Semax · DOSSIER

Semax

MEHFPGP · Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro · Peptide · 7 AS
LEGAL DE · NOT APPROVEDEVIDENCE · EARLY CLINICAL STUDIES2 STUDIES
SUMMARY

Said to support learning and memory — mainly shown in animals so far, not solidly proven in humans.

FIG.01 — SIGNAL CHAIN
Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro (MEHFPGP) · ~813.9 Da
EVIDENCE LEVELSPROVEN IN HUMANSANIMAL MODELS ONLYMECHANISM ONLYUNPROVEN IN HUMANS
01

What it does in the body

Findings, each with its evidence level — animal data kept visibly apart from what's unproven in humans.

Claimed focus & memory effects

Said to support learning and memory — mainly shown in animals so far, not solidly proven in humans.

ANIMAL MODELS ONLY
Neuroprotective effects

Protected nerve cells in animal studies and raised the nerve-growth factor BDNF.

ANIMAL MODELS ONLY
Approved in Russia, unproven in the West

A registered medicine in Russia since 1996 — but Western studies to today's standards are missing.

UNPROVEN IN HUMANS
02

Mechanism of action

What Semax does in the body — step by step.

01

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

02

It is structurally derived from the ACTH(4-7) sequence (Met-Glu-His-Phe) with an additional Pro-Gly-Pro sequence that increases enzymatic stability.

03

In preclinical studies, interactions with the melanocortin system (MC4R), BDNF expression and the dopaminergic system have been described.

03

Research status

How far along is the evidence?

PRECLINICALEARLY CLINICAL STUDIESCLINICALLY ESTABLISHED
Semax has been approved as a medicine in Russia since 1996 for ischaemic stroke and cerebral performance disorders.
Semax has been approved as a medicine in Russia since 1996 for ischaemic stroke and cerebral performance disorders.
Clinical studies from Russia and Ukraine investigated the substance in stroke, ADHD-like symptoms and cognitive impairment.
These studies predominantly do not meet Western GCP standards (lack of randomisation, small sample sizes, no independent replication).
Western Phase II/III studies do not exist.
The substance is widely discussed in the nootropics community; robust clinical evidence for cognitive enhancement in healthy individuals is lacking.
04

Known risks

Without human data, safety statements are limited. What is known:

01
No Western GCP standard — safety profile in humans not robustly established
02
Possible changes in dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission with chronic use
03
Interactions with psychiatric medications not studied
04
Intranasally administered peptides: irritation of the nasal mucosa, possible local damage with long-term use
05
Dependence potential through action on the dopamine system cannot be ruled out
06
Product quality cannot be verified from unapproved sources
05

Cited studies

Chronological — links lead to the source.

2011
Semax, an ACTH(4-10) analog, activates dopaminergic and serotonergic brain systems
PubMed 21861063 →
2012
Semax and its analogs stimulate BDNF and NGF production in mouse brain cells
PubMed 22850775 →
06

Frequently asked questions

What is Semax?+

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

What type of peptide is Semax?+

Semax belongs to the Other class.

What is Semax used for?+

In research, Semax has primarily been investigated in the context of: Cognition. These are research findings (evidence: early clinical studies), not proven benefits in humans and not a usage recommendation.

Is Semax legal in Germany?+

Semax is not approved as a medicine in Germany. Obtaining it outside clinical studies is legally problematic.

Is Semax FDA-approved / legal in the US?+

No. Semax is not FDA-approved as a drug in the US; it is mostly sold as a research chemical and not for human consumption.

Is Semax legal in Canada?+

No. Semax is not authorized by Health Canada and not intended for human consumption.

Where can I buy Semax?+

Peptica sells nothing and names no sources. Semax is "not approved" in Germany; obtaining unapproved substances outside clinical studies is illegal and carries quality and safety risks.

What is the dosage of Semax?+

Peptica publishes no dosing. There are no approved dosing guidelines for Semax; figures circulating online stem from animal studies or anecdote, not from validated human protocols. This is not medical advice.

Is Semax banned in sport (WADA)?+

Semax is currently not on the WADA Prohibited List.

What are the known risks of Semax?+

Documented risks include: No Western GCP standard — safety profile in humans not robustly established; Possible changes in dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission with chronic use. This is not a complete safety assessment and not medical advice — see the risks section for the full list.

How well researched is Semax?+

The evidence is classified as “early clinical studies”. 2 studies are cited on this page.

What is the molecular weight of Semax?+

Semax has a molar mass of about 813.9 Da.

Which peptides are related to Semax?+

Closely related entries: Selank. A direct side-by-side comparison is available via the compare function.

07

Dossier

Legal · Structure · Sources.

LEGAL STATUS BY REGION
Germanynot approved

Semax is approved as a medicine in Russia but has no approval by the EMA or national authorities in Germany, Austria or Switzerland. Not listed on the WADA Prohibited List. Import for personal use is legally unclear; if classified as a medicine by German authorities, § 95 AMG applies.

Legal status varies by country and can change. This is not legal advice.

STRUCTURE & MOLECULE
H₂NMet-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro (MEHFPGP)COOH
7
AMINO ACIDS
~813.9
MOL. WEIGHT (Da)
Very short in plasma (a few minutes; intranasal ~1–2 min), as the ACTH(4-10) sequence is rapidly degraded
HALF-LIFE
SOURCES & EXTERNAL DATABASES

Methodology: Peptica compiles publicly available studies and regulatory information and assigns each statement an evidence level. Not medical advice. No warranty.

RELATED PEPTIDES & FURTHER READING
08

Community notes

Note: These posts are user opinions and not medical advice. Posts containing dosages, therapeutic claims or purchase recommendations are removed. All entries are manually reviewed before publication.
This page is intended solely for factual, scientifically oriented information. No medical advice · no dosage or usage recommendations · no claims of efficacy · no substitute for medical consultation. Peptica sells no substances. Partner links are marked as advertising; Peptica may earn a commission. © 2026 Peptica · Issue 01