Semax: Discovery & Research History
Semax (ACTH(4–10) Analog) — how it was originally discovered, and what it has been studied for since.
How Semax Was Discovered
Semax was created in 1982 by Nikolai Myasoedov and Igor Ashmarin, working at the same Moscow-based Institute of Molecular Genetics that later produced Selank. Their starting point was ACTH(4-7) — a four-amino-acid fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone that earlier research had already shown carried nootropic, neurotrophic effects entirely independent of ACTH's hormonal role in stimulating cortisol production. The problem was the same one facing tuftsin: ACTH(4-7) degraded far too quickly in the body to be practically useful.
Myasoedov and Ashmarin's solution reused the approach later applied to Selank: they fused the stabilizing tripeptide Pro-Gly-Pro onto the ACTH(4-7) fragment, producing the heptapeptide Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro — Semax. The Pro-Gly-Pro addition both extended the molecule's biological half-life and contributed independent anti-inflammatory activity of its own. Semax went on to formal approval in Russia in two separate formulations: a 0.1% version for cognitive enhancement and general neuroprotection research, and a 1% version for acute neurological conditions including stroke, and was added to Russia's official List of Vital and Essential Drugs in December 2011.
What Semax Has Been Studied For
Semax's research use follows directly from the neurotrophic activity that first justified stabilizing the ACTH(4-7) fragment in the first place.
- Neuroprotective mechanism research
- Cognitive performance studies
- BDNF expression research
Semax discovery & history questions
Does Semax's research history mean it's approved for a particular use?
No. This page describes how Semax was originally discovered and what it has been studied for since — it is historical and educational context, not a claim about current regulatory approval, safety, or legal status anywhere. KYIN Peptides sells Semax strictly for laboratory research use.
What has Semax been studied for in research?
Semax is most commonly studied in neuroprotective mechanism research, cognitive performance studies, and BDNF expression research.
Looking for Semax specs and pricing?
View purity, available sizes, and pricing on the product page.