Description
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide made from a short fragment of ACTH plus a stabilizing Pro-Gly-Pro tail. Developed in Moscow in the 1980s, it is one of the most studied peptides in neuroprotection and BDNF research. Pure Peptides Canada supplies it as a lyophilized research reagent in 10 mg vials, with an independent Janoshik HPLC and mass-spectrometry report, CAD pricing and tracked shipping from inside Canada.
Semax at a glance
- What it is: Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro, ACTH(4-7) joined to Pro-Gly-Pro. It keeps the neuroactive core of ACTH without its adrenal hormone activity.
- What researchers study: BDNF and TrkB expression, gene-expression responses in ischemia models, and dopamine and serotonin signalling.
- Evidence level: cell and animal work plus Russian clinical studies. It is registered as a medicine in Russia only.
- Supplied as: sealed lyophilized powder, 10 mg, single vial or box of 10.
- Delivery: ships from inside Canada by tracked Xpresspost in 3–7 days ($25 CAD), or free in 4–12 days on orders over $299.
Semax
ACTH(4-7)-Pro-Gly-Pro · ACTH(4-10) analogue · heptapeptide
- M
- E
- H
- F
- P
- G
- P
Black: ACTH residues 4 to 7. Blue: the stabilizing Pro-Gly-Pro extension.
- Length
- 7 amino acids
- Molecular formula
- C37H51N9O10S
- Molecular weight
- 813.9 g/mol
- CAS number
- 80714-61-0
- Form
- Lyophilized powder, sealed vial
- Sizes
- 10 mg (single or box of 10)
- SKU
- PP-SEMAX
Where the evidence stands
- Cell studies
- Animal models
- Human studies
- Approved in Canada
Human data comes mainly from Russian clinical studies with limited international replication. Semax is not authorized in Canada.
What is Semax?
Researchers studying ACTH in the 1970s found that short fragments of the hormone, especially ACTH(4-10), affected attention and learning in animals without stimulating the adrenal glands. The problem was that these fragments broke down within minutes. A team at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, led by Nikolai Myasoedov, kept the first four residues of the active core (Met-Glu-His-Phe) and added Pro-Gly-Pro to the end. The result, Semax, was far more stable and became the template for its sister peptide Selank.
Much of the mechanistic work comes from rat studies showing rapid increases in BDNF and its receptor TrkB in the hippocampus and cortex, along with broad gene-expression changes in brain-ischemia models. Semax was registered in Russia for neurological indications, but the clinical evidence comes mostly from Russian studies and has not been widely replicated elsewhere.
What Semax research looks at
- Neurotrophic signalling: BDNF and TrkB expression in hippocampal and cortical tissue.
- Ischemia models: transcriptional and inflammatory responses after experimental stroke in rodents.
- Monoamine systems: effects on dopaminergic and serotonergic signalling.
- Melanocortin pharmacology: how an ACTH fragment behaves without adrenal activity.
- Peptide stabilization: the Pro-Gly-Pro strategy shared with Selank.
Regulatory status: Semax is not an authorized drug in Canada, and Health Canada regulates peptide drugs as prescription products. We sell it strictly as a laboratory reagent for in-vitro research.
Why researchers order Semax from Pure Peptides Canada
Add a 10 mg vial or a box of 10 above. Orders over $299 ship free across Canada.
See lab resultsChecking a Semax identity report
Use these values when you open the mass-spectrometry result for a Semax peptide batch. They are calculated from the sequence Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro (MEHFPGP), C37H51N9O10S:
- Monoisotopic mass: 813.35 Da (average molecular weight about 813.9 g/mol).
- Main ions: the singly charged ion, [M+H]+, at m/z 814.36. Electrospray may also show the doubly charged ion, [M+2H]2+, at m/z 407.68.
- Methionine oxidation: Semax begins with methionine, so a satellite peak 15.99 Da heavier ([M+H]+ m/z 830.35) points to oxidized material. A trace can form during the analysis itself; a large peak suggests oxidation in storage or handling.
- A mix-up check: a main peak at [M+H]+ m/z 855.38 would match N-acetyl Semax amidate (Ac-MEHFPGP-NH2), the modified analogue, rather than standard Semax.
To tell charge states and adducts apart, see our guide on how to read a peptide mass spectrum. Independent Janoshik reports are listed by product and batch on our Lab Testing page.
Semax FAQ
Where can I buy Semax in Canada?
Pure Peptides Canada stocks Semax as a lyophilized research reagent in 10 mg vials and ships it from inside Canada by tracked Xpresspost in 3–7 days ($25 CAD), or free in 4–12 days on orders over $299.
Is Semax the same as ACTH?
No. ACTH is a 39-residue hormone that stimulates the adrenal glands. Semax contains only four of its residues (positions 4 to 7) plus a Pro-Gly-Pro tail, and it does not have ACTH’s adrenal activity.
What is the difference between Semax and Selank?
Both are Russian heptapeptides stabilized with Pro-Gly-Pro. Semax is built on an ACTH fragment and studied mainly for neuroprotection and BDNF. Selank is built on tuftsin and studied mainly in anxiety models. See our Semax vs Selank comparison.
Is this Semax third-party tested?
Yes. An HPLC purity and mass-spectrometry identity report from Janoshik Analytical, an independent lab, is listed on our Lab Testing page. Our COA guide explains how to read it.
Is Semax approved in Canada?
No. Semax is registered as a medicine in Russia but is not an authorized drug in Canada. It is sold here only as a laboratory reagent for in-vitro research.
Can Semax be used in people or animals?
No. It is for in-vitro laboratory research only and is not a drug, supplement or food. We do not provide dosing or administration information.
For laboratory research use only. Not a drug, supplement, food or cosmetic, not for human or veterinary use, and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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