Semax
ACTH(4-7)-PGP
Semax is a nasal spray that gives you clean, non-jittery focus by boosting dopamine, serotonin, and BDNF (the brain's growth factor). It's been used clinically in Russia since the 1990s for stroke rehab and cognitive decline. Think of it as the gas pedal to Selank's brake — more stimulating, more 'I need to get things done' energy. The FDA removed it from their safety concern list in April 2026, which signals a regulatory thaw. Morning dosing only — this thing will keep you up if you use it after 2pm.
Protocol
Dose: 200-600mcg intranasal per session (up to 900mcg for neuroprotective protocols) | Frequency: 1-2 times daily, morning preferred (can disrupt sleep if taken late) | Cycle: 5 days on, 2 days off for 2-4 weeks, then 1-2 weeks off | Route: Intranasal (primary), SubQ (alternative)
Reconstitution: Primarily used as nasal spray. For SubQ: 1mL bacteriostatic water per 5mg vial. Use our free reconstitution calculator for exact syringe units.
Effects
- Focus & concentration (75%) — Clean, non-jittery focus. People compare it to a calm adderall without the comedown.
- Memory enhancement (60%) — Both working memory and recall improve. The BDNF upregulation is likely doing the heavy lifting here.
- Motivation & drive (55%) — Dopaminergic activity boost translates to better follow-through on tasks. Not euphoric, just less friction.
- Neuroprotection (40%) — The stroke recovery data suggests real neuroprotective effects, not just cognitive enhancement.
Side Effects
- Headache (15%) — Mild headache the first few days. Most common complaint. Usually gone by day three or four.
- Nasal irritation (10%) — Standard nasal spray irritation. Nothing you haven't felt with Flonase.
- Irritability (8%) — Higher doses can make you snappy or emotionally reactive. That's a sign to dial it back.
- Sleep disruption (12%) — Almost always because you used it too late in the day. Keep it to mornings and this isn't a problem.
Evidence
Emerging evidence — Decades of Russian clinical use for stroke recovery and cognitive enhancement. A controlled trial showed significant improvement in ischemic stroke patients at day 30. Increases BDNF 1.4x and BDNF mRNA 3x in rat hippocampus. FDA removed it from Category 2 (safety concern list) in April 2026, signaling a regulatory thaw.
Approval status: Approved in Russia and Ukraine. Removed from FDA Category 2 April 2026.
References
- Dolotov OV et al. Semax, an analog of ACTH(4-10) with cognitive effects, regulates BDNF and trkB expression in the rat hippocampus Brain Res, 2006. PMID: 16996037
- Eremin KO et al. Semax, an ACTH(4-10) analogue with nootropic properties, activates dopaminergic and serotoninergic brain systems in rodents Neurochem Res, 2005. PMID: 16362768
- Gusev EI et al. The efficacy of semax in the tretament of patients at different stages of ischemic stroke Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova, 2018. PMID: 29798983
- Dmitrieva VG et al. Semax and Pro-Gly-Pro activate the transcription of neurotrophins and their receptor genes after cerebral ischemia Cell Mol Neurobiol, 2010. PMID: 19633950
- Shadrina M et al. Comparison of the temporary dynamics of NGF and BDNF gene expression in rat hippocampus, frontal cortex, and retina under Semax action J Mol Neurosci, 2010. PMID: 19662538
- Inozemtseva LS et al. Antidepressant-like and antistress effects of the ACTH(4-10) synthetic analogs Semax and Melanotan II on male rats in a model of chronic unpredictable stress Eur J Pharmacol, 2024. PMID: 39442746
Storage
- Lyophilized: Refrigerate at 2-8C or freeze at -20C for long-term. Stable 2+ years frozen.
- Reconstituted: Refrigerate and use within 14-21 days. Do not freeze.
- Water: Bacteriostatic water for SubQ. Nasal formulations use preserved saline.
- Needle: 30-31 gauge, 0.5 inch for SubQ if not using nasal spray.
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These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any protocol.
vialprep research · Sources: PubMed, FDA, peer-reviewed trials · How we verify