FOR LABORATORY RESEARCH USE ONLY — not for human or veterinary use, diagnosis, treatment, or cosmetic application. Buyers must be 21+ and legally permitted to purchase research chemicals in their jurisdiction.Intended-use statement →
Semax Wholesale
ACTH(4–7)-Pro-Gly-Pro heptapeptide — BDNF upregulation & neuroprotection research, manufacturer-direct
Product Identity
| CAS Number | 80714-61-0 |
| Sequence | Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro-OH |
| Amino Acids | 7 (ACTH(4-7) + Pro-Gly-Pro C-terminal) |
| Molecular Formula | C₃₇H₅₁N₉O₁₀S |
| Molecular Weight | ~813.9 Da |
| Appearance | White to off-white lyophilized powder |
| Purity | ≥99% by HPLC |
| Solubility | Soluble in sterile water or PBS |
| Storage | 2–8°C, desiccated, protect from light |
Available Configurations
| Configuration | Content | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Kit | 10 mg × 10 vials | Neuroprotection studies; evaluation |
| Bulk Kit | 30 mg × 10 vials | Chronic cognitive models; repeat orders |
| Custom | Custom mg × custom vials | OEM; private-label |
Research Background
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It consists of the ACTH(4–7) fragment (Met-Glu-His-Phe) — the active core of adrenocorticotropic hormone that mediates neurotrophic effects without steroidogenic activity — extended with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide. Semax is the most extensively characterized nootropic peptide in the literature, with documented effects on BDNF and NGF expression, cognitive function, and neuroprotection across multiple paradigms.
Molecular Notes
- Heptapeptide Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro: the ACTH(4-7) fragment extended by the Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide, added specifically to protect the molecule from peptidase hydrolysis.
- The ACTH(4-7) core is the CNS-directed portion of ACTH without the corticotropic activity of the full hormone — the rationale for separating Semax research from adrenal-axis endpoints.
- In rat hippocampus studies, Semax exposure was associated with increased transcription of the neurotrophin genes Bdnf and Ngf (reported as roughly 8-fold and 5-fold in glial cell culture) and with raised Bdnf/TrkB mRNA in vivo.
- Human research endpoints differ from animal ones: a 2020 imaging study of 52 healthy participants measured resting-state connectivity, and clinical reports concern stroke-rehabilitation populations — neither establishes cognitive benefit in healthy users.
- The shared Pro-Gly-Pro C-terminus with Selank is a stabilisation motif, not evidence of interchangeable pharmacology.
Proposed Mechanisms
Research Focus Areas
Ischemia/hypoxia models — neuronal survival enhancement
Learning & memory consolidation in rodent models
Neurotrophin expression — synaptic plasticity support
Post-ischemic neurological function improvement
Retinal ganglion cell survival in glaucoma models
Quality Specifications
| Parameter | Method | Criterion |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | HPLC at 214 nm, C18 column | ≥99.0% peak area |
| Identity (MW) | ESI-MS | ~813.9 ± 1.0 Da |
| Appearance | Visual inspection | White to off-white powder |
| Peptide Content | Amino acid analysis | ≥80% net peptide |
| Met Oxidation | HPLC-MS | Met(O) ≤ 1% |
Tiered Wholesale Pricing
| Kit size | Code | List price |
|---|---|---|
| 5 mg × 10 vials | XA5 | US$45 |
| 10 mg × 10 vials | XA10 | US$58 |
US$45–58 per kit (10 vials), from our published wholesale price list; tiered volume discounts apply (see the tier table) — source:wholesale price list (PDF, updated 2026-08-08).
| Volume | Discount | For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 kit | List price | Evaluation; competitive analysis |
| 5+ kits | 10% off | Initial portfolio expansion |
| 20+ kits | 20% off | Mid-size distributors |
| 50+ kits | 30% off | Regional distributors |
FAQ
What is Semax and how does it relate to ACTH?
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide based on ACTH(4–7), the N-terminal fragment of ACTH that mediates neurotrophic effects without adrenal steroidogenesis. The C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro extension confers metabolic stability and CNS penetration.
What is the mechanism of Semax's cognitive effects?
Semax primarily upregulates BDNF and NGF via melanocortin receptor activation. Elevated neurotrophins support synaptic plasticity, neuronal survival, and cognitive function. Additional effects include anti-inflammatory microglial modulation and improved cerebral blood flow.
How does the Pro-Gly-Pro extension work?
The C-terminal PGP tripeptide protects from carboxypeptidase degradation and enhances blood-brain barrier penetration. The Pro-Gly-Pro sequence itself has reported glyproline activity that may contribute to neuroprotection.
How does Semax differ from Selank?
Both are Russian-developed nootropics with distinct mechanisms. Semax (ACTH-derived) → melanocortin receptors → BDNF/NGF → cognition. Selank (tuftsin-derived) → GABAergic/dopaminergic → anxiolysis. Complementary: Semax for cognition, Selank for anxiety.
What purity and QC is provided for Semax?
≥99% HPLC with ESI-MS identity. Special QC: Met(O) content ≤ 1% (N-terminal methionine is oxidation-sensitive). Batch-specific COA included.
What is the Semax sequence and what does the Pro-Gly-Pro tail do?
Semax is H-Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro-OH: the ACTH(4-7) fragment with a Pro-Gly-Pro extension that protects the molecule from peptidase hydrolysis, extending its useful half-life relative to the bare tetrapeptide.
Which neurotrophin endpoints are reported for Semax?
Cell and animal studies report increased Bdnf and Ngf gene transcription (approximately 8-fold and 5-fold in glial cell culture) and raised Bdnf/TrkB mRNA in rat hippocampus. These are research findings in animal and cell models, not clinical outcomes.
All products are manufactured for laboratory research purposes only. Semax is labeled FOR LABORATORY RESEARCH USE ONLY. Not for human or veterinary use, diagnosis, treatment, prophylaxis or any clinical, cosmetic, dietary or household application. Not a dietary supplement, pharmaceutical ingredient, cosmetic ingredient or approved drug substance. Buyers are responsible for verifying the legal status of importation and possession in their destination country.
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Bulk pricing, tiered discounts up to 30%, COA with every order.