Focus & mind

Semax

A synthetic peptide derived from a fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone.

About

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide based on the 4-10 fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone, modified with a C-terminal proline-glycine-proline sequence intended to improve stability. It was developed in Russia and, like Epithalon, much of its primary literature originates from that research tradition — a point worth carrying into any assessment of the evidence base.

Mechanism

Published work associates Semax with expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor in specific brain regions. Unlike the parent hormone fragment, the modified sequence is reported to lack corticotropic activity, meaning it does not stimulate the adrenal axis. Additional research describes effects on dopaminergic and serotonergic signalling. The mechanistic account is largely built on animal work.

What research has examined

Studies have investigated Semax in models of cognitive function and cerebral ischaemia, predominantly within Russian clinical and preclinical literature.