Semax Peptide: the ACTH(4-10) fragment
Semax peptide is a synthetic heptapeptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) built from the ACTH(4-10) fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone with a Pro-Gly-Pro tail for stability. Developed in Russia, it is studied in cognitive, stress and neuroprotection research models, and animal studies report effects on neurotransmitter systems without the hormonal activity of full ACTH. Researchers looking to buy semax for laboratory work can find ≥98% purity, HPLC-tested vials here — research use only.
Specifications
| Sequence | Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro (7 amino acids) |
|---|---|
| Origin | ACTH(4-10) fragment with C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro |
| CAS number | 80714-61-0 |
| Purity | ≥98% (HPLC) |
| Form | Lyophilised powder |
What is semax?
Semax is a synthetic analog of the ACTH(4-10) fragment — a short piece of adrenocorticotropic hormone that retains neuroactive properties in laboratory models without the corticosteroid-releasing hormonal activity of the full hormone.
Like selank, it carries a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro extension that improves stability, and the two peptides are often compared in Russian-developed peptide research.
Published research
In rodent models, Semax and its fragments showed antidepressant-like and antistress effects, with the study characterising how the ACTH(4-10) analogs act under stress conditions (Inozemtseva et al., 2024).
Earlier Russian research programmes studied Semax in models of cerebral ischemia, attention and memory, which is why it appears mainly in cognitive and neuroprotection research literature.
Semax vs Selank
Semax derives from ACTH(4-10) and is studied mainly in cognitive and stress models; selank derives from the immune peptide tuftsin and is studied mainly in anxiety-related models. See the Semax vs Selank comparison for the side-by-side breakdown.
Frequently asked questions
What is semax peptide?
A synthetic seven-amino-acid peptide derived from the ACTH(4-10) fragment, studied in cognitive, stress and neuroprotection research models.
Does semax have hormonal activity?
The ACTH(4-10) fragment that Semax is built from does not show the corticosteroid-releasing activity of full ACTH in laboratory models.
What is the difference between semax and selank?
Semax is an ACTH(4-10)-derived heptapeptide studied in cognitive and stress models; selank is a tuftsin-derived heptapeptide studied in anxiety models.
Where can I buy semax peptide for research?
PeptidesDirect sells semax in 25mg vials for laboratory research only. Orders placed before 1:00 PM Central on business days ship the same day. See our research peptides guide (/learn/research-peptides) for how to compare suppliers and read test documents.
How should semax be stored?
Keep lyophilised semax cold, dry and away from light; refrigerate reconstituted solutions. See our research peptides guide (/learn/research-peptides) for how to compare suppliers and read test documents.
Is this product for human use?
No. PeptidesDirect sells this compound for laboratory research only. It is not a drug, food or cosmetic and is not for human or veterinary use. This page summarises published research and is not dosing or medical guidance.
References
- Inozemtseva LS, et al. Antidepressant-like and antistress effects of the ACTH(4-10) synthetic analogs Semax and its fragments. Eur J Pharmacol. 2024. PubMed 39442746
Research compounds
Related guides
Research Use Only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not dosing or medical guidance.
