CG Labz
Peptide Library / Cognition / Neuro

Semax

ACTH(4-10) analog

Semax Research Protocol

Complete Research Guide 4 min read1 peer-reviewed references

Quickstart Overview

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of ACTH(4-10) developed in Russia, where it is an approved drug for stroke and cognitive disorders. It is studied as a nootropic and neuroprotective agent that raises BDNF and modulates monoamine neurotransmission, and is usually dosed intranasally.

Reconstitution
Reconstitute to a 0.1% intranasal solution (or SC with bac water)
Literature Range
200–600 mcg per dose
Measuring Reference
~2–3 drops per nostril (0.1%)
Frequency
1–3× daily
Route (studies)
Intranasal
Cycle
2–4 weeks

Scientific Data

Molecular Formula
—
Molecular Weight
813.9 Da
Sequence
Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro
Sequence Length
21
CAS
Research compound
Peptide Family
Nootropic heptapeptide
Half-life
Refer to published literature
Solubility
Bacteriostatic water, sterile saline
Storage
Lyophilized: -20°C. Reconstituted: 2–8°C, use within 2–4 weeks.
Appearance
White lyophilized powder
Standard: 10 mg vial · 2 mL diluent

Dosing & Reconstitution Guide

Interactive Reconstitution
Adjust vial size, diluent and target dose. Results update live.
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Concentration
5.00 mg/mL
Draw Volume
0.080 mL
Syringe Units
8.0 U
Doses / Vial
25

Units assume a U-100 insulin syringe (100 units = 1 mL). Dosed intranasally as a 0.1% solution; cycle to avoid tolerance.

Frequency: 1–3× daily (intranasal)

Reconstitution Steps

  1. 1Allow the lyophilized vial and bacteriostatic water to reach room temperature (~15 min).
  2. 2Swab both vial stoppers with a fresh 70% isopropyl alcohol pad and let them dry.
  3. 3Draw 2.0 mL of bacteriostatic water into a mixing syringe.
  4. 4Insert at an angle and let the water run slowly down the glass wall — never directly onto the powder.
  5. 5Gently swirl (do not shake) until the solution is completely clear.
  6. 6Label with date and concentration (mg/mL) and refrigerate at 2–8 °C immediately.

Supplies Needed

Planning example for a 4-week protocol at approximately 400 mcg per day.

Peptide (10 mg vials)
Estimate vials from total mass: 400 mcg/day × 28 days.
Bacteriostatic Water
One 10–30 mL vial typically covers a full cycle.
Insulin Syringes (U-100)
One per administration (29–31 G, 0.3–0.5 mL).
Alcohol Swabs
Two per administration (vial + site).
Sharps Container
Required for safe disposal.

Protocol Overview

Goal
Model BDNF-driven cognition and neuroprotection.
Schedule
Daily, 2–4 week cycles.
Dose Range
200–600 mcg/dose.

Dosing Protocol

Standard
200–600 mcg per dose (0.1% solution)
Frequency
1–3× daily, morning/early afternoon
Target
400 mcg typical
Cycle Length
2–4 weeks on, 1–2 off
Timing
Avoid late evening (mildly stimulating)
Route
Intranasal (or SC)

Storage Instructions

Lyophilized
−20 °C long term (18–24 months); stable at room temperature for short transit.
Reconstituted
2–8 °C refrigerated; use within 4 weeks.
Light
Protect from direct light; keep in the original carton.
Freeze/Thaw
Avoid repeat freeze–thaw cycles after reconstitution.

Important Notes

  • Tolerance develops with continuous use — cycle it.
  • Mildly stimulating; dose earlier in the day.

How This Works

Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) increases expression of BDNF and NGF in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, modulates dopaminergic and serotonergic transmission, and inhibits enkephalin-degrading enzymes to prolong endogenous regulatory peptides. These actions underlie its reported effects on attention, memory and neuroprotection; in Russia it is approved for ischaemic stroke. Intranasal delivery provides rapid CNS access.

Potential Benefits & Side Effects

Reported in research
  • Increased BDNF and NGF expression
  • Enhanced attention, focus and memory in studies
  • Neuroprotection in ischaemic stroke (approved use in Russia)
  • Modulation of dopamine/serotonin systems
  • Rapid intranasal onset
Possible considerations
  • Nasal irritation (intranasal route)
  • Mild headache or restlessness
  • Transient blood-pressure increase
  • Tolerance with continuous use (cycle it)

Lifestyle Factors

  • Adequate hydration and 7–9 h of sleep are standard controls in most research protocols.
  • Consistent dose timing improves the reliability of any self-tracked endpoints.
  • Maintain a clean, sterile workflow for every draw to avoid contamination.

Injection Technique

  1. 1Tilt the head slightly forward and insert the metered sprayer into one nostril.
  2. 2Occlude the opposite nostril and sniff gently as you actuate the spray.
  3. 3Alternate nostrils between doses; do not blow the nose for ~10 minutes.
  4. 4Refrigerate the sprayer between uses and label with the fill date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Third-party HPLC testing

CG Labz Verified Batches

No published batches yet.

Research Disclaimer

All compounds are supplied strictly for laboratory research. Dosing figures below summarize ranges reported in published preclinical and clinical literature for reference purposes only. CG Labz does not provide medical advice or individualized dosing recommendations.

Peer-reviewed literature

References

  1. [1] Journal of Neuroscience Research
    Dolotov O.V. et al. Semax regulates BDNF and TrkB in the rat hippocampus.
    View Source