§ 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
Why Are People Injecting Themselves with Peptides? - The New Yorker
Why Are People Injecting Themselves with Peptides? The New Yorker
Cincinnati CBP foils scheme to smuggle over 5,000 unapproved peptides into the U.S. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (.gov)
Cincinnati CBP foils scheme to smuggle over 5,000 unapproved peptides into the U.S. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (.gov)
Nootropics, Neurohacking and the Science of Cognitive Peptides: What Researchers Are Actually Finding - Programming Insider
Nootropics, Neurohacking and the Science of Cognitive Peptides: What Researchers Are Actually Finding Programming Insider
Semax at the Crossroads of Neurochemical Signaling: Research-Oriented Properties - irishsun.com
Semax at the Crossroads of Neurochemical Signaling: Research-Oriented Properties irishsun.com
Semax Polska Expands Access to Laboratory Grade Chemical Reagents & Peptide Education in Europe, - openPR.com
Semax Polska Expands Access to Laboratory Grade Chemical Reagents & Peptide Education in Europe, openPR.com
The Ultimate Guide To Peptides: Safety, Sourcing, & Expert Insights - MindBodyGreen
The Ultimate Guide To Peptides: Safety, Sourcing, & Expert Insights MindBodyGreen
People Aren’t Just Injecting Peptides—They’re Snorting Them, Too - Vogue
People Aren’t Just Injecting Peptides—They’re Snorting Them, Too Vogue
Injectable peptide therapy went mainstream in 2025, priming consumers for the next big wellness wave - glossy.co
Injectable peptide therapy went mainstream in 2025, priming consumers for the next big wellness wave glossy.co
§ 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.