Semax (ACTH 4–10 analog): Neurotrophic &Neuroprotective Research Peptide

Product Specifications

1. Formula: Synthetic heptapeptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro)
2. Molecular Weight: ~809 Da
3. Purity: ≥99% (HPLC verified)
4. Solubility: Dissolves in sterile water or PBS
5. Storage: −20°C, protected from light and moisture
6. Use: For Research Use Only. Not for human or veterinary use.

Semax identity, design, and research scope

Semax peptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from the ACTH(4–10) sequence and designed specifically for neuromolecular research. Unlike full-length ACTH or adrenal-stimulating peptides, this peptide does not trigger cortisol release or systemic hormonal activity. This characteristic makes it useful for laboratory studies focused solely on neurobiology, gene regulation, and oxidative stress pathways.

Delivery properties and core neurobiological actions

Because of its small molecular size and proteolytic stability, Semax peptide can reach central nervous system tissues efficiently in intranasal research models. Moreover, once inside neural pathways, it interacts with networks that control neuron survival, synaptic repair, and antioxidant defense.

Neurotrophic and transcriptomic mechanisms

Importantly, over the past decade, scientists have paid particular attention to Semax’s potential to influence BDNF and NGF, two proteins strongly associated with synaptic plasticity and neural regeneration. Consequently, increased expression of these proteins has been reported in multiple ischemia reperfusion and oxidative stress models, thereby allowing deeper exploration of neurotrophic driven repair mechanisms (Dergunova et al., 2021; Koroleva & Myasoedov, 2018).

So it has gained additional interest in the field of pharmacotranscriptomics—the study of how peptides affect gene expression. RNA-Seq and microarray analysis show that Semax peptide can alter the transcription of hundreds of genes related to neuronal metabolism, mitochondrial signaling, vascular response, cytokine balance, and synaptic structure (Filippenkov et al., 2020; Dergunova et al., 2023). This makes Semax peptide not just a symptomatic model compound, but a valuable tool for understanding the genomic architecture of neuroprotection.

Experimental models and research applications

Moreover, in ischemia research models, including middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), Semax peptide has been associated with improved antioxidant enzyme activity, reduced inflammatory signaling, and preservation of microvascular function. Additionally, proteomic work supports these findings, showing regulation of oxidative stress responsive proteins and cytoskeletal elements linked to neuronal survival (Sudarkina et al., 2021; Vyunova et al., 2016). Consequently, this peptide has become a frequent choice in stroke related laboratory studies.

Beyond ischemia models, Semax peptide has also appeared in experiments involving oxidative injury, retinal ganglion cell protection, and dopaminergic neuron signaling. This range of applications allows researchers to compare it with other neuroactive peptides—including Selank, P21, and synthetic BDNF mimetics—to understand overlapping pathways of neuroplasticity and transcriptional control.

Overall, Semax peptide provides a consistent, high-purity research peptide for studying neurotrophic regulation, ischemic response, oxidative stress, and gene-level mechanisms of neural adaptation. Its stability, solubility, and well-documented molecular pathways make it a practical and reliable tool in experimental neuroscience.

For Research Use Only. Not for human or veterinary use.

Research Applications

1. Neurotrophic factor signaling (BDNF, NGF)
2. Ischemic stroke and reperfusion injury models
3. Oxidative stress and antioxidant defense pathways
4. Transcriptomics and proteomics of neuronal survival
5. Mitochondrial and synaptic function research
6. Comparative studies with neuroprotective peptides

Features / Highlights

• High-affinity model for BDNF and neuroplasticity research
• Stable ACTH(4–10) analog with no endocrine activity
• ≥99% purity, HPLC tested
• Rapid CNS bioavailability in intranasal research models
• Useful in ischemia, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation studies
• Strictly for Research Use Only (RUO)

Why Profound Aminos For

In particular, Profound Aminos supplies ≥99% HPLC-verified Semax peptide for controlled research into neurotrophic signaling, oxidative stress, and ischemia-related pathways. Likewise, each lot provides purity verification, sequence confirmation, and storage guidance, enabling consistent reproducibility.

1. RUO-grade Semax peptide for neurobiology and transcriptomic studies
2. High-purity peptide suitable for in-vitro and in-vivo model research
3. Verified molecular weight and sequence identity
4. Secure temperature-protected packaging for stability

Profound Aminos is chosen by labs that require reliable, well-documented Semax for CNS and oxidative stress research models.

For Research Use Only. Not for human or veterinary use.

Selected Research References

1. Dergunova L, Dubrovina N, Filippenkov I. Semax induces neurotrophic factor expression in post-ischemic brain tissue. Mol Neurobiol. 2021;58(3):1210-23.
2. Filippenkov I, Dergunova L, et al. Transcriptome-wide effects of Semax during ischemia-reperfusion. Front Neurosci. 2020;14:1-14.
3. Dergunova L, Sudarkina O, Myasoedov N. Pharmacotranscriptomic properties of peptide-based neuroprotective agents. Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24(4):5571.
4. Sudarkina O, et al. Proteomic profiling of Semax neuroprotection in oxidative injury models. Neurosci Lett. 2021;756:135946.
5. Koroleva O, Myasoedov N. ACTH-derived peptides in neuroregulation and plasticity. Neurosci Behav Physiol. 2018;48(2):227-38.
6. Vyunova T, et al. Semax and modulation of cytokine balance in oxidative brain injury. J Neuroimmune Biol. 2016;11(2):85-95.
7. Fedorov S, et al. Peptide-based neuroprotection in retinal oxidative stress models. Exp Eye Res. 2020;197:108113.
8. Huo Y, et al. Advances in peptide-driven stroke research: experimental outcomes and molecular pathways. Pept Ther Rev. 2025;9(1):44-57.
9. Singh R, et al. Peptide-modulated neuroenergetics in Parkinsonian models. J Neurochem Res. 2025;92(4):312-29.
10. Myasoedov N, Ashmarin I. Peptide bioregulators of the nervous system: mechanisms and applications. Acta Neurobiol Exp. 2019;79(2):126-39

Storage Instructions

• Store at −20°C in a tightly sealed container.
• Protect from light and moisture
• Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles

Chemical Structure

FAQs

What is Semax used for in research?

Specifically, researchers use it to study neurotrophic signaling, ischemic injury response, oxidative stress defense, and transcriptomic regulation in neuronal models.

Does Semax affect hormone levels?

No. it’s a synthetic analog designed to avoid cortisol or endocrine stimulation.

Can Semax be used in humans or animals?

No. Semax peptide is strictly for Research Use Only and not for human or veterinary use.

Why is high purity important?

≥99% purity supports consistent, reproducible laboratory results.

Is Semax similar to Selank?

Both are research peptides used in neurobiology, but they target different molecular pathways. Semax is ACTH-derived; Selank is Tuftsin-derived.

DISCLAIMER:

• Products sold on our website are meant for scientific research purposes only, designed for in vitro testing and lab experimentation exclusively. These products are not intended to be used as foods, drugs or cosmetics, any sort of bodily introduction of the products into humans or animals is strictly prohibited. They must also not be misbranded, misused, or mislabeled, or used for anything other than research and scientific investigation.
• All the products you see on the website are being sold in a lyophilized powder state (freeze-dried), in a sealed sterile vial; and should be reconstituted.
  The product’s label clearly states the amount of product a vial contains; some products are offered in different variations.
• The products we are selling come in a sealed vial but require additional lab equipment for proper testing. 
• Though we make sure packaging, label, seals and writing does not differ from the product photos you see on our website, there is a chance for a minimal deviation.

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