Semax: research protocol, dosing & reconstitution
Quick answer
What is Semax?
Semax is a synthetic peptide derived from a fragment of ACTH, a natural stress-response hormone, engineered to have cognitive rather than hormonal effects. Developed and approved in Russia, it is studied for focus, memory, and neuroprotection, and is usually administered as a nasal spray.
What Semax is
Semax is based on the ACTH(4-10) fragment with a modification (Pro-Gly-Pro) that stabilizes it and removes hormonal activity. It was developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics in Moscow and is a registered medicine in Russia for cognitive and neurological indications; it has no approval in North America.
Research supply is typically a lyophilizedLyophilizedFreeze-dried. Peptides are shipped as a lyophilized powder ('puck') because the dry form is far more stable than a solution. It must be reconstituted before use in research.See glossary → vialVialThe small sealed glass container peptides are supplied in, topped with a rubber septum that a syringe needle can pass through.See glossary → (5–30 mg) reconstitutedReconstitutionThe process of mixing a freeze-dried (lyophilized) peptide powder with bacteriostatic water to create a solution of known concentration.See glossary → for intranasal use, or pre-made nasal spray solutions.
Mechanism of action
Semax is reported to increase BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor — a protein that supports neuron growth and survival) and to modulate dopamine and serotonin systems. Russian clinical literature reports benefits in stroke recovery and cognitive performance under fatigue [1].
Most published evidence comes from Russian journals and institutions, with limited independent Western replication — an evidence caveat researchers should weigh.
What researchers study Semax for
- Cognitive performance and attention under fatigue
- BDNF and neurotrophic signaling studies
- Stroke-recovery research (Russian clinical literature)
- Stress-resilience research
What dose of Semax do researchers use?
Research literature commonly references doses of 300–600 mcg per day (often intranasal). This is not a recommendation — the table below summarizes protocols as they appear in published literature and trial designs.
| Context | Dose | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intranasal research reference | 300–600 mcg total daily | Split into 2–3 administrations | 10–14 day courses referenced |
← Swipe to see the full table
Half-life and dosing timing
Half-life: Short. Route referenced in research: Intranasal or subcutaneous (research). Short half-lifeHalf-lifeHow long it takes for half of a compound to be eliminated from the body. Half-life determines how often researchers dose a compound in protocols.See glossary →; effects in the literature are described as building over a course rather than per-dose. Protocols reference morning and midday administration — evening dosing is avoided in some reports due to stimulation.
Titration: start low, go slow
Literature references starting at ~200–300 mcgMicrogram (mcg / µg)One millionth of a gram, or one thousandth of a milligram. Most peptide research doses are measured in micrograms.See glossary → daily and increasing within the referenced range after several days.
Skip the Semax math
Enter vial size, water volume, and target dose — the free calculator returns concentration, injection volume, and exact U-100 syringe units.
How is Semax reconstituted?
| Vial size | BAC water | Concentration | Worked example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 mg | 10 mL (nasal spray bottle) | 3 mg/mL | A 0.1 mL spray ≈ 300 mcg per spray |
Dissolve a 30 mg vial in 10 mL of sterile/bacteriostatic waterBAC water (bacteriostatic water)Sterile water containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol, which suppresses bacterial growth. It is the standard diluent used to reconstitute lyophilized peptides for multi-dose research vials.See glossary → in a nasal spray bottle: 3 mg/mL. A standard 0.1 mL spray delivers roughly 300 mcg.
New to the process? Read the full step-by-step reconstitution guide.
How long does reconstituted Semax last?
Lyophilized: refrigerate. Reconstituted solution: refrigerate and use within weeks; nasal solutions degrade faster at room temperature.
What is Semax stacked with in research?
Classically paired with Selank in nootropic research — Semax for stimulation and focus, Selank for calm — an intentionally complementary pairing.
Side effects observed in research
Reported: nasal irritation from intranasal use and occasional mild headache. Overstimulation is reported anecdotally at higher intakes.
- Nasal irritation (intranasal)
- Mild headache
Frequently asked questions
How is Semax usually administered in research?
Intranasally. The nasal route provides reasonable brain bioavailability for this peptide and is how the Russian clinical product is delivered.
Is Semax approved in Canada?
No. It is a registered medicine in Russia only; in Canada it is a Research Use Only compound.
What dose appears in research literature?
Roughly 300–600 mcg per day intranasally, split across 2–3 administrations, in 10–14 day courses. This describes the literature, not a recommendation.
What is the difference between Semax and Selank?
Semax derives from ACTH and skews stimulating (focus, drive); Selank derives from tuftsin and skews calming (anti-anxiety). Research protocols often reference them together.
Related research peptides
Selank
A synthetic analog of tuftsin studied for anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and cognitive effects.
Healing & RecoveryBPC-157
A synthetic peptide fragment studied for tissue repair, tendon/ligament and gut healing in animal research.
Healing & RecoveryTB-500
A synthetic version of a region of Thymosin Beta-4, studied for cell migration, angiogenesis and tissue repair.
Browse all Nootropic / Neuro peptides or start with the beginner’s guide to research peptides.
References
- 1.Ashmarin IP, et al. Semax, an analogue of ACTH(4-10): neurotrophic and nootropic properties. Russian clinical and preclinical literature. PubMed ↗