# Semax

> Evidence tier B — Small human studies · Mind · reviewed 2026-11-08
> Source page: https://peptidemeta.com/p/semax/

Also known as: ACTH(4-7)-Pro-Gly-Pro, ACTH(4-10) analogue, MEHFPGP

## Quick answers

**What is Semax?**

A synthetic heptapeptide analog of ACTH(4-10) developed in Russia and approved there as a nootropic and neuroprotective agent.

**How strong is the evidence for Semax?**

Tier B (small human studies) on the peptidemeta evidence scale. Human data are small open-label or non-randomized Russian clinical studies (e.g. ischemic stroke, Gusev et al. 2018); it is a registered medicine in Russia but not FDA/EMA-approved.

**Is Semax FDA-approved?**

No. Semax is not approved by the FDA for any use. Outside the US: Russia — Semax nasal drops 0.1% and 1% (Peptogen), registered medicine.

**Is Semax banned in sport?**

No. Semax is not on the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.

**How does Semax work?**

Semax is a synthetic analog of ACTH(4-10) with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide extension that confers metabolic stability. It increases BDNF and NGF expression, modulates serotonergic and dopaminergic systems, and enhances synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.

**What is known about the safety of Semax?**

Registered for clinical use in Russia. Few adverse effects reported in published, mostly small studies.

## Key facts

- **Evidence tier:** B (Small human studies)
- **FDA:** not approved
- **Other approvals:** Russia — Semax nasal drops 0.1% and 1% (Peptogen), registered medicine
- **WADA:** not on the Prohibited List
- **Peptide:** yes
- **Sequence:** MEHFPGP (7 residues)
- **Formula:** C37H51N9O10S
- **Molecular weight:** 813.9 g/mol
- **Routes studied:** Intranasal, Subcutaneous

## Overview

A synthetic heptapeptide analog of ACTH(4-10) developed in Russia and approved there as a nootropic and neuroprotective agent. It enhances BDNF expression and cognitive performance.

## Mechanism

Semax is a synthetic analog of ACTH(4-10) with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide extension that confers metabolic stability. It increases BDNF and NGF expression, modulates serotonergic and dopaminergic systems, and enhances synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.

## Effects reported in research

_Reported outcomes, not promises; see the evidence tier._

- Enhanced memory and learning capacity
- Increased BDNF expression
- Neuroprotective against oxidative stress
- Improved attention and mental clarity

## Safety & unknowns

Registered for clinical use in Russia. Few adverse effects reported in published, mostly small studies. Reported to lack the hormonal (corticotropic) activity of ACTH despite its ACTH-fragment origin. Not FDA-approved in the US.

## Studies

- Gusev EI, Martynov MY, Kostenko EV, et al. (2018). *The efficacy of semax in the tretament of patients at different stages of ischemic stroke*. Zhurnal Nevrologii i Psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova. Clinical trial. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29798983/
  In 110 patients undergoing rehabilitation after ischemic stroke, subgroups given semax had higher plasma BDNF levels and faster Barthel index recovery than subgroups not given semax; the abstract does not describe randomization or blinding.

## Status sources

- [PubChem CID 9811102 — Semax](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/9811102)
- [RLS drug register (Russia) — Semax](https://www.rlsnet.ru/drugs/semaks-5420)
- [Gusev et al., Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr 2018 (stroke study)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29798983/)
- [WADA Prohibited List 2026](https://www.wada-ama.org/en/resources/world-anti-doping-code-and-international-standards/prohibited-list)

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Educational reference only — not medical advice. No dosing information is published. Tiers rate the strength of published evidence, not effectiveness or safety.