Description
Semax Vial — Synthetic ACTH-Derived Heptapeptide for Neuroscience Research (10mg)
What is Semax?
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide (7 amino acids in length) with the sequence Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro. It is derived from the N-terminal fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH 4-10), but unlike its parent hormone, Semax is engineered to eliminate the corticotropic activity of ACTH while retaining and enhancing its neurotrophic and neuroregulatory properties. The Pro-Gly-Pro C-terminal sequence was added to the natural ACTH 4-10 fragment to improve metabolic stability and biological activity.
With a molecular weight of approximately 750 Da, Semax is a relatively small peptide that is well-characterised in the neuroscience literature. It has been the subject of extensive research in Eastern European and Russian neuroscience communities over several decades, with a substantial body of published research examining its effects on cognitive function, neuroprotection, and neural signalling at the molecular level.
Mechanism of Research Interest
Semax exerts its neurobiological effects through several well-documented mechanisms:
- BDNF Upregulation: Semax has been shown to increase the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA and protein levels in hippocampal and cortical neurons. BDNF is a critical regulator of synaptic plasticity, neuronal survival, and long-term potentiation (LTP) — the cellular basis of learning and memory.
- TrkB Receptor Signalling: By modulating BDNF levels, Semax indirectly activates TrkB (tropomyosin receptor kinase B) signalling cascades, including the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt pathways involved in neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity.
- NGF Receptor Expression: Research indicates Semax can modulate the expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) receptors, potentially influencing neuronal differentiation and maintenance.
- Dopaminergic and Serotonergic Modulation: Studies suggest Semax influences monoamine neurotransmitter system activity through modulation of dopamine and serotonin receptor expression and function in brain regions associated with cognitive processing.
Research Applications
- BDNF-TrkB Signalling Research: Investigating the molecular cascade from BDNF upregulation through TrkB receptor activation to downstream synaptic plasticity mechanisms.
- Neuroplasticity Studies: Examining how peptide-mediated BDNF modulation affects synaptic transmission, dendritic spine morphology, and long-term potentiation.
- Neuroprotection Research: Studying the effects of Semax on neuronal survival in various cellular stress models.
- Cognitive Neuroscience: Exploring molecular mechanisms associated with learning, memory, and information processing.
- Peptide-Mediated Neuroregulation: Researching how small synthetic peptides can modulate neurotrophic factor expression and signalling.
Product Description
Each vial contains 10mg of lyophilised Semax heptapeptide as a sterile, freeze-dried preparation. The peptide appears as a white lyophilised powder or cake in a sealed glass vial. With its small size and high stability, Semax reconstitutes readily in sterile diluents.
Manufactured under controlled laboratory conditions with quality testing to verify peptide identity and purity.
Product Specifications
- Compound: Semax (Synthetic ACTH 4-10 Analogue Heptapeptide)
- Sequence: Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro
- Amino Acid Length: 7
- Molecular Weight: ~750 Da
- Quantity: 10mg per vial
- Purity: ≥98% (HPLC verified)
- Form: Lyophilised sterile powder
- Packaging: Individually sealed, sterile glass vial
- Storage: 2-8°C (refrigerated). Protect from light and moisture.
What’s Included
Note: This product does not contain BAC Water. Bacteriostatic water is available to purchase separately on the Cronopharm store.
Key Research Benefits
- BDNF Upregulation: Increases BDNF mRNA and protein in hippocampal and cortical neurons.
- TrkB Signalling: Activates MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt cascades for synaptic plasticity research.
- Extensively Studied: Well-characterised heptapeptide with broad published neuroscience literature.
- Monoamine Modulation: Influences dopamine and serotonin receptor expression in cognitive regions.
Reconstitution Guidelines
For experienced laboratory personnel only. This lyophilised powder must be reconstituted with bacteriostatic water prior to research use.
- Allow the vial to equilibrate to room temperature (15–25°C) before reconstitution.
- Wipe the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab and allow it to dry.
- Using a sterile syringe, add the required volume of Bacteriostatic Water by injecting slowly down the inner wall of the vial — do not aim the stream directly at the lyophilised cake.
- Gently swirl the vial until the powder is fully dissolved. Do not shake vigorously, as this can denature the peptide.
- Visually inspect the reconstituted solution — it should be clear and free of particulate matter.
- Store reconstituted solutions at 2–8°C and use within the timeframe defined in your research protocol. Discard any unused solution after the recommended period.
Important Notice
This product is for research and laboratory purposes only. Not for human or veterinary consumption. Not for medical use. Not evaluated by SAHPRA. Information is for educational reference only. Researchers must comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and institutional research guidelines.




