§ 01 Overview
Overview
Synthetic ACTH(4-10) analog developed in Russia for stroke rehabilitation and cognitive enhancement.
Approved in Russia since the 1990s. Limited Western trial data. Strong preclinical and Russian clinical body.
§ 02 Mechanism
Mechanism of action
Semax upregulates BDNF and NGF expression, enhances dopaminergic and serotonergic signaling, and modulates enkephalin degradation. It crosses the blood-brain barrier and has well-documented nootropic effects in Russian clinical use.
- 01Improved focus and mental clarity
- 02Reduced mental fatigue under stress
- 03Neuroprotective effects after ischemia (preclinical)
- 04Adjunct in stroke rehabilitation (Russia)
§ 03 Dosing
Dosing protocol
Standard Protocol
- Vial
- 5 mg
- BAC Water
- 1 ml BAC water (intranasal) or per protocol
- Dose Range
- 250 – 1000 mcg per dose
- Starting Dose
- 300 mcg intranasal
- Route
- Intranasal
- Timing
- AM
- Frequency
- Daily or 2x per week
- Cycle
- 4–8 weeks
§ 04 Evidence
Evidence & research
Approved in Russia since the 1990s. Limited Western trial data. Strong preclinical and Russian clinical body.
FDA Status
Not FDA-approved.
§ 05 Stacks
Common stacks
§ 06 News
In the news
8 articles from the last 12 months · updates hourly
FDA panel gives nod to six controversial peptides - The Washington Post
FDA panel gives nod to six controversial peptides The Washington Post
FDA Advisory Panel Votes Against Emideltide While Backing Epitalon And Semax For Compounding - londoninsider.co.uk
FDA Advisory Panel Votes Against Emideltide While Backing Epitalon And Semax For Compounding londoninsider.co.uk
FDA advisers narrowly vote to add 6 peptides to a drug compounding list. What's next? - ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
FDA advisers narrowly vote to add 6 peptides to a drug compounding list. What's next? ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
FDA advisers recommend relaxing US rules on compounding peptides - Reuters
FDA advisers recommend relaxing US rules on compounding peptides Reuters
FDA advisory committee backs two more peptides, rejects one for compounding list - RAPS
FDA advisory committee backs two more peptides, rejects one for compounding list RAPS
FDA advisory panel narrowly rejects compounding of one peptide, backs two others - STAT
FDA advisory panel narrowly rejects compounding of one peptide, backs two others STAT
FDA advisers say six popular peptides can be compounded. Here are the issues they considered. - MarketWatch
FDA advisers say six popular peptides can be compounded. Here are the issues they considered. MarketWatch
FDA advisory panel recommends peptide Semax be added to pharmacy compounding list - Reuters
FDA advisory panel recommends peptide Semax be added to pharmacy compounding list Reuters
§ 07 Sourcing
Sourcing & supply
Regulatory status
Restricted from compounding
Placed on the FDA's 503A Category 2 list and cannot be lawfully compounded in the US. No brand pharmacy alternative exists. US buyers encounter only research-use-only (RUO) channels, which the FDA's Intended Use Doctrine treats as unapproved drug sales.
International · 3
Cosmic Nootropic
The most credible Russian / Khavinson source for US buyers. Sources authentic bioregulators through 'Peptides Company' (ex-NPCRIZ).
Rupharma
12+ year Russian pharmacy reseller. Reviews.io 4.84/5 (81+). Has a genuine US warehouse for common peptides.
Trident Peptides
1,299+ Trustpilot reviews (5-star). Strongest review base in UK research peptides. No visible ISO/GMP; COAs not posted.
Research-use-only · 5
Swiss Chems
Established SARMs/peptide vendor. FDA warning letter Dec 2024 for GLP-1s. Weaker peptide QC than SARMs QC.
Limitless Life Nootropics
'Only BBB-accredited peptide company' (since 2020). Claims three-lab third-party testing. Broad catalog.
Core Peptides
Broad catalog, widest payment range. Mid-credibility: Knoji 2.5/5 and one scam-impersonation report.
Modern Aminos
Multi-vial batch third-party testing. 5-star Trustpilot (1,400+ reviews). US- and EU-facing.
Peptide Warehouse
US-made, independent third-party testing including endotoxin and heavy-metal panels. Distinct from similar-sounding copycat domains.
Listings are informational, not endorsement. Verify credentials and flags against FDA and PCAB databases before purchasing. Full directory & how to verify →
§ 09 Safety
Safety & side effects
Side effects
- 01Mild headache
- 02Irritation at intranasal application
Contraindications
None specified.
§ 10 Questions
Semax FAQ
- What is Semax?
- Synthetic ACTH(4-10) analog developed in Russia for stroke rehabilitation and cognitive enhancement. Semax upregulates BDNF and NGF expression, enhances dopaminergic and serotonergic signaling, and modulates enkephalin degradation. It crosses the blood-brain barrier and has well-documented nootropic effects in Russian clinical use.
- What is Semax used for?
- Reported uses include improved focus and mental clarity, reduced mental fatigue under stress, neuroprotective effects after ischemia (preclinical), and adjunct in stroke rehabilitation (russia). Evidence strength is rated Preclinical — see the evidence section for detail.
- How is Semax dosed?
- Commonly referenced dosing is 250 – 1000 mcg per dose, typically daily or 2x per week, administered Intranasal. This is educational reference only; consult a licensed clinician before use.
- How do you reconstitute Semax?
- For Semax, vials commonly come in 5 mg and a common reconstitution is 1 ml BAC water (intranasal) or per protocol. Use the reconstitution calculator to convert any vial size and water volume into exact insulin-syringe units.
- What are the side effects of Semax?
- Commonly reported side effects include mild headache and irritation at intranasal application. This list is not exhaustive.
- Is Semax legal?
- Placed on the FDA's 503A Category 2 list and cannot be lawfully compounded in the US. No brand pharmacy alternative exists. US buyers encounter only research-use-only (RUO) channels, which the FDA's Intended Use Doctrine treats as unapproved drug sales. FDA status: Not FDA-approved..