LA LABResearch Reference Document
Compound Guide
Semax — ACTH-Derived Nootropic Peptide
Quick Start
What It Is
Semax is a synthetic 7-amino acid peptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) derived from the ACTH(4-10) fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone. Unlike ACTH, it does not stimulate cortisol or steroidogenesis. It was developed by the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences and is included on Russia's vital and essential drugs list for stroke and cerebral ischaemia.
Research Dosing
Intranasal (primary): ~0.6–1.5 mg/day split into 2–3 intranasal applications. SubQ: Sub-milligram doses per administration; less common. Intranasal delivery bypasses blood-brain barrier limitations and is the route most studied in Russian clinical research. Half-life: very short (<10 min) but downstream effects (BDNF upregulation) persist hours.
Regulatory Status
Russia: vital and essential drug (stroke/ischaemia indication). FDA: removed from 503A Category 2 effective April 23, 2026; PCAC review scheduled July 24, 2026 for cerebral ischaemia and trigeminal neuralgia indications. FDA has flagged immunogenicity risk from impurities/aggregation. Not approved in US. For research purposes only.
Dosing Protocol
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intranasal | 0.6–1.5 mg total/day | 2–3 administrations/day | 14–28 day courses + washout | Favoured route in Russian clinical research; crosses nasal mucosa to brain |
| SubQ | 0.1–0.5 mg | Once or twice daily | 4 weeks on, 4 off | Western research context; less studied than intranasal |
Supplies & Reconstitution (SubQ)
Reconstitution Math — 11 mg Vial (3 mL BAC)
| Target Dose | Units (U-100) | Doses / Vial |
|---|---|---|
| 100 mcg | 2.7 units | 110 |
| 200 mcg | 5.5 units | 55 |
| 300 mcg | 8.2 units | 36.7 |
| 500 mcg | 13.6 units | 22 |
| 600 mcg | 16.4 units | 18.3 |
| 1000 mcg | 27.3 units | 11 |
Reconstitute the 11 mg vial with 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water → 3.67 mg/mL (3,667 mcg/mL). U-100 syringe = 100 units per mL. Swirl gently — do not shake. Refrigerate 2–8°C.
Reconstitution Steps
01
Warm the vial
Allow vial to reach room temperature from freezer (10–15 min).
02
Swab and draw
Alcohol swab both vial tops. Draw required BAC water volume.
03
Inject along the wall
Run BAC water slowly down the inside wall of the peptide vial.
04
Swirl gently
Swirl until clear. Do not shake. Solution should be colourless.
05
Refrigerate
Store at 2–8°C for up to 30 days. Do not freeze after reconstitution.
Mechanism of Action
BDNF / TrkB Signalling
Upregulates BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) expression and activates TrkB (BDNF receptor) signalling in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. BDNF/TrkB is the primary proposed mechanism for cognitive effects.
Monoamine Modulation
Modulates dopaminergic and serotonergic transmission in limbic and prefrontal regions. Does not stimulate cortisol, ACTH, or steroidogenesis (key distinction from ACTH itself).
Neuroprotection
Alters gene expression in ischaemic brain tissue — particularly genes involved in mitochondrial function, inflammation, and cell survival. Studied in rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) models and human stroke studies in Russia.
Resistance to Degradation
The Pro-Gly-Pro C-terminal extension added to the ACTH(4-7) core sequence significantly increases resistance to enzymatic degradation compared to ACTH fragments, explaining why effects persist beyond the short plasma half-life.
FDA Immunogenicity Concern
The FDA has flagged a potential immunogenicity risk for Semax from aggregation and impurities in compounded preparations. Aggregated peptides can trigger immune responses including antibody formation. This is a compounding-quality issue, not inherent to the pure peptide, but it underscores the importance of sourcing from quality-tested suppliers.
Storage
| State | Temperature | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lyophilised (powder) | −20°C (freezer) | Up to 24 months | Protect from light and moisture; minimise freeze-thaw cycles |
| Reconstituted (liquid) | 2–8°C (refrigerator) | Up to 30 days | Do not freeze after reconstitution; protect from light |
Disclaimer
This document is an educational research reference only. Semax is not FDA-approved. Published human data is primarily from Russian sources. FDA has flagged immunogenicity concerns for compounded preparations. By purchasing from LA LAB you confirm you are 18+ and that products are for research purposes only.