Peptide data sheet
Semax
Cognitive · Semax acetate · ACTH(4-7) analog
Verdict
unprovenThe unproven label reflects a real but lopsided evidence base: most Semax research is early-stage and concentrated in Russian-language studies, with few rigorous English-language trials, so the focus and neuroprotection benefits people hope for are not established outside that narrow literature.
Quick answer
Semax is a short synthetic peptide derived from a fragment of the ACTH hormone, developed in Russia and commonly researched there for focus, memory, and neuroprotection. Most of its human data is early-stage and published in Russian-language journals, with few independent English-language trials, so the cognitive benefits people hope for are not established. It is not FDA-approved and is sold for research use only.
- Class
- Synthetic ACTH(4-7) analog (heptapeptide nootropic)
- Half-life
- very short in blood, minutes (reported); central effects reported to outlast it
- FDA status
- Not FDA-approved. Registered as a medicine in Russia but never approved by the FDA for any use; sold for laboratory research use only.
- WADA banned?
- No
Which form actually works?
Intranasal (drops / spray)
Unproven
The form used in most of the Russian research and the one people ask about most. Its selling point is that it skips needles entirely, which is a big part of the appeal. This is where the focus and neuroprotection data lives, and also where the mild reported effects such as nasal irritation show up.
Injectable (subcutaneous)
Unproven
A form some people ask about, but it carries far less of the published research context than the intranasal route and is not the delivery method most of the studies used.