Semax — questions, answered plainly.

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide with the sequence Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro, derived from a fragment of ACTH (positions 4–7). It is most extensively characterised in rodent models of cerebral ischaemia and in vitro neurochemistry assays.

Semax is approved in the Russian Federation as a research and clinical compound. It is not approved for human use in the United States, United Kingdom, or European Union. This platform documents the published research context only.

ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) is an endogenous peptide hormone. ACTH(4–7) refers to amino acids 4–7 of its sequence. Semax is built around this fragment with an added Pro-Gly-Pro stabilising extension.

Primary peer-reviewed data come from rat models of permanent and transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO, tMCAO), plus in vitro work on copper-amyloid systems and brain-membrane preparations. Studies are concentrated within a small number of research groups.

Cerebral ischaemia refers to reduced blood flow to the brain. Rat MCAO models surgically occlude the middle cerebral artery to study ischaemic injury. Semax has been associated in these models with altered gene expression (chemokines, MMP-9) at 24 hours post-stroke.

The majority of in vivo data come from rodent models from a small set of research groups. Independent replication outside this network is limited, and regulatory status varies by jurisdiction — Semax is not approved for human use in the US, UK, or EU.