Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide (seven amino acids) structurally based on the ACTH(4-7) fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone, with a Pro-Gly-Pro extension that increases its stability against enzymatic degradation. It is studied in preclinical research as a melanocortin-fragment analog and tool compound for investigating neurochemistry in animal and cell-culture research models.
Semax is a fully synthetic analog and does not occur natively in this form. As supplied for research, it is a lyophilized powder that is water-soluble on reconstitution.
Verified dataVerified compound data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Compound name | Semax (ACTH(4-7) Pro-Gly-Pro analog) |
| CAS number | 80714-61-0 |
| PubChem CID | 122178 |
| Molecular formula | C37H51N9O10S |
| Molecular weight | ~813.92 g/mol |
| Amino acid sequence | Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro (MEHFPGP) |
| Length | 7 residues (heptapeptide) |
| Physical form | Lyophilized powder |
Data verified against PubChem (CID 122178), precisionFDA (C37H51N9O10S, MW 813.92), and MedKoo (CAS 80714-61-0). The acetate-salt form is indexed separately (CID 155977617, C39H55N9O12S, MW ~874); values above reflect the free peptide. See Sources.
MechanismResearch-context mechanism
In preclinical literature, Semax is studied as a melanocortin-fragment analog. In animal and cell-culture research models, studies have examined its association with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and related neurotrophin-signaling pathways. Research has also examined its interaction with neurochemical pathways at the receptor and gene-expression level in animal models. These mechanisms are described strictly in an in vitro and animal research-model context; they are not established human-use mechanisms, and no behavioral or cognitive outcome is described or implied.
Research summaryCurrent research summary
Semax appears across preclinical literature as a melanocortin-fragment research tool. Reported research areas include:
- BDNF and neurotrophin gene-expression studies (animal models)
- Melanocortin / ACTH-fragment receptor-interaction studies
- Neurochemical-pathway research models (in vitro and animal)
- Peptide-stability studies (the Pro-Gly-Pro extension vs native ACTH fragment)
The existing body of work is predominantly in vitro and animal, much of it originating in research literature outside the United States. Semax is not an FDA-approved drug and has no established human therapeutic use. All framing here is strictly laboratory research.
QuestionsFrequently Asked Questions
What is Semax? Semax is a synthetic seven-residue peptide based on the ACTH(4-7) melanocortin fragment with a Pro-Gly-Pro extension, studied in preclinical BDNF-expression and neurochemistry research models. It is a research compound supplied as a lyophilized powder and is not approved for human use.
What is the molecular formula of Semax? The molecular formula of Semax is C37H51N9O10S, with a molecular weight of approximately 813.92 g/mol (PubChem CID 122178).
What is the CAS number for Semax? The CAS registry number for Semax is 80714-61-0.
What is the amino acid sequence of Semax? The sequence is Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro (single-letter: MEHFPGP), a seven-residue peptide in which Met-Glu-His-Phe corresponds to the ACTH(4-7) fragment and Pro-Gly-Pro is a stabilizing extension.
How is Semax stored and reconstituted in a research setting? Lyophilized Semax is stored at 2 to 8°C, protected from light and humidity. It is reconstituted with a suitable sterile solvent, is water-soluble, and reconstituted material is held at 4°C and used within about 30 days, avoiding repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Is Semax approved for human use? No. Semax is not an FDA-approved drug and is not intended for human consumption. It is offered strictly as a research compound for laboratory use.
For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not approved by the FDA. 21+
ReferencesSources
- PubChem, CID 122178 (Semax). C37H51N9O10S, sequence ACTH(4-7)-Pro-Gly-Pro.
- precisionFDA / GInAS, SEMAX (UNII I5FAL2585H). Molecular formula C37H51N9O10S, MW 813.92.
- MedKoo Biosciences, Semax product datasheet. CAS 80714-61-0, C37H51N9O10S, MW 813.93.
- PubChem, CID 155977617 (Semax acetate). Acetate-salt form C39H55N9O12S, MW ~874, distinct from free peptide.
- HPLC + MS tested, every batch
- U.S. synthesized
- Batch COA on the product page