What is Semax?
Synthetic Heptapeptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) | ACTH 4–10 FragmentSemax is a synthetic 7-amino-acid peptide derived from a fragment of human ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone, specifically ACTH 4–10) stabilized with a tripeptide tail. Developed in the late 1980s and 1990s by the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Semax provides neuroprotective and cognitive benefits without triggering the systemic hormonal or adrenal effects of full-length ACTH.
How Semax Works in the Brain
1. BDNF & TrkB Activation
Rapidly increases Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and its high-affinity receptor TrkB in the hippocampus and cortex, promoting neuroplasticity and memory formation.
2. Dopamine & Serotonin Modulation
Enhances central dopamine and serotonin system activity, promoting mental clarity, drive, and sustained focus without the crash or heavy cardiovascular load of stimulants.
3. Anti-Ischemic Neuroprotection
Modulates immune response and vascular regulation genes in brain tissue, protecting neurons from oxidative stress, hypoxia, and excitotoxicity.
Popular Semax Synthetic Variants
Head-to-Head: Semax vs. Selank
Activating Cognitive Driver vs. Calming Anxiolytic BufferBoth developed by the Russian Academy of Sciences, Semax and Selank target opposing sides of the nervous system: Semax is an activating, cognitive-focus peptide, whereas Selank is a calming, anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) peptide derived from human Tuftsin.
| Feature | Semax (Cognitive & Focus) | Selank (Anxiolytic & Calm) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Drive, focus, memory, mental stamina | Anxiety relief, emotional stability, stress recovery |
| Origin / Molecule | Fragment of ACTH (ACTH 4–10) | Fragment of human Tuftsin (immune peptide) |
| Primary Neurotransmitters | Dopamine, Serotonin, BDNF / TrkB | GABA-A, Serotonin, Enkephalins |
| Nervous System Shift | Sympathetic / Cognitive activation (no jitters) | Parasympathetic / Calming (no sedation) |
| Best Used For | Brain fog, focus, learning, stroke/TBI recovery | Generalized anxiety, social stress, burnout, sleep |
| Standard Dosing (Nasal) | 200 mcg – 1,000 mcg (Morning) | 250 mcg – 1,000 mcg (Morning/Midday/PM) |
Intranasal Spray Reconstitution Math
Metered Spray Calculations (0.10 mL / 100 µL Pump Output)Most standard metered medical/cosmetic nasal spray pumps dispense 0.10 mL (100 µL) per full spray (1 mL = 10 sprays).
Standard Example: 30 mg Peptide Vial in 10 mL Spray Bottle
- Total BAC Water Liquid: 10 mL
- Total Peptide: 30 mg (30,000 mcg)
- Total Sprays in 10 mL: 10 mL × 10 sprays/mL = 100 sprays
- Dose per Single Spray: 30,000 mcg / 100 sprays = 300 mcg per spray
FDA Regulatory Status Breakdown
None of the research peptides discussed (Semax, Selank, BPC-157, TB-500, GHK-Cu, NAD+) are approved by the US FDA for over-the-counter medical use:
| Compound | FDA Status | Regulatory Context & Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Semax & Selank | Not FDA-Approved | Approved prescription pharmaceuticals in Russia / CIS nations for stroke & anxiety, but not FDA-approved in US. Sold domestically labeled as research chemicals. |
| GHK-Cu (Injectable) | Not FDA-Approved / Category 2 | Topicals sold as cosmetics. Injectable GHK-Cu placed on Category 2 bulks list, restricting US 503A/503B compounding. |
| BPC-157 & TB-500 | Not FDA-Approved / Category 2 | Placed on FDA Category 2 list in late 2023, prohibiting compounding pharmacies from dispensing. Banned in sports by WADA. |
| SubQ / IV NAD+ | Not FDA-Approved Drug | Prepared by compounding pharmacies under physician prescription. Oral precursors (NR/NMN) sold as dietary supplements. |
| TMG & Zinc | Dietary Supplements (DSHEA) | Sold over-the-counter under DSHEA guidelines for manufacturing standards (cGMP). |
The Daily & Weekly Master Protocol
Circadian Alignment of Energy, Focus, Stress Buffer & Tissue Remodeling- Nasal Semax: 200–600 mcg (1–2 sprays)
- SubQ NAD+: 25–100 mg (Mon/Wed/Fri)
- Oral TMG: 500–1,000 mg w/ breakfast
- Nasal Selank: 250–500 mcg (1 spray)
- Hydration: Midday water & electrolytes
- Oral Zinc: 15–30 mg w/ dinner
- SubQ GHK-Cu + BPC-157: (Mixed in same syringe)
5 Days On / 2 Days Off Master Schedule Table
| Day | Morning (AM) | Afternoon (Midday) | Evening (PM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | SubQ NAD+ + Nasal Semax + Oral TMG | Nasal Selank | SubQ GHK-Cu + BPC-157 + Oral Zinc |
| Tuesday | Nasal Semax | Nasal Selank | SubQ GHK-Cu + BPC-157 + Oral Zinc |
| Wednesday | SubQ NAD+ + Nasal Semax + Oral TMG | Nasal Selank | SubQ GHK-Cu + BPC-157 + Oral Zinc |
| Thursday | Nasal Semax | Nasal Selank | SubQ GHK-Cu + BPC-157 + Oral Zinc |
| Friday | SubQ NAD+ + Nasal Semax + Oral TMG | Nasal Selank | SubQ GHK-Cu + BPC-157 + Oral Zinc |
| Saturday | Rest (No sprays / injections) | Rest | Rest (Optional: Zinc w/ dinner) |
| Sunday | Rest (No sprays / injections) | Rest | Rest (Optional: Zinc w/ dinner) |
Macro-Cycle Synchronization & Off-Periods
| Compound Group | Active Cycle | Mandatory Off-Period | Why the Break Is Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| GHK-Cu (+ Zinc) | 4 to 6 weeks ON | 4 weeks OFF | Clears systemic copper & prevents mineral shifts. |
| BPC-157 | 6 to 8 weeks ON | 4 weeks OFF | Allows angiogenic pathways to normalize. |
| Semax & Selank | 3 to 4 weeks ON | 2 to 3 weeks OFF | Prevents dopamine, BDNF, and GABA receptor desensitization. |
| SubQ NAD+ (+ TMG) | 6 to 8 weeks ON | 2 to 4 weeks OFF | Resets cellular salvage pathways. |
Mandatory Laboratory Research Disclaimer
All compounds discussed including Semax, Selank, NAD+, GHK-Cu, and BPC-157 are supplied strictly for laboratory research and analytical evaluation. They are not intended for human consumption, therapeutic diagnostic use, or veterinary applications. Research protocols referenced are derived from published peer-reviewed literature and experimental wellness documentation.