--- title: "Semax | PepTracker Pro" description: "A synthetic peptide derived from ACTH, studied for cognitive enhancement and neuroprotective effects." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "PepTracker Pro", "url": "https://peptrackerpro.com", "logo": "https://peptrackerpro.com/favicon.png", "description": "Evidence-based educational resource dedicated to improving peptide research literacy.", "contactPoint": { "@type": "ContactPoint", "email": "hello@peptrackerpro.com", "contactType": "customer support" }, "sameAs": [] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "MedicalWebPage", "name": "Semax", "description": "A synthetic peptide derived from ACTH, studied for cognitive enhancement and neuroprotective effects.", "url": "https://peptrackerpro.com/peptides/semax", "lastReviewed": "2026-06-22", "reviewedBy": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "PepTracker Pro Research Team", "url": "https://peptrackerpro.com" }, "isPartOf": { "@type": "WebSite", "name": "PepTracker Pro", "url": "https://peptrackerpro.com" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://peptrackerpro.com" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Peptides", "item": "https://peptrackerpro.com/peptides" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Semax", "item": "https://peptrackerpro.com/peptides/semax" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "People researching nootropic peptides?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Semax is a research peptide studied in preclinical models. A synthetic peptide derived from ACTH, studied for cognitive enhancement and neuroprotective effects." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Those interested in BDNF-modulating compounds?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Semax is a research peptide studied in preclinical models. A synthetic peptide derived from ACTH, studied for cognitive enhancement and neuroprotective effects." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Individuals exploring neuroprotection research?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Semax is a research peptide studied in preclinical models. A synthetic peptide derived from ACTH, studied for cognitive enhancement and neuroprotective effects." } } ] } ] --- [Skip to main content](#main) **Educational information only.** This site does not provide medical advice. [Read full disclaimer](/disclaimer) [PepTracker Pro](/) [Home](/)[Peptides](/peptides)[Compare](/compare)[Glossary](/glossary)[Blog](/blog)[Calculators](/calculators)[Start Here](/start) [Open the App](https://app.peptrackerpro.com) [Peptides](/peptides)/ Semax **Research-only content.** This page is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. [Read full disclaimer →](/research-disclaimer) # Semax Medium Evidence A synthetic peptide derived from ACTH, studied for cognitive enhancement and neuroprotective effects. Aliases ACTH(4-7)-PGP +1 more Evidence Medium Evidence Last Updated 2026-06-22 Reading Time 2 min ## Table of Contents 1. [What It Is](#what-it-is) 2. [Regulatory Status](#regulatory-status) 3. [Evidence Snapshot](#evidence-snapshot) 4. [Commonly Discussed Benefits](#benefits) 5. [Safety & Cautions](#safety) 6. [Comparisons](#comparisons) 7. [Calculator Tools](#calculator) 8. [Citations](#citations) ## What It Is Semax is a heptapeptide, a synthetic analog of ACTH(4-10), developed in Russia. It has been studied for cognitive enhancement, neuroprotection, and its effects on BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor). Registered as a medication in Russia and several CIS countries, it is used for cognitive disorders, stroke recovery, and optic nerve diseases. In 2026, laboratory programs are examining how Semax interacts at the receptor level — particularly within the BDNF-TrkB signaling system — with improved analytical instrumentation and better understanding of receptor pharmacology making preclinical research more precise and reproducible. Advances in nasal delivery mechanisms have also improved bioavailability studies. Semax is scheduled for PCAC review on July 24, 2026, for potential inclusion on the FDA 503A Bulks List, which would allow legal compounding by U.S. pharmacies with a prescription. On February 27, 2026, HHS announced Semax would move from Category 2 (banned from compounding) back to Category 1 (legal through compounding pharmacies with a prescription). Also known as: ACTH(4-7)-PGP, Semax 1% ## Regulatory Status Category 1 — Bulk Compounding (PCAC review July 24, 2026) Moved from Category 2 back to Category 1 per HHS announcement February 27, 2026. FDA PCAC will review Semax (free base and acetate) on July 24, 2026 for potential 503A Bulks List inclusion. Public comment docket FDA-2025-N-6895 open until July 22, 2026. Effective: February 2026 [View FDA Source](https://www.fda.gov/advisory-committees/advisory-committee-calendar/july-23-24-2026-meeting-pharmacy-compounding-advisory-committee-07232026) ## Evidence Snapshot Medium Evidence Low Medium High ## Commonly Discussed Benefits [Cognition](/benefits/cognition)[Neuroprotection](/benefits/neuroprotection)[Mood](/benefits/mood)[Recovery](/benefits/recovery) Researching Semax ? Track it, set reminders, and keep notes in the free app. [Track in App](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=semax) ## Safety & Cautions - Approved in Russia/Ukraine but not FDA-approved - PCAC review scheduled July 24, 2026 for potential 503A Bulks List addition; proposed indications include cerebral ischemia, migraine, and trigeminal neuralgia - Western clinical trial data is limited - May affect hormone levels via ACTH pathway ## Comparisons See how Semax compares to related peptides: [Semax vs Cerebrolysin](/compare/semax-vs-cerebrolysin) [Semax vs Davunetide](/compare/semax-vs-davunetide) [Semax vs Dihexa](/compare/semax-vs-dihexa) [Semax vs DSIP](/compare/semax-vs-dsip) [Semax vs P21](/compare/semax-vs-p21) [Semax vs Selank](/compare/semax-vs-selank) [Semax vs Trontinemab](/compare/semax-vs-trontinemab) ## Calculator Tools Use our research tools to explore dosing and reconstitution data: [Reconstitution Calculator](/calculators) ## Citations 1. \[1\] Ashmarin IP. et al. — Semax: a regulatory peptide analogue. Neurosci Behav Physiol. 2007 [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) ### Keep researching in the app - Log Semax to your private tracker - Set a dosing reminder - Compare it side-by-side with your stack [Open PepTracker Pro Free](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=semax) [Browse more peptides](/peptides) ## Related Peptides ### Cerebrolysin Medium Evidence A porcine brain-derived peptide mixture approved in some countries for stroke recovery and neurodegenerative conditions. [Neuroprotection](/benefits/neuroprotection)[Cognition](/benefits/cognition)[Recovery](/benefits/recovery) [View Details](/peptides/cerebrolysin) [\+ Compare](/compare?select=cerebrolysin)[](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=cerebrolysin) ### Davunetide Low Evidence An eight-amino-acid ADNP-derived peptide studied for microtubule stabilization, tau-related neuroprotection, and rare ADNP syndrome. [Cognition](/benefits/cognition)[Neuroprotection](/benefits/neuroprotection) [View Details](/peptides/davunetide) [\+ Compare](/compare?select=davunetide)[](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=davunetide) ### Dihexa Low Evidence A hexapeptide analog studied for cognitive enhancement via hepatocyte growth factor pathway activation. [Cognition](/benefits/cognition)[Neuroprotection](/benefits/neuroprotection)[Anti-Aging](/benefits/anti-aging) [View Details](/peptides/dihexa) [\+ Compare](/compare?select=dihexa)[](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=dihexa) ### DSIP Low Evidence A neuropeptide studied for its role in sleep regulation and stress modulation. [Sleep](/benefits/sleep)[Mood](/benefits/mood)[Anxiety Relief](/benefits/anxiety-relief)[Pain Relief](/benefits/pain-relief) [View Details](/peptides/dsip) [\+ Compare](/compare?select=dsip)[](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=dsip) ### P21 Medium Evidence An 11-amino-acid CNTF-derived peptide studied for its ability to upregulate BDNF expression and promote neurogenesis in cognitive decline models. [Cognition](/benefits/cognition)[Neuroprotection](/benefits/neuroprotection)[brain-health](/benefits/brain-health)[memory](/benefits/memory) [View Details](/peptides/p21) [\+ Compare](/compare?select=p21)[](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=p21) ### Selank Medium Evidence A synthetic peptide analog of tuftsin studied for anxiolytic and nootropic properties. [Anxiety Relief](/benefits/anxiety-relief)[Mood](/benefits/mood)[Cognition](/benefits/cognition)[Neuroprotection](/benefits/neuroprotection)+1 more [View Details](/peptides/selank) [\+ Compare](/compare?select=selank)[](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=selank) ### Trontinemab Medium Evidence An investigational, brain-penetrant anti-amyloid antibody from Roche/Genentech that uses the proprietary 'Brainshuttle' transferrin-receptor delivery system to reach the brain far more efficiently than conventional antibodies. Trontinemab (development codes RG6102 / RO7126209) is a 2+1 bispecific molecule: it fuses the amyloid-beta-clearing antibody gantenerumab to a fragment that grabs transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) on blood-brain-barrier cells, hitching a ride into the brain via the same receptor-mediated transport that carries iron. That shuttle lets a low intravenous dose clear amyloid plaques rapidly and deeply while triggering strikingly little of the brain swelling and micro-bleeding (ARIA) that limits approved anti-amyloid drugs. In the Phase Ib/IIa Brainshuttle AD study (NCT04639050), the 3.6 mg/kg dose removed roughly 107 centiloids of amyloid after 28 weeks, driving about 91-92% of participants below the amyloid-positivity threshold (24 centiloids) - with ARIA-E seen in fewer than 5% of participants, well below the ~13% reported for lecanemab and ~24% for donanemab. On the strength of those data, Roche launched two identical pivotal Phase 3 trials - TRONTIER 1 and TRONTIER 2 - in early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease (about 1,600 patients across 18 countries, begun in 2025), and at the 2026 Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) in London it unveiled PrevenTRON, a Phase 3 prevention trial in 1,600 cognitively unimpaired people at high risk (elevated plasma p-tau217). Trontinemab is a prescription-stage investigational biologic - it is not approved anywhere and is not a supplement or research chemical. [cognitive-health](/benefits/cognitive-health)[Neuroprotection](/benefits/neuroprotection)[amyloid-clearance](/benefits/amyloid-clearance)[alzheimers (investigational)]() [View Details](/peptides/trontinemab) [\+ Compare](/compare?select=trontinemab)[](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=trontinemab) [PepTracker Pro](/) Educational peptide information and research tracking tools. Not medical advice. #### Explore - [Peptide Directory](/peptides) - [Compare Peptides](/compare) - [Glossary](/glossary) - [Benefits](/benefits/sleep) #### Learn - [Blog](/blog) - [Calculators](/calculators) - [Start Here](/start) - [About](/about) #### Legal - [Editorial Policy](/editorial-policy) - [Research Disclaimer](/research-disclaimer) - [Disclaimer](/disclaimer) - [Privacy Policy](/privacy) - [Terms of Service](/terms) - [Contact](/contact) © 2026 PepTracker Pro. 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