producto/semax`
• `/producto/semax`
• `/producto/semax`

All presentations are shipped with a batch COA and meet the reverse-phase HPLC purity standard. The larger-mass presentation usually offers the lowest cost per milligram.

Logistics and delivery

• Coverage. All of the Mexican Republic via courier with tracking number (AfterShip).
• Transit time. 1-4 business days depending on the region from payment confirmation.
• Shipping cost. $200 MXN de tarifa nacional única; envío gratuito en pedidos desde $2,000 MXN.
• Processing cutoff. Pedidos confirmados antes de las 16:30 (4:30 PM) hora del centro de México de lunes a viernes salen el mismo día hábil.

Additional resources

• Scientific hub: /producto/semax — variants, comparisons, studies, and full FAQ.
• Compendium: /compendio/semax — technical sheet with sequence and molecular references.
• Reconstitution calculator: /calculadora.
• Storage guide: /guia-conservacion.

This guide is educational content aimed at researchers. The information does not constitute medical advice or diagnosis. All data are reproduced for technical purposes and to support research-material procurement decisions. Bibliographic references are available on PubMed/DOI for independent verification.

References

Material for research use only. Verified primary sources supporting the scientific claims of this article:

1. Dolotov OV, Karpenko EA, Inozemtseva LS, 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. doi:10.1016/j.brainres.2006.07.108. PMID 16996037. (animal)
2. Dolotov OV, Karpenko EA, Seredenina TS, et al. Semax, an analogue of adrenocorticotropin (4-10), binds specifically and increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor protein in rat basal forebrain. J Neurochem. 2006;97 Suppl 1:82-86. doi:10.1111/j.1471-4159.2006.03658.x. PMID 16635254. (animal)
3. Medvedeva EV, Dmitrieva VG, Povarova OV, 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(1):228. doi:10.1186/1471-2164-15-228. PMID 24661604. (animal)
4. Levitskaya NG, Sebentsova EA, Andreeva LA, Alfeeva LY, Kamenskii AA, Myasoedov NF. The neuroprotective effects of Semax in conditions of MPTP-induced lesions of the brain dopaminergic system. Neurosci Behav Physiol. 2004;34(4):399-405. doi:10.1023/B:NEAB.0000018752.59465.28. PMID 15341218. (animal)