Semax

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of the ACTH(4-10) fragment, originally developed in Russia for neuroprotective and nootropic applications.

Profile · 01

Overview

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of the ACTH(4-10) fragment, originally developed in Russia for neuroprotective and nootropic applications. It is designed to resist enzymatic degradation and enhance central nervous system bioavailability. Semax modulates BDNF expression, supports neuronal survival, and influences monoaminergic neurotransmission. It is not FDA-approved for any indication but holds regulatory approval in Russia as a 0.1% intranasal solution. Human clinical data come primarily from Russian trials in ischemic stroke, cognitive impairment, and optic neuropathy, with subcutaneous administration studied in preclinical comparison models. This protocol presents a once-daily subcutaneous approach using practical dilution for clear insulin-syringe measurements.

At a Glance

Goal
Support cognitive function, neuroprotection, and attention/memory enhancement
Categories
NootropicNeuroprotectiveCognitive Enhancement
Synergistic
Selank · NA-Semax Amidate · BPC-157 · GHK-Cu
Profile · 02

Protocol

Suggested daily titration approach starting low and increasing every two weeks.

Typical daily range
200–500 mcg once daily (gradual titration)
Start
200 mcg daily; increase by ~100 mcg every 2 weeks as tolerated
Target
400–500 mcg daily by Weeks 5–12
Frequency
Once per day (subcutaneous)
Cycle Length
8–12 weeks; or 6–8 weeks on / 2–4 weeks off cycling
Timing
Any consistent time; rotate injection sites
Route
Subcutaneous
Cycle
8–12 weeks on, 2–4 weeks off

Inject once daily subcutaneously using the largest practical dilution to maintain measurement accuracy. Preclinical comparison of subcutaneous vs. intranasal routes showed differences in onset and duration profiles, with injection providing more sustained systemic levels. Dosing is adapted from Russian clinical protocols; large-scale Western clinical validation remains limited.

Dose progression

Weeks 1–2
200 mcg (0.2 mg)
Weeks 3–4
300 mcg (0.3 mg)
Weeks 5–6
400 mcg (0.4 mg)
Weeks 7–12
500 mcg (0.5 mg)

Important: This guide is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. For research use only. Not for human consumption.

Profile · 03

Videos

Science · 01

How Semax works.

Semax is a synthetic analog of the ACTH(4-10) fragment developed in Russia as a nootropic and neuroprotective agent. It modulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression, supports neuronal survival, and influences monoaminergic (dopaminergic and serotonergic) neurotransmission. Russian clinical trials have studied Semax in ischemic stroke patients at doses up to 6,000 mcg/day intranasally, reporting favorable neurological outcomes. It has also been studied in glaucomatous optic neuropathy with stabilization of visual function over approximately one month of daily intranasal use. Pediatric studies used 200–400 mcg daily (~5–6 mcg/kg) divided into two administrations over 30 days. While the Russian clinical literature is substantial, large-scale Western randomized controlled trials remain unavailable, and most human evidence comes from open-label or small controlled Russian studies.

Science · 02

Effects

Observations from clinical or preclinical literature.

Supports cognitive function, attention, and memory in subjects with cerebrovascular or mild cognitive impairment (Russian clinical data)
Demonstrates neuroprotective properties in ischemic stroke models (clinical and preclinical)
Stabilization of visual function studied in optic neuropathy (human study, ~30 days)
Generally well tolerated in clinical use; no significant adverse effects reported at standard doses
Occasional mild injection-site reactions (redness, minor irritation) may occur with subcutaneous administration
No significant cortisol elevations reported; long-term human safety data remain limited
Science · 03

Caution

Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
Use with caution in individuals with a history of endocrine disorders, as Semax is an ACTH-fragment analog
Consult a healthcare provider before use if you have any chronic medical conditions or are taking CNS-active medications
No major contraindications have been identified in published clinical literature; however, Western regulatory review is lacking

Important: This guide is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. For research use only. Not for human consumption.

Lifestyle · 01

CoFactors

Omega-3 fatty acids
Support neuronal membrane integrity and complement neuroprotective mechanisms.
B vitamins (B6, B12, folate)
Support neurotransmitter synthesis and methylation pathways relevant to cognitive function.
Magnesium
Supports synaptic plasticity and NMDA receptor function.
Vitamin D
Supports neuroprotective pathways and overall CNS health.
Lifestyle · 02

Life Factors

Complementary strategies for best outcomes.

Support cognitive function with a nutrient-dense diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and B vitamins
Engage in regular aerobic exercise to support endogenous BDNF expression and neuroplasticity
Prioritize 7–9 hours of quality sleep nightly for neurocognitive recovery and memory consolidation
Practice stress management techniques, as elevated cortisol impairs cognitive outcomes and may counteract Semax benefits
Lifestyle · 03

Metrics

Day-to-day metrics worth tracking through the protocol.

  1. Cognitive performance (attention, memory, processing speed) — use standardized assessments or self-reported tracking to gauge response
  2. Mood and mental clarity — monitor daily subjective changes in focus, motivation, and emotional regulation
  3. Sleep quality and duration — poor sleep impairs cognitive function; track to ensure adequate rest
  4. Injection-site reactions — note any redness, swelling, or discomfort to guide site rotation
Lifestyle · 04

Labs

Baseline and periodic bloodwork to monitor systemic health during the protocol.

CBC (Complete Blood Count)
Monitor overall health and rule out underlying conditions.
CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel)
Assess liver and kidney function during peptide use.
Cortisol (AM)
Semax is an ACTH-fragment analog; monitor to confirm no significant HPA-axis effects.
Thyroid panel
Baseline assessment to rule out thyroid dysfunction affecting cognition.
Calculators · 01

Supplies Calculator

Estimates assume the schedule defined for this peptide.

Length
Vial size
Bac. water
Syringe
Vials
0 × 10 mg each…
Syringes
0
Bac. water
0 mL
Swabs
02 per syringe
Calculators · 02

Dose Calculator

Dose Calculator

Vial
Bac. water
Syringe
Dose
Concentration
0mcg/mL
Volume per dose
0mL
…
Practice · 01

Preparation

Careful technique preserves potency. Solution should be clear — do not shake.

  1. Allow vial to reach room temperature for 15–20 minutes before reconstitution.
  2. Draw the chosen bacteriostatic water volume with a sterile syringe.
  3. Inject slowly down vial wall; avoid foaming.
  4. Gently swirl/roll until dissolved (do not shake).
  5. Label with reconstitution date and refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), protected from light.
  6. Use within 30 days; discard any unused solution after 30 days.
Practice · 02

Technique

General subcutaneous guidance from clinical best-practice resources.

Clean vial stopper and skin with alcohol; allow to dry
Pinch a skinfold; insert needle at 45–90° into subcutaneous tissue
Do not aspirate for subcutaneous injections; inject slowly and steadily
Rotate sites systematically (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) to avoid lipohypertrophy
Discard used syringes immediately in sharps container per WHO guidelines

Important: This guide is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. For research use only. Not for human consumption.

Practice · 03

Storage

Lyophilized
Store at room temp in dry, dark conditions; minimize moisture exposure.
Reconstituted
Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); avoid freeze–thaw cycles. Discard reconstituted vials after 30 days.

Notes

Allow vials to reach room temperature before opening to reduce condensation uptake.
Reference · 01

Notes

Use new sterile insulin syringes for each injection; dispose in sharps container
Rotate injection sites (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) to reduce local irritation
Inject slowly; wait a few seconds before withdrawing the needle
Document daily dose and site rotation to maintain consistency
Semax human data are primarily from Russian clinical studies; clinical decisions should involve qualified healthcare providers
Reference · 02

References

  1. Neurochemical Journal
    Voronina T.A., "Cognitive Impairment and Nootropic Drugs: Mechanism of Action and Spectrum of Effects (2023)".
    https://doi.org/10.1134/S1819712423020198
  2. Vidal Drug Manual
    "Official prescribing information for Semax 0.1% intranasal formulation (2021)".
    https://www.vidal.ru/drugs/semax__28676
  3. Zhurnal Nevrologii i Psikhiatrii
    Gusev E.I. et al., "Efficacy of Semax in treatment of patients at different stages of ischemic stroke (2018)".
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29798983/
  4. Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology
    Manchenko D.M. et al., "Nootropic and Analgesic Effects of Semax Given via Different Routes (2012)".
    https://doi.org/10.1007/s11055-012-9562-6
  5. Zh Vyssh Nerv Deiat
    Ashmarin I.P. et al., "A nootropic analog of adrenocorticotropic hormone 4-10 — Semax (1997)".
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9302435/
  6. Vestnik Oftalmologii
    Kurysheva N.I. et al., "Semax in treatment of glaucomatous optic neuropathy (2001)".
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11569188/
  7. CDC
    "Vaccine administration: subcutaneous route".
    https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/administration/during.html
  8. CDC
    "Technique diagram and site guidance for subcutaneous injections".
    https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/admin/downloads/YCTS-VaxAdmin-Subcut-injection.pdf
  9. NCBI Bookshelf
    "Best practices for injection (asepsis, preparation, and administration)".
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK138495/
  10. Subcutaneous Drug Injection Review (PMC)
    "Pharmacologic considerations of the subcutaneous route".
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6822791/
  11. Pharmaceutics (MDPI)
    Deigin V.I. et al., "Development of Peptide Biopharmaceuticals in Russia (2022)".
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9030433/
  12. Drug Testing and Analysis
    Jedrejko K. et al., "Unauthorized ingredients in 'nootropic' dietary supplements (2023)".
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37357012/
  13. Pure Lab Peptides
    "Semax (5 mg) product page".
    https://purelabpeptides.com/buy-peptides/buy-semax-5mg/
  14. Frontiers in Neuroscience
    Dolgikh V.T. et al., "Semax as a universal drug for therapy and research (2017)".
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28642680/
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