NEUROPEPTIDE RESEARCH

Semax and BDNF Pathway Activity in Preclinical Neuroscience

Velox Peptides Research Team·Published May 2026·6 min read
CAS Number
80714-61-0
Peptide Class
ACTH(4-7) analogue
Key Pathway
BDNF / NGF
HPLC Purity
≥99.0% (batch-verified)
For in vitro research use only. This summary of the preclinical literature is provided for scientific reference, not medical advice. Semax is not for human or veterinary consumption.

What is Semax?

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide developed in Russia, derived from the 4–7 fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) with an added Pro-Gly-Pro tail that improves its stability. Unlike full ACTH, the ACTH(4–7) fragment is studied for its neurological signalling properties without the hormonal (corticosteroid-releasing) activity of the parent molecule.

Semax comes from a substantial Eastern European research tradition and is studied as a neuropeptide research reagent — particularly for its association with neurotrophic signalling in the brain.

BDNF, NGF and neuroprotection

Neurotrophic factor expression. The most studied property of Semax in preclinical models is its association with increased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) — signalling proteins central to neuron survival, growth and synaptic plasticity. Rodent studies have examined changes in BDNF/NGF levels and downstream TrkB-receptor signalling following Semax administration.

Neuroprotection models. Semax has been studied in rodent models of cerebral ischaemia and oxidative stress, where research has examined its association with neuronal survival and modulation of inflammatory and antioxidant gene expression.

Cognitive and attention pathways. Preclinical work has also looked at Semax in relation to attention, learning and the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems, making it a research tool for studying neuropeptide modulation of cognition.

Semax and Selank

Semax is frequently studied alongside Selank, another Russian-developed neuropeptide. The two are often paired in cognitive and neuropeptide research because they are associated with complementary pathways — Semax with neurotrophic (BDNF/NGF) signalling and Selank with GABAergic modulation. Both sit within the neuropeptide research category.

Velox Peptides supply information

Velox Peptides supplies Semax as a lyophilised powder at ≥99.0% HPLC-verified purity with a batch certificate of analysis available on request. For reconstitution, see the reconstitution calculator. Supplied strictly as a research reagent for in vitro use.

References & further reading

  1. Dolotov OV et al. “Semax, an analog of ACTH(4-7), regulates expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor.” Journal of Neurochemistry, 2006.
  2. Ashmarin IP et al. “Semax in the prevention of disease and the maintenance of working capacity.” Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology, review literature.

Summaries are paraphrased from the peer-reviewed preclinical literature. For full source citations, email veloxpeps@gmail.com.

Frequently asked questions

What is Semax?
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide analogue of the ACTH(4-7) fragment, developed in Russia and studied as a neuropeptide research reagent. Velox Peptides supplies it for in vitro research use only.
What pathway is Semax associated with?
In preclinical models Semax is most associated with increased expression of the neurotrophic factors BDNF and NGF, and with neuroprotective signalling.
Why is Semax studied with Selank?
The two are associated with complementary neuropeptide pathways — Semax with BDNF/NGF signalling and Selank with GABAergic modulation — so researchers often pair them in cognitive models.
What purity is Velox Peptides Semax?
Semax is HPLC-verified at a minimum of 99.0% purity, with batch documentation available on request.
Is Semax legal to buy in the UK?
Yes — for in vitro research purposes. It is not a licensed medicine and not for human use. Velox Peptides supplies it solely as a research reagent.
Compliance statement. Velox Peptides supplies research reagents for in vitro use by qualified researchers. Every compound is sold strictly as a research reagent. No product is a medicinal product within the meaning of the Human Medicines Regulations 2012. No product has been evaluated by the MHRA or FDA. No product is intended for human or veterinary consumption, diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any condition. Any use outside lawful scientific research is outside the scope of sale. See our Research Use Policy and MHRA Statement.

All research summaries on this page are derived from publicly available peer-reviewed literature. Velox Peptides makes no therapeutic claims. For research use only.