Chemical Identity

Mechanism of Action

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of the ACTH(4-10) fragment, modified to resist enzymatic degradation. In published preclinical literature it is characterized as acting within the central nervous system to modulate the expression of neurotrophic factors, most notably brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor TrkB.

Research models report associated activation of downstream MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt signaling cascades implicated in neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity.

Additional studies describe peptide-associated changes in the expression of genes linked to the immune and vascular systems in models of focal cerebral ischemia. These observations derive from cell-culture and animal-model systems and have not been evaluated for human application.

Research Applications

• Investigated in rodent models for its influence on BDNF/TrkB expression and hippocampal signaling pathways
• Studied in in-vitro and in-vivo models of cerebral ischemia and hypoxia for neuroprotective gene-expression profiles
• Used as a reference ACTH(4-10) analog in neuropeptide structure-activity research
• Examined in laboratory studies of neurotransmitter- and inflammation-related gene regulation
• Employed as a research standard in peptide stability, degradation, and analytical-method development

Peer-Reviewed References

1. Dolotov OV, et al. Semax, an analogue of ACTH(4–10), binds specifically and increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor protein in rat basal forebrain. Journal of Neurochemistry. 2006;97:82–86.
2. Dolotov OV, et al. Semax, an analog of ACTH(4–10) with cognitive effects, regulates BDNF and trkB expression in the rat hippocampus. Brain Research. 2006;1117(1):54–60.
3. Medvedeva EV, et al. The peptide Semax affects the expression of genes related to the immune and vascular systems in rat brain focal ischemia: genome-wide transcriptional analysis. BMC Genomics. 2014;15:228.

Testing & Supply Specifications

Every Blueprint Labs batch is independently verified by third-party analytical laboratories prior to release. Identity and purity confirmed via HPLC and mass spectrometry. Full batch records maintained for chain-of-custody traceability.

📄 Batch-specific COA available on request