Semax 10 mg

Semax peptide is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from the ACTH(4-10) fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone, originally developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It is classified as a synthetic neuropeptide analog designed to retain the neurotropic activity of ACTH while eliminating its hormonal effects on the adrenal cortex.

The mechanism of action of Semax involves modulation of several neurotrophic and neuronal-signalling pathways. Research has shown that the compound influences expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor TrkB, both of which play central roles in neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, and memory formation. Semax also interacts with the melanocortin system and has been observed to modulate serotonergic, dopaminergic, and cholinergic neurotransmitter systems in preclinical models, an effect often compared with the tuftsin-derived heptapeptide Selank in integrated neuro-immune studies. Additional work has explored its influence on gene expression in cerebral cellular-stress models and oxidative-stress regulation.

Research interest in Semax peptide spans neurotrophic factor regulation, neuronal-signalling mechanisms in ischemic and oxidative stress models, cognitive function and memory-related signaling pathways, neuroinflammatory response modulation, and gene expression profiling in central nervous system tissue. Studies have demonstrated that the ACTH(4-10) fragment and its analogs can upregulate neurotrophic factor expression in rodent brain tissue (Dolotov et al., 2006, Journal of Neurochemistry). Further transcriptomic work has examined effects on immune-related gene expression in cerebral ischemia models, supporting Semax and its N-acetyl Semax variant as versatile tools for neurobiological investigation.

Compare Semax and Selank in our comparative research overview.

The peptide is supplied as a lyophilized powder to ensure optimal stability during storage and handling.

The regulation of neural plasticity and survival is essential for recovery from brain cellular-stress models and for maintaining cognitive health during aging. Neuropeptides derived from ACTH have long been recognized for their extra-hormonal effects on the brain, particularly regarding alertness, attention, and memory.

Semax was developed to stabilize these effects, creating a longer-lasting analog that could be studied for its neurotrophic and cognitive-research properties. Research has since expanded from its original focus on acute cerebrovascular events to broader applications in neurobiology, including its influence on gene expression and neurotransmitter balance.

Because Semax demonstrates measurable activity at low concentrations and shows favorable stability across experimental systems, it has become a reference molecule within the ACTH-analogue research framework and a frequent comparator in studies of related synthetic neuropeptides.

1. Neurotrophic Factor Induction

Semax has been studied for its ability to increase the expression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). These proteins are critical for the survival, development, and function of neurons in research models.

2. mRNA Expression and Gene Regulation

Experimental models suggest that Semax can rapidly alter the expression of genes related to the immune system and vascular health, particularly in response to ischemic stress and oxygen deprivation in central nervous system tissue.

3. Neurotransmitter System Modulation

Research indicates Semax influences the levels of monoamines, including dopamine and serotonin, and may modulate the activity of the melanocortin system, which plays a role in focus, attention, and adaptive signalling.

4. Inflammatory-Pathway and Oxidative-Stress Signalling

Semax is investigated for its potential to reduce oxidative stress and inhibit inflammatory signaling in neural tissues, particularly following hypoxia and cerebrovascular cellular-stress events in preclinical models.

Research Applications

Conclusion

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide with broad implications in neurobiological and restorative research. Through its multifaceted influence on neurotrophic factors, gene expression, and neurotransmitter systems, Semax serves as a sophisticated research tool for investigating neural plasticity and the recovery of brain function following cellular-stress models or age-related decline.

Research Use Disclaimer

This product is intended for research and laboratory use only. It is designed exclusively for in vitro research purposes. All information provided is for educational and research reference only. This product is not intended for human or animal use. It is not a drug, food, or cosmetic and must not be marketed, labeled, or used as such. Use and handling are restricted to trained and qualified professionals.