Semax (25MG)

What Is Semax?

Buy Semax in Switzerland is a synthetic heptapeptide with the amino acid sequence Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro (MEHFPGP). It belongs to a class of peptide-based compounds developed as stabilized analogs of the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) fragment 4-10. Researchers at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences originally developed Semax in the 1980s and 1990s as a derivative of ACTH with enhanced neuroprotective and cognitive enhancement properties while minimizing the hormonal side effects of the parent molecule.

As a heptapeptide—a peptide composed of seven amino acids—Semax represents the ACTH(4-7) sequence (Met-Glu-His-Phe) extended at the C-terminus by a Pro-Gly-Pro (PGP) sequence. This structural modification enhances the molecule’s stability and ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) by increasing its lipophilicity, facilitating passive diffusion or lipid raft-mediated endocytosis. For those looking to buy Semax in Switzerland, Core Peptides offers high-quality research-grade material for laboratory applications.

Semax Research Overview

Semax has attracted significant research interest as a synthetic peptide with pronounced nootropic (cognitive-enhancing) and neuroprotective properties. Unlike the parent ACTH hormone, the ACTH(4-7) fragment does not exhibit the hormonal activity characteristic of ACTH itself but may have a potentially specific action within the brain. The addition of the PGP sequence enhances stability and resistance to enzymatic degradation, extending the peptide’s half-life in biological settings.

Research interest in Semax centers on its multifaceted mechanism of action, which includes BDNF upregulation and TrkB activation, enkephalinase inhibition, modulation of dopaminergic and serotoninergic systems, and regulation of gene expression in models of ischemia. Studies have demonstrated that Semax exerts neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects, including BDNF upregulation and synaptogenesis. Consequently, Semax has generated significant interest as a research tool for investigating cognitive enhancement, neuroplasticity, neuroprotection, and recovery from neurological insults.

When researchers choose to buy Semax in Switzerland for laboratory studies, they gain access to a compound that may help elucidate mechanisms of neurotrophic factor regulation, synaptic plasticity, and neuroprotection at the molecular level.

How Does Semax Work?

Semax exerts its biological effects through multiple interconnected mechanisms, including BDNF/TrkB pathway activation, enkephalinase inhibition, neurotransmitter modulation, and gene expression regulation.

BDNF Upregulation and TrkB Activation

A primary mechanism of Semax involves the upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its high-affinity receptor, TrkB. Semax stimulates the synthesis of BDNF protein in the brain, which then binds to TrkB receptors, triggering downstream signaling cascades crucial for neuronal survival, growth, and synaptic plasticity. This BDNF-mediated pathway supports neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, and the consolidation of learning and memory.

Research has demonstrated that Semax regulates BDNF and TrkB expression in the rat hippocampus, providing a molecular basis for its cognitive-enhancing effects. This neurotrophic action is central to Semax’s nootropic and neuroprotective properties.

Enkephalinase Inhibition

Semax inhibits select enzymes that regulate the degradation of enkephalins—naturally released neurotransmitters involved in nociception (pain perception) and stress response. By slowing the breakdown of endogenous enkephalins, Semax increases their half-life in the brain. This mechanism contributes to the peptide’s neuroprotective effects and may also influence pain modulation and stress responses.

Furthermore, an elevation in enkephalin concentrations may impact other neurotransmitter systems due to the intricate interconnections between the opioid system and neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin.

Dopaminergic and Serotonergic Modulation

Semax activates dopaminergic and serotoninergic brain systems in rodents. Research has shown that Semax may induce elevated secretion and release of dopamine. This modulation of monoamine neurotransmitters may contribute to its mood-stabilizing, cognitive-enhancing, and stress-resilience effects.

Gene Expression Modulation

Semax has been shown to alter gene expression patterns, particularly in the context of ischemia. Studies have demonstrated that Semax predominantly decreases the expression of genes associated with inflammatory clusters and increases the expression of genes related to neurotransmission clusters in rat brain models of ischemia. The peptide can differentially modulate ischemia-induced gene expression, correcting patterns disrupted by ischemic damage.

Additionally, Semax may alter gene expressions that modulate the immune system, affecting the levels and mobility of immune cells. This immunomodulatory effect may contribute to its neuroprotective properties.

Copper Binding and Anti-Aggregating Properties

Semax is known to form stable complexes with copper(II) ions. This copper-binding capacity enables Semax to inhibit the formation of amyloid-β:Cu²⁺ complexes and interfere with fibrillogenesis. The peptide modulates the interaction of amyloid-β peptides with lipid membranes, reducing membrane disruption and stabilizing oligomeric species. This property makes Semax a subject of interest in studies of peptide-metal interactions and amyloid formation.

Researchers who buy Semax in Switzerland for research purposes can investigate these mechanisms across diverse experimental models of cognitive function, neuroprotection, and neurodegeneration.

Why Is Semax Studied?

Researchers study Semax primarily for its potential relevance to cognitive enhancement, neuroprotection, and neuroplasticity. The peptide’s ability to upregulate BDNF, activate TrkB signaling, inhibit enkephalin degradation, and modulate neurotransmitter systems makes it a valuable tool for understanding the molecular basis of learning, memory, and neuronal survival.

The peptide’s connection to the ACTH neuropeptide system has made it a focus of neuroscience and psychopharmacology research. Preclinical studies have explored Semax’s effects on cognitive function, neuroprotection, and recovery from neurological insults in various experimental models, including rodent behavioral paradigms, transcriptomic analyses, and models of ischemic stroke and Alzheimer’s disease.

Moreover, researchers study Semax in the context of neuroprotection and recovery from neurological conditions. Semax is used in Russia and neighboring countries to treat a variety of neurological diseases, including ischemic stroke, where it helps improve blood flow and reduce brain damage. Clinical studies have shown that Semax can accelerate recovery by promoting neuroprotection and cognitive function. The peptide has also been studied for cognitive disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Researchers who buy Semax in Switzerland from Core Peptides can incorporate this peptide into their studies on cognitive enhancement, neuroprotection, neuroplasticity, and neurodegenerative conditions.

Semax Research Areas

Research Area	Description
Cognitive Enhancement	Investigating Semax’s nootropic effects on learning, memory, and cognitive performance
BDNF/TrkB Signaling	Studying Semax’s upregulation of BDNF and activation of TrkB receptors
Neuroprotection	Examining Semax’s protective effects in models of ischemia, stroke, and neurodegeneration
Synaptogenesis	Exploring Semax’s promotion of synaptic formation and plasticity
Enkephalinase Inhibition	Investigating Semax’s inhibition of enkephalin-degrading enzymes
Neurotransmitter Modulation	Studying Semax’s effects on dopaminergic and serotoninergic systems
Gene Expression	Preclinical research into Semax’s modulation of inflammatory and neurotransmission genes
Alzheimer’s Disease	Exploring Semax’s potential in models of amyloid pathology and cognitive impairment

Scientific Research on Semax

Researchers have conducted extensive scientific studies on Semax in both in vitro and in vivo settings, deriving evidence from cell cultures, rodent models, and human clinical research. The peptide originates from the ACTH analog research program at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

In Vitro Evidence

In vitro studies have demonstrated that Semax upregulates BDNF expression and activates TrkB signaling pathways. The peptide also exhibits copper-binding properties, forming stable complexes with Cu²⁺ ions and inhibiting amyloid-β aggregation and fibrillogenesis. Research has shown that Semax modulates the interaction of amyloid-β peptides with lipid membranes, reducing membrane disruption and stabilizing oligomeric species.

Studies have also investigated Semax’s effects on intracellular calcium dynamics in rat brain neurons. Semax significantly increased the frequency of spontaneous calcium fluctuations in hippocampal CA1 neurons but did not affect calcium increases in cerebellar cells, suggesting region-specific effects.

Preclinical Animal Studies

In rodent models, researchers have investigated Semax’s effects on behavior, neurochemistry, and gene expression. Studies have demonstrated that Semax (0.1 mg/kg) attenuates cognitive impairment caused by acute restrained stress. Chronic intranasal administration of Semax produced long-lasting antiamnesic effects in rats with ischemic lesions to the prefrontal cortex.

Transcriptomic studies in rat models of ischemic stroke have revealed that Semax differentially modulates ischemia-induced gene expression, decreasing the expression of genes associated with inflammatory clusters and increasing the expression of genes related to neurotransmission clusters. The peptide also mitigates ischemia-induced alterations in transcriptional activity.

In models of Alzheimer’s disease, Semax and its derivatives have demonstrated potential for correcting pathological impairments. Histological examination showed that Semax reduced amyloid plaque deposition in the cortex and hippocampus of transgenic mouse models.

Human Research

Semax has been extensively studied in human clinical research and is used clinically in Russia and neighboring countries for the treatment of various neurological conditions, including ischemic stroke and optic nerve injury. Clinical studies have shown that Semax can accelerate recovery by promoting neuroprotection and cognitive function.

The peptide has also been investigated for cognitive disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Functional connectomic studies have assessed Semax’s effects on whole-brain resting-state functional connectivity, providing insights into the neural networks modulated by the peptide.

Nevertheless, researchers should note that while Semax has been used clinically in Russia, the peptide is supplied for laboratory research purposes only. Scientists who buy Semax in Switzerland should remain aware of these evidence considerations.

Semax Compared With Related Peptides

Peptide	Relationship to Semax	Key Differences
ACTH (4-10)	Parent compound; Semax is a modified analog	ACTH(4-10) has 7 amino acids (MEHFRWG); Semax has MEHF replaced with PGP extension for enhanced stability and BBB penetration
Selank	Developed alongside Semax; both are Russian nootropic peptides	Selank is a tuftsin analog targeting GABAergic system; Semax is an ACTH analog targeting BDNF/TrkB and enkephalinase
NA-Semax Amidate	Modified Semax analog	NA-Semax Amidate has N-terminal acetylation and C-terminal amidation for enhanced stability and bioavailability
ACTH (6-9)PGP	Similar structural design with PGP extension	ACTH(6-9)PGP has different sequence (HF RWPGP); both have PGP extension but different pharmacological profiles
Noopept	Both studied for cognitive enhancement	Noopept is a dipeptide with different mechanism; Semax combines BDNF upregulation, enkephalinase inhibition, and neurotransmitter modulation

Research Applications

Researchers utilize Semax in a variety of laboratory research applications, primarily in the fields of neuroscience, psychopharmacology, and neurobiology. Key research applications include:

• Cognitive Enhancement Studies: Investigating Semax’s nootropic effects on learning, memory, and cognitive performance
• BDNF/TrkB Signaling Research: Studying Semax’s upregulation of BDNF and activation of TrkB receptors
• Neuroprotection Studies: Examining Semax’s protective effects in models of ischemia, stroke, and neurodegeneration
• Synaptogenesis Research: Exploring Semax’s promotion of synaptic formation and plasticity
• Enkephalinase Inhibition Studies: Investigating Semax’s inhibition of enkephalin-degrading enzymes
• Neurotransmitter Modulation Research: Studying Semax’s effects on dopaminergic and serotoninergic systems
• Gene Expression Studies: Preclinical research into Semax’s modulation of inflammatory and neurotransmission genes
• Alzheimer’s Disease Research: Exploring Semax’s potential in models of amyloid pathology and cognitive impairment

Researchers who buy Semax in Switzerland can incorporate this peptide into their experimental protocols across these diverse research areas.

Semax Product Specifications

Specification	Detail
Product Name	Semax
Amount	25mg
Form	Lyophilized powder
Sequence (One-Letter)	MEHFPGP
Sequence (Three-Letter)	Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro
Molecular Formula (Free Base)	C37H51N9O10S
Molecular Weight (Free Base)	Approximately 813.92 g/mol
Molecular Formula (Acetate)	C39H54N10O10S
Molecular Weight (Acetate)	Approximately 854.99 g/mol
CAS Number (Free Base)	80714-61-0
CAS Number (Acetate)	2828433-33-4
Source	Synthetic (ACTH analog)
Mechanism	BDNF/TrkB upregulation; enkephalinase inhibition; neurotransmitter modulation
Research Category	Cognitive & Nootropic Peptides
Purity	>99% (HPLC)
Storage	Store desiccated at -20°C, protected from light

How to Evaluate Semax Quality

When sourcing Semax for research purposes, researchers should consider several quality indicators. A reliable Semax peptide supplier should provide:

• Identity Confirmation: Analytical verification that the peptide matches the expected heptapeptide sequence (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro, MEHFPGP) and molecular weight (free base: approximately 813.92 g/mol; acetate: approximately 854.99 g/mol)
• Purity Analysis: Documentation of purity through methods such as HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) – Core Peptides provides >99% purity
• Batch Information: Clear lot numbers and batch traceability
• Certificate of Analysis (CoA): Documentation of analytical testing results
• Proper Labeling: Accurate product identification and storage instructions
• Appearance: White to off-white lyophilized powder

Researchers looking to buy Semax in Switzerland should seek suppliers who provide comprehensive documentation and quality assurance. Core Peptides remains committed to supporting research with properly documented products.

Understanding the Certificate of Analysis

A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) provides analytical data for a specific batch of a research peptide. For Semax research, a CoA typically includes:

• Identity Confirmation: Mass spectrometry or other analytical methods confirming the peptide’s identity
• Purity Assessment: HPLC chromatograms showing the purity of the peptide
• Batch/Lot Information: Unique identifiers for traceability
• Analytical Methods: Description of the testing methods used

Importantly, researchers should understand that a CoA demonstrates the chemical identity and purity of a peptide but does not establish safety, efficacy, therapeutic effectiveness, or suitability for human use. The CoA serves as a quality control document for research purposes only.

Storage and Stability

Proper storage of research peptides is essential for maintaining their integrity and stability. For Semax, researchers should refer to the product documentation provided with their order for specific storage recommendations.

General best practices for Semax storage include keeping the lyophilized peptide desiccated, protected from light, and stored at -20°C or below. The peptide is soluble in water and buffered aqueous solutions. For specific temperature requirements and reconstitution protocols, consult the applicable product documentation or contact Core Peptides for the applicable storage specifications.

Research Considerations

Researchers incorporating Semax into their studies should be aware of several important considerations:

• Clinical Status: Semax has been extensively studied in human clinical research and is used clinically in Russia for neurological conditions. However, the peptide is supplied for laboratory research purposes only.
• Experimental Status: Researchers consider Semax a well-characterized compound, but findings should be interpreted within the context of ongoing research.
• Model Differences: Results from cell cultures and animal models may not translate directly to human outcomes.
• Regulatory Status: Semax is not FDA-approved and is intended for laboratory research use only.
• Quality Considerations: Researchers should verify the quality and identity of their Semax through appropriate analytical methods.
• Mechanistic Context: Semax’s proposed mechanisms involve BDNF/TrkB activation, enkephalinase inhibition, and neurotransmitter modulation. Researchers should consider appropriate experimental approaches to investigate these pathways.
• Source Lineage: Semax was developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Researchers who buy Semax in Switzerland should ensure their studies include appropriate controls and interpret findings with scientific rigor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Semax

What is Semax?

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide with the amino acid sequence Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro (MEHFPGP), developed as a stabilized analog of the ACTH(4-10) fragment with a C-terminal PGP extension.

What is Semax researched for?

Researchers primarily investigate Semax for its nootropic (cognitive-enhancing) and neuroprotective properties, as well as its effects on BDNF/TrkB signaling, synaptogenesis, and neurotransmitter modulation.

What is the amino acid sequence of Semax?

The amino acid sequence of Semax is Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro (MEHFPGP).

What is the molecular weight of Semax?

The molecular weight of Semax free base is approximately 813.92 g/mol. The acetate salt has a molecular weight of approximately 854.99 g/mol.

What is the CAS number for Semax?

The CAS number for Semax free base is 80714-61-0. The acetate salt has CAS number 2828433-33-4.

What is the mechanism of action for Semax?

Semax acts through multiple mechanisms: BDNF upregulation and TrkB activation, inhibition of enkephalin-degrading enzymes, modulation of dopaminergic and serotoninergic systems, and regulation of gene expression.

How does Semax cross the blood-brain barrier?

The PGP sequence at the C-terminus enhances lipophilicity, facilitating passive diffusion or lipid raft-mediated endocytosis across the blood-brain barrier.

Does Semax affect BDNF?

Yes, research has shown that Semax upregulates BDNF expression and activates TrkB signaling, supporting neuronal survival, growth, and synaptic plasticity.

Is Semax FDA-approved?

Semax is not FDA-approved. It is intended for laboratory research use only and is not approved for human consumption or therapeutic use.

Can I buy Semax in Switzerland?

Yes, researchers can buy Semax in Switzerland from Core Peptides for laboratory research purposes.

What is the primary research category for Semax?

Semax belongs to the Cognitive & Nootropic Peptides category, with secondary relevance to Cellular Research & Signaling research.

What related peptides are studied alongside Semax?

Related peptides include Selank, NA-Semax Amidate, ACTH(6-9)PGP, and other nootropic and neuroprotective peptides.

What is the purity of Core Peptides’ Semax?

Core Peptides provides Semax with a purity of >99% as verified by HPLC analysis.

How should Semax be stored?

Semax should be stored lyophilized, desiccated, protected from light, at -20°C or below.

Is Semax soluble in water?

Yes, Semax is soluble in water and buffered aqueous solutions.

Related Research Peptides

Researchers interested in Semax may also find the following related peptides relevant to their work:

• Selank – A nootropic and anxiolytic peptide developed alongside Semax, targeting the GABAergic system
• NA-Semax Amidate – A modified Semax analog with N-terminal acetylation and C-terminal amidation for enhanced stability
• ACTH (6-9)PGP – Another ACTH-derived peptide with PGP extension, studied for neuroprotection
• Pinealon – A peptide studied for neuroprotection and cognitive function
• Noopept – A dipeptide studied for cognitive enhancement

For a comprehensive selection of research peptides in Switzerland, explore the Core Peptides catalog.

Explore Cognitive & Nootropic Peptides

Semax is part of our Cognitive & Nootropic Peptides category, which features a range of research peptides investigated for their potential effects on cognitive function, neuroplasticity, and brain health. Browse our selection to find the right peptides for your laboratory research.

Explore Related Research Categories

Researchers may also find the following related categories relevant to Semax research:

• Cellular Research & Signaling – Peptides studied for cellular signaling and receptor modulation
• Anti-Aging & Longevity – Peptides investigated for age-related cognitive research applications
• Healing & Regeneration Peptides – Peptides investigated for neuroprotection and tissue repair

Further Research

Researchers interested in learning more about Semax and related peptides should consult the primary scientific literature. Key areas of investigation include BDNF/TrkB signaling, enkephalinase inhibition, neurotransmitter modulation, and neuroplasticity. The PubMed database is an excellent resource for accessing peer-reviewed research articles on these topics.

Research Disclaimer

Core Peptides supplies Semax as a research peptide for laboratory research purposes only. It is not approved for human consumption, therapeutic use, or medical treatment. All information provided is for educational and scientific reference purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Researchers are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations governing the use of research peptides in their jurisdiction, including Switzerland.