Semax Nasal Spray

$33.99 / month$288.99

Semax nasal spray (MEHFPGP, CAS 80714-61-0) is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of ACTH(4–10), supplied as a ready-to-use intranasal research solution. Semax elevates hippocampal BDNF and TrkB expression, activates dopaminergic and serotonergic pathways, and inhibits enkephalinase enzymes in preclinical models. Molecular formula: C37H51N9O10S | Molar mass: 813.93 g/mol | Purity: =98% HPLC verified.

Available in 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1.0% concentrations. Third-party tested. Certificate of analysis included. For research purposes only.

Description

What Is Semax Nasal Spray?

Semax nasal spray is a synthetic heptapeptide research compound derived from the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) fragment 4–10. Its amino acid sequence — Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro (MEHFPGP) — gives it the molecular formula C37H51N9O10S with a molar mass of 813.93 g/mol (CAS 80714-61-0). Unlike full-length ACTH, Semax carries no hormonal activity; instead, it acts on neurotrophin signaling pathways, making it one of the most studied neuropeptides in preclinical cognitive and neuroprotective research.

First described in 1991 and subsequently added to Russia’s List of Vital and Essential Drugs in 2011 under ATC code N06BX, Semax is administered either as a nasal spray or by subcutaneous injection due to its poor oral bioavailability. Each batch of PrymaLab Semax Nasal Spray is produced in a certified peptide manufacturing facility and verified by third-party HPLC and mass-spectrometry analysis to confirm identity, purity, and concentration.


Mechanism of Action: How Semax Works

Semax exerts its effects through at least four interconnected mechanisms that distinguish it from conventional stimulants or nootropics. Understanding these pathways helps clarify what makes semax peptide nasal spray a subject of intense preclinical interest.

BDNF and TrkB Upregulation

The most documented mechanism of Semax is its ability to elevate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its primary receptor TrkB in the hippocampus. BDNF is a key regulator of synaptic plasticity, long-term potentiation, and neuronal survival. Preclinical studies indicate that Semax increases hippocampal BDNF expression significantly within hours of administration, with effects persisting well beyond the peptide’s short plasma half-life — suggesting downstream transcriptional changes rather than simple receptor saturation.

Dopaminergic and Serotonergic Activation

Semax activates both dopaminergic and serotonergic transmission in cortical and limbic regions. This dual monoaminergic engagement is associated in preclinical models with sustained attention, working memory consolidation, and mood stabilization — without the receptor desensitization patterns seen with direct dopamine agonists. The peptide’s interaction with these systems appears modulatory rather than directly agonistic, which may explain the favorable tolerability profile observed in animal studies.

Melanocortin Receptor Interaction

As an ACTH(4–10) analog, Semax may interact with melanocortin receptors MC4 and MC5. MC4 receptors are distributed across the hypothalamus, cortex, and limbic system and are implicated in cognitive function, energy homeostasis, and neuroprotection. MC5 receptors are involved in exocrine gland function and immune modulation. Preclinical evidence suggests Semax’s interaction with these receptors contributes to its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects in ischemic injury models.

Enkephalinase Inhibition

Semax inhibits enkephalinase enzymes — specifically neprilysin and related neutral endopeptidases — that normally degrade endogenous neuropeptides including enkephalins and substance P. By preserving the activity of these endogenous ligands, Semax may amplify the brain’s own pain-modulatory and stress-adaptive systems. This mechanism is believed to contribute to the anxiolytic-like effects observed in rodent models of chronic stress.


Semax Benefits: What the Preclinical Research Shows

The following semax benefits are drawn from peer-reviewed preclinical and early clinical literature. All findings are in research contexts; Semax is sold by PrymaLab exclusively for laboratory and research purposes and is not intended for human therapeutic use.

Cognitive Performance and Memory

Multiple rodent studies have demonstrated that Semax improves acquisition and retention in spatial memory tasks, including the Morris Water Maze and radial arm maze. The effect is strongly correlated with hippocampal BDNF upregulation and appears dose-dependent in the range of 25–100 mcg/kg in animal models. Notably, cognitive enhancement effects have been observed both in healthy animals and in models of cognitive impairment induced by ischemia or neurotoxin exposure.

Neuroprotection in Ischemic Models

Semax has been investigated as a neuroprotective agent in animal models of focal cerebral ischemia. Studies using middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) models found that Semax administration reduced infarct volume, preserved blood-brain barrier integrity, and attenuated inflammatory cytokine cascades. These findings prompted the inclusion of Semax in Russian clinical protocols for stroke rehabilitation — the context in which it appears on Russia’s essential medicines list.

Attention and Focus

Preclinical data indicates that Semax reduces distractibility and improves performance consistency on sustained-attention tasks in rodent models. This effect is linked to dopaminergic modulation in the prefrontal cortex, a region critical for executive function. Researchers studying attention-deficit models have used Semax as a reference compound to explore non-stimulant cognitive enhancement mechanisms.

Anxiolytic-Like Effects

In elevated plus-maze and open-field tests — standard rodent anxiety models — Semax demonstrated anxiolytic-like effects at doses that did not produce sedation or motor impairment. The mechanism appears to involve both serotonergic modulation and enkephalinase inhibition, preserving endogenous opioid tone without exogenous opioid receptor agonism.

Nerve Regeneration and Recovery

Semax has been studied in peripheral nerve injury models. Its ability to upregulate BDNF and other neurotrophins in damaged tissue suggests potential utility as a recovery support compound in experimental nerve crush and transection protocols. Russian researchers have also investigated its role in optic nerve protection following ischemic damage.


Semax Dosage: Research Protocols and Concentration Guide

The semax nasal spray dosage protocols described below are drawn strictly from published preclinical research and existing human clinical trial data from Russian studies. They are provided for informational and research reference only. PrymaLab does not prescribe or recommend dosing for human use.

Standard Research Concentrations

Concentration Volume per Spray Semax per Spray Total per Vial (10 mL)
0.1% (1 mg/mL) 0.1 mL 100 mcg 10 mg
0.5% (5 mg/mL) 0.1 mL 500 mcg 50 mg
1.0% (10 mg/mL) 0.1 mL 1,000 mcg 100 mg

Animal Model Reference Doses

Model Species Dose Range Route Duration
Cognitive enhancement Rat 25–100 mcg/kg Intranasal 7–14 days
Neuroprotection (MCAO) Rat 50–200 mcg/kg Intranasal / SC Single to 7 days
Anxiolytic assessment Rat/Mouse 25–50 mcg/kg Intranasal Acute / 5 days
BDNF upregulation Rat 50 mcg/kg Intranasal 1–7 days

Storage and Handling

Semax peptide is supplied lyophilized or in solution depending on the product configuration. Solution formulations should be stored at 2–8°C (refrigerated) and protected from light. Lyophilized powder is stable at -20°C for extended periods. Once reconstituted, solution stability is typically 4–6 weeks under refrigerated conditions. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. All handling should follow standard laboratory protocols for research peptides.


Semax vs Selank: Key Differences for Researchers

Semax and Selank are frequently compared in the research peptide literature because both are synthetic neuropeptides developed in Russia, both are administered intranasally, and both influence cognitive and anxiolytic endpoints. However, their mechanisms, primary targets, and research applications differ substantially.

Feature Semax Selank
Sequence Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro
Origin Peptide ACTH(4–10) analog Tuftsin analog
Molecular Formula C37H51N9O10S C33H57N11O9
CAS Number 80714-61-0 129954-34-3
Primary Mechanism BDNF upregulation, dopaminergic/serotonergic activation GABAergic modulation, enkephalinase inhibition
Primary Research Focus Cognitive enhancement, neuroprotection, attention Anxiety modulation, immune function, stress response
Regulatory Status (Russia) Prescription drug — essential medicines list Prescription drug — approved anxiolytic
FDA Status (US) Not approved — unscheduled Not approved — unscheduled
Administration Intranasal, subcutaneous Intranasal, intravenous
Research Stack Use Often paired with Selank for cognitive + anxiolytic coverage Often paired with Semax for cognitive + anxiolytic coverage

The two peptides are frequently used together in preclinical research protocols precisely because their mechanisms are complementary rather than overlapping. Semax’s dominant profile is cognitive activation via BDNF and dopaminergic pathways; Selank’s dominant profile is anxiolytic and immunomodulatory via GABAergic modulation. PrymaLab supplies both compounds to qualified researchers.


Semax Side Effects: Safety Profile in Preclinical Literature

Semax side effects reported in preclinical animal studies are generally mild and transient. Acute toxicity studies in rodents using doses far exceeding research-relevant ranges have not identified organ toxicity or mortality signals. The most commonly noted observations in animal models include mild transient excitability at high doses, brief nasal mucosal irritation at the instillation site, and minor changes in locomotor activity during the first hour post-administration.

No evidence of dependence, withdrawal, or receptor downregulation has been documented in published animal literature at standard research doses. Unlike direct dopamine agonists, Semax’s modulatory mechanism does not appear to trigger compensatory receptor downregulation with repeated administration in rodent models. Long-term safety data in humans is limited to the Russian clinical literature, which is outside the scope of PrymaLab’s research supply context.

Important: PrymaLab Semax Nasal Spray is supplied strictly for in vitro and in vivo laboratory research. It is not intended for human consumption, therapeutic use, or self-experimentation. Researchers should review all applicable institutional and regulatory requirements before use.


PrymaLab Quality Assurance

Every vial of PrymaLab Semax Nasal Spray is manufactured under stringent quality control protocols designed to meet the demands of serious preclinical research. Our quality assurance framework covers three critical checkpoints: synthesis verification, analytical testing, and packaging integrity.

  • HPLC Purity Testing: Each batch is tested by high-performance liquid chromatography to verify peptide purity of =98%. The HPLC certificate of analysis is available with every order.
  • Mass Spectrometry Confirmation: Identity is confirmed by ESI-MS or MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, verifying the molecular weight matches the theoretical value of 813.93 g/mol for Semax (C37H51N9O10S).
  • Sterility and Endotoxin: Solution formulations are tested for sterility and bacterial endotoxin levels to ensure suitability for in vivo animal research protocols.
  • Third-Party Verification: Independent laboratory testing is conducted outside our production facility to eliminate confirmation bias and ensure objective quality reporting.
  • Lot Traceability: Every vial carries a unique lot number traceable to raw material sourcing, synthesis batch, and analytical records — supporting GLP-aligned research documentation requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions About Semax Nasal Spray

What is Semax and what is it used for in research?

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide (7 amino acids) derived from the ACTH(4–10) fragment, with the sequence Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro (MEHFPGP) and CAS number 80714-61-0. In preclinical research, it is primarily studied for its ability to upregulate BDNF in the hippocampus, modulate dopaminergic and serotonergic pathways, and provide neuroprotection in ischemic injury models. It is used in research contexts — not approved for human therapeutic use by the FDA.

How does semax nasal spray work?

Semax nasal spray works through four main mechanisms: (1) it elevates BDNF and TrkB receptor expression in the hippocampus, supporting synaptic plasticity; (2) it activates dopaminergic and serotonergic transmission in cortical and limbic regions; (3) it may interact with melanocortin receptors MC4 and MC5; and (4) it inhibits enkephalinase enzymes, preserving endogenous neuropeptide activity. Intranasal delivery allows the peptide to bypass the blood-brain barrier via olfactory transport routes, contributing to its rapid central nervous system effects in animal models.

What is the difference between Semax and Selank?

Semax is an ACTH(4–10) analog that primarily upregulates BDNF and activates dopaminergic pathways — making it a cognitive enhancement and neuroprotection research tool. Selank is a tuftsin analog (CAS 129954-34-3) that primarily modulates GABAergic transmission and immune function — making it an anxiolytic and stress-response research compound. Both are synthetic Russian neuropeptides delivered intranasally, but their mechanisms are complementary, not overlapping. Many researchers use both in parallel protocols to cover both cognitive and anxiolytic research endpoints.

What concentration of semax nasal spray should be used in animal research?

In published preclinical studies, Semax is most commonly administered to rodents at doses of 25–100 mcg/kg for cognitive enhancement models and 50–200 mcg/kg for neuroprotection models. PrymaLab offers Semax Nasal Spray in 0.1% (1 mg/mL), 0.5% (5 mg/mL), and 1.0% (10 mg/mL) concentrations. The appropriate concentration and administration volume depend on the specific animal model, body weight, and research protocol. Researchers should calculate doses from published literature appropriate to their specific model.

How should Semax nasal spray be stored?

Semax solution formulations should be refrigerated at 2–8°C and protected from light. Once opened, solution stability is approximately 4–6 weeks under proper refrigerated storage. Lyophilized Semax powder is stable at -20°C for 12–24 months when stored desiccated. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which can degrade peptide integrity and reduce HPLC purity. All PrymaLab products include storage instructions on the label and in the accompanying certificate of analysis.

Is Semax legal to buy for research?

In the United States, Semax is not scheduled under the Controlled Substances Act and is not FDA-approved for any indication. It may legally be purchased and possessed for legitimate laboratory research purposes. Semax is a prescription drug in Russia, where it has been used clinically since the 1990s. Researchers outside the US should verify the legal status in their jurisdiction before ordering. PrymaLab sells Semax exclusively for research purposes to qualified buyers who confirm intended research use at checkout.

What peptides are commonly used alongside Semax in research?

The most common research pairing is Semax and Selank, which provides complementary coverage of cognitive enhancement (Semax via BDNF/dopamine) and anxiolytic pathways (Selank via GABA/enkephalin). Other peptides frequently studied alongside Semax in neuroprotection protocols include Cerebrolysin-adjacent compounds, Dihexa, and various BDNF-mimetic peptides. PrymaLab supplies a comprehensive catalog of neuropeptides to support multi-compound preclinical research programs.


Research Disclaimer

All PrymaLab products, including Semax Nasal Spray, are intended exclusively for in vitro laboratory research and in vivo animal studies conducted by qualified researchers in appropriate institutional settings. These products are not approved by the FDA or any equivalent regulatory authority for human therapeutic use. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Not for human consumption. Not for sale to minors. Researchers are solely responsible for compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing the acquisition, storage, and use of research compounds.

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