Semax

A synthetic heptapeptide analog of ACTH(4-10) that is completely devoid of hormonal (corticotropic) activity. Developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Semax has been studied for its neurotrophic properties, particularly upregulation of BDNF and NGF expression. It is approved in Russia as a prescription nootropic and neuroprotective medication (available as 0.1% and 1% nasal drops) for stroke, cognitive disorders, and optic nerve disease.

It is not approved by the FDA or Health Canada. Human clinical studies in Russian stroke and cerebrovascular patients have reported neurological improvement with a favorable side effect profile. Semax is discussed in Western biohacking communities as a nootropic peptide, typically administered intranasally.

Semax has been studied in multiple human clinical contexts in Russia. Gusev et al. (2018) studied 110 ischemic stroke patients receiving Semax (6,000 μg/day × 10 days, 2 courses) and reported increased plasma BDNF and improved motor outcomes. A study of 187 patients with cerebrovascular insufficiency (2005) reported Semax stabilized disease and reduced stroke/TIA risk.

In animal studies, Dolotov et al. (2006) demonstrated a single intranasal dose produces 1.4× BDNF protein and 3× BDNF mRNA increase in rat hippocampus, with 8-fold BDNF mRNA increase observed in glial cultures (Shadrina et al., 2001). Semax also modulates dopaminergic and serotonergic systems and has demonstrated anti-amyloid properties in vitro.

Community-reported nootropic dosing ranges are based on the approved Russian 0.1% formulation and are not validated for the indications discussed in Western biohacking contexts.