Semax

Russian-developed nootropic peptide, approved there for stroke recovery.

Not FDA-approvedEvidence

Overview

A synthetic analog of a fragment of ACTH without hormonal effects. Used clinically in Russia for stroke, cognitive disorders and optic nerve disease; elsewhere it is an unapproved nootropic. Usually taken intranasally.

How it works

Increases BDNF and NGF expression, modulates dopamine and serotonin signaling, and shows neuroprotective effects in ischemia models.

Evidence

3/5

Clinical use in Russia with small trials; little Western randomized data.

Half-life

Short (minutes); effects last hours

Known as

ACTH(4-7)-PGP

Compound facts

Type: Synthetic heptapeptide
CAS Number: 80714-61-0
Molecular Formula: C37H51N9O10S
Molecular Weight: 813.9 g/mol
Amino Acids: 7 residues
Sequence: Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro

Reported benefits

Anecdotal

Focus & mental energy

Commonly reported alertness without jitteriness.

Human data

Stroke recovery support

Studied in Russian clinical settings.

Animal

Neuroprotection / BDNF

Raises neurotrophic factors in animal models.

“Anecdotal” means reported by users, not shown in controlled trials.

Community-reported regimens

Not recommendations. These are commonly cited ranges, shown so you can see what real-world use looks like.

Plan	Dose	Frequency	Duration	Route
Nasal / injected (community) Range 200–600 mcg. Avoid evening — can disturb sleep.	300 mcg	1–2× daily, morning/midday	2–4 weeks, then break	Intranasal or subcutaneous

Reconstitution calculator

Set up for Semax. Switch peptide or vial size any time.

Peptide

Vial

Walk me through it

1Mix

Add 2 mL water for 5 mg/mL

2Draw

Draw to 6 units = 0.06 mL = 300 mcg

Drag the plunger to set your dose.

3Inject

Next site

Right belly, upper

Tap a site after you inject to keep a rotation.

Also used as a nasal spray; this shows the injection option. Pinch the skin, stay 2 in. from the navel, then into a sharps bin.

Peptide in vial (mg)

Water to add (mL)

Dose

Doses per day

Days per week

Community doses:

Doses per vial: 33.3
Vial lasts: 47 days
Good once mixed: ~21 days
Syringe: 30-unit, 0.3 mL

The vial outlasts its ~21-day shelf life once mixed. A smaller vial wastes less.

Easier numbers, add this much water:

Math only: concentration (mg/mL) = vial mg ÷ mL of water; units = dose (mg) ÷ concentration × 100. Always double-check against your own vial label and a clinician. This tool does not recommend a dose.

Reconstitution

Diluent: Bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) — allows multiple draws from one vial.

Wipe both vial tops with an alcohol swab and let dry.
Draw the diluent, then inject it slowly down the inside wall of the vial — never straight onto the powder.
Swirl gently or let it sit; do not shake. Foam can damage peptides.
Solution should be clear. Cloudy, stringy or discolored = discard.
Common mix: 5 mg + 2 mL = 2.5 mg/mL (300 mcg ≈ 12 units).

Full reconstitution guide →

Storage

Powder

Freezer / fridge

Keep sealed vial in the freezer (−20 °C) for long-term storage; fridge (2–8 °C) is fine for a few weeks. Keep dry and out of light.

After mixing

~21 days

Refrigerate at 2–8 °C. Never freeze after mixing. Keep upright, capped, and out of light.

Travel

Keep cool

Short trips at room temperature are generally fine for powder; keep mixed vials cold.

Nasal spray versions are also sold — check the label for dosing per spray.

Side effects & cautions

Reported side effects

Irritability or overstimulation
Nasal irritation
Headache
Sleep disruption if taken late

Cautions

Avoid with bipolar disorder, psychosis or seizure disorders without a doctor.
Little long-term safety data outside Russia.

FDA & international status

FDA

Not FDA-approved

Approved in Russia and some CIS countries, but not in the US or most Western regulators. It was in FDA compounding Category 2 until April 2026, when its nomination was withdrawn. In July 2026 an FDA advisory committee voted 8–5 to recommend adding it to the 503A bulks list; a recommendation is not approval, and FDA's final decision is pending.

Russia / Ukraine / BelarusRegistered medicine (nasal drops).

European Union / UKNot authorized.

AustraliaNot approved.

WADANot named on the Prohibited List. It is approved in Russia, so whether S0 (non-approved substances) applies is unclear; tested athletes should check with their anti-doping body.

Regulations change often — verify with the FDA, EMA, MHRA, Health Canada, TGA and WADA before acting.

Often paired with

Selank

Semax for drive and focus, Selank for calm — often paired.

Where to buy

Semax vials

Size	Price	Per mg	Stock	Latest COA
10 mg	$29.95	$3.00	In stock	99.93% pure, lot SMX0002 ILS Labs, tested 2026-07-30

Past COAs (2 lab reports)

2026-07-30, 10 mg, lot SMX0002, 99.93% pure, measured 10.61mgILS Labs, passedView PDF
2026-05-29, 10 mg, lot SMX0001, 99.53% pure, measured 10.53mgILS Labs, passedView PDF

Semax nasal spray (ready-made)

View ↗

Size	Price	Per mg	Stock	Latest COA
25 mg	$59.99	$2.40	In stock	99.91% pure, lot SSMX0001 ILS Labs, tested 2026-08-12

Past COAs (2 lab reports)

2026-08-20, 25 mg, lot SSMX0001, measured 25.36mg / 25.49mgEthos Analytical, passedView PDF
2026-08-12, 25 mg, lot SSMX0001, 99.91% pure, measured 26.27mgILS Labs, passedView PDF

Amino Club list prices as of 2026-10-07, before promo codes. Multi-buy: 2+ units 5% off, 3+ units 7.5% off, 10+ units 40% off. Prices change; confirm on the product page. Mixing? Their bacteriostatic water is Amino H2O from $19.99.

Semax at Amino Club

Check sizes, current price and the certificate of analysis (COA) on the product page. Sold for in-vitro research only.

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Look for a batch-specific COA with HPLC purity (≥98%) and mass-spec identity.
Typical vial sizes: 5, 10, 30 mg.

FAQ

Nasal or injection?

Nasal is the traditional route in Russia and gives a convenient, needle-free option.

Read the primary research on PubMed ↗