Semax comes up often in conversation and rarely with the context attached. Here we lay out the basics in order, then work through the practical considerations.
Last reviewed on 2025-10-12. Where a claim depends on a specific study, the study is described rather than over-claimed.
Scientific literature on semax is unevenly distributed. A substantial share of published work originates from a small number of laboratories in Russia, while independent replication elsewhere is limited. Human data consist mostly of small trials with short follow-up, and several reported outcomes rely on subjective rating scales. Questions about how much intact peptide reaches the central nervous system after nasal administration, and how long it persists there, are still unresolved. The compound is best described as an active research subject rather than a settled pharmacological agent.
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide with the sequence Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro. It was derived from the ACTH(4-10) fragment, a short segment of adrenocorticotropic hormone that lacks the hormonal activity associated with the full-length peptide. Researchers at the Institute of Molecular Genetics in Moscow developed the compound during the 1980s. It has been registered as a pharmaceutical product in Russia and several neighbouring countries, where it is supplied as a nasal solution, and it is also sold internationally as a research chemical.
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide with the sequence Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro. It is described in the literature as an analogue of the ACTH(4–10) fragment, a short N-terminal portion of adrenocorticotropic hormone that retains some neurotropic activity without the full hormonal effects of the parent peptide. The molecule carries a methionine residue at the N-terminus and two proline residues near the C-terminus, features that shape both its interactions with receptor systems and its chemical stability. The free peptide corresponds to the formula C37H51N9O10S and a molecular mass near 813.9 Da.
The compound was developed in the 1980s at the Institute of Molecular Genetics in Moscow, where it emerged from research on short ACTH fragments and their effects on the central nervous system. Russian pharmaceutical listings describe it as a nootropic and neuroprotective agent, most often formulated as nasal drops. It is not a marketed medicine in the United States or the European Union, and no pharmacopoeial monograph covers it. Consequently, most published clinical experience with the substance originates from a small number of research centres, mainly in Russia and neighbouring countries.
Pharmacological accounts link semax to melanocortin signalling and to modulation of neurotrophic factor expression, particularly brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor. Much of this evidence comes from rodent studies using intranasal delivery, a route chosen because it allows peptides to reach the central nervous system with limited systemic exposure. Whether the same mechanisms operate in humans at comparable magnitude remains an open question. The precise receptor or receptors responsible for the reported behavioural and neuroprotective effects have not been conclusively identified.
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular formula | C37H51N9O10S | Calculated for the free peptide |
| Molar mass | 813.9 g/mol | Anhydrous free base |
| Peptide class | Synthetic heptapeptide | ACTH(4-10) analogue |
| Parent fragment | ACTH(4-10) | Adrenocorticotropic hormone segment |
| Developmental origin | Institute of Molecular Genetics, Moscow | Work began in the 1980s |
Development of the compound took place in the Soviet Union during the 1980s, largely through peptide research groups affiliated with the Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute and Moscow State University. Investigators screened fragments of adrenocorticotropic hormone for activity on the central nervous system while attempting to separate cognitive effects from hormonal ones. The shortened sequence was selected because it retained behavioral activity in animal models without stimulating corticosteroid release. Early publications described the molecule as an ACTH(4-10) analog.
Published research on this peptide originates mainly from Russian laboratories, and the wider international literature is comparatively thin. Studies have used rodent models of stroke, hypoxia, and memory tasks, with a smaller number of human trials reported. Reported outcomes include changes in attention and memory measures, along with effects on neurotrophic factor expression in some experiments. Small sample sizes, inconsistent dosing protocols, and limited independent replication are widely noted limitations, so the strength of the clinical evidence remains an open question.
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide whose sequence is Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro. The first four residues correspond to the ACTH(4-10) fragment, while the terminal Pro-Gly-Pro extension was added to improve metabolic stability. Its molecular formula is C37H51N9O10S and its monoisotopic mass is approximately 813.9 Da. The compound is classified as a peptide research chemical and as a registered pharmaceutical product in Russia, but it does not hold marketing approval in the European Union or the United States. Naming conventions vary across supplier catalogs.
Misuse by injection or use in the nose still occurs, and more recently the efficacy of naloxone in preventing misuse by injection has been brought into question and preparations including naloxone could even be less safe than preparations containing solely buprenorphine. Rates of misuse in the U.S. appear to be lower than with other opioids. The combination formulation was approved for medical use in the US in 2002, and in the European Union in 2017. A generic version was approved in the US in 2018. In 2019, it was the 272nd most commonly prescribed medication in the US, with more than 1 million prescriptions.
An electrophilic cyclization occurs in step 5, and an intramolecular proton transfer attacks the taxenyl cation (step 6). This forms the fused ring structure intermediate known as taxadiene. Taxadiene then undergoes a series of 10 oxidations via NADPH, forming the intermediate taxadiene-5α-acetoxy-10β-ol (multiple steps later in the figure). A series of hydroxylations and esterficiations occur, forming the intermediate 10-deacetyl-baccatin III, which undergoes a further series of esterifications and a side-chain hydroxylation. This finally yields the product paclitaxel.
== Function == SLC1A2 / EAAT2 is a member of a family of the solute carrier family of proteins. The membrane-bound protein is the principal transporter that clears the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate from the extracellular space at synapses in the central nervous system. Glutamate clearance is necessary for proper synaptic activation and to prevent neuronal damage from excessive activation of glutamate receptors. EAAT2 is responsible for over 90% of glutamate reuptake within the brain.
The service-entry deadline of summer 1980, announced by Minister of Civil Aviation Boris Bugayev in 1977 had passed, however, and the Il-86 missed the Moscow Olympics in the summer of 1980. Overall development of the Il-86 occupied over a decade. The length of this period was due to the sensitivity of the airliner's configuration, problems with its powerplant, prolonged avionics development and the low priority of civil as opposed to military aircraft. In its earlier stages, the Il-86 programme was also held back by hopes of US airliner imports. Certificating the Il-86 to the very demanding set of Soviet and Comecon standards called NLGS-2 also delayed progress; it was the first Soviet aircraft to undergo a full certification programme since certification was introduced in the USSR in 1967 and became mandatory five years later.
== References == This article was adapted from the following source under a CC BY 4.0 license (2021) (reviewer reports): Yingxuan Ma; Kim Johnson (2021). "Arabinogalactan-proteins" (PDF). WikiJournal of Science. 4 (1): 2. doi:10.15347/wjs/2021.002. Wikidata Q99557488.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
Exposure to PFAS, some of which are carcinogens or endocrine disruptors, has been linked to diseases and health conditions including cancers, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, suboptimal antibody response or decreased immunity, decreased fertility, hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, fetal and child developmental issues, obesity, and high cholesterol. Due to the health and environmental concerns associated with many PFAS, PFOS and PFOA were listed in the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants in 2009 and 2019, respectively. However, it is challenging to assess the potential risks of all PFAS due to the large data-gaps in toxicity and physicochemical properties. With thousands of compounds used in various application, only a few have undergone comprehensive biological testing. In some jurisdictions, such as the European Union, further reductions and phase-outs of PFAS are planned. Several companies are voluntarily ending or planning to end the sale of PFAS and PFAS-containing products due to health and litigation concerns. However, major producers and users such as the United States, Israel, and Malaysia have not ratified the agreement and the chemical industry has lobbied governments to reduce regulations.
=== 25 April === Three people were killed in Russian attacks in Donetsk Oblast. Russian-installed officials claimed that four people were killed in separate Ukrainian attacks in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts. Two Russian soldiers were arrested for fatally shooting at least seven people while intoxicated in the villages of Podo-Kalynivka and Abrykosivka in Kherson Oblast, including the head of the latter village. The Polish and Lithuanian governments offered to repatriate Ukrainian men living in their countries to Ukraine for them to be drafted into the Ukrainian military. Spain pledged to provide Patriot missiles to Ukraine. The Swiss Parliament's Security Committee approved a proposal to send five billion Swiss Francs in aid to Ukraine. Russia seized the village of Novobakhmutivka, ten kilometers northwest of Avdiivka.
== Laboratory equipments and machines == Microscope – Scientific instrument for observing small objects Incubator – Device used to grow and maintain microbiological cultures or cell cultures Centrifuge – Device using centrifugal force to separate fluids Electrophoresis – Motion of charged particles in electric field Haematology – To count and identify blood cells at high speed and accuracy Spectrophotometer – Instrument to measure light intensity Glucometer – Medical device for determining the concentration of glucose in the blood Pipette – Liquid-transferring laboratory tool Beaker – Glass container used in laboratories Erlenmeyer flask – Laboratory flask with a flat bottom Petridish – Shallow dish used to hold cell cultures Hemocytometer – Medical device used to count cells Test tube – Glass or plastic laboratory glassware & Racks Hot air oven – Electrical device which uses dry heat to sterilize substances Refrigerator – Appliance for cold food storage Biochemistry analyzer – Medical laboratory instrumentPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Burette – Graduated glass tube with a tap at one end Water distillation – Water purified by condensing it from steamPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Analytical balance – Type of digital balance pH meter – Instrument measuring acidity or alkalinity of solutions
Extrapyramidal side effects such as: (which usually become apparent soon after therapy is begun or soon after an increase in dose is made) Muscle rigidity Hypokinesia Hyperkinesia Parkinsonism Tremor Akathisia Dystonia Dry mouth Constipation Hypersalivation – excessive salivation Blurred vision Diaphoresis – excessive sweating Nausea Dizziness Somnolence Restlessness Insomnia Overactivity Headache Nervousness Fatigue Myalgia Hyperprolactinemia and its complications such as: (acutely) Sexual dysfunction Amenorrhea – cessation of menstrual cycles Gynecomastia – enlargement of breast tissue in males Galactorrhea – the expulsion of breast milk that's not related to breastfeeding or pregnancy and if the hyperprolactinemia persists chronically, the following adverse effects may be seen: Reduced bone mineral density leading to osteoporosis (brittle bones) Infertility Dyspepsia – indigestion Abdominal pain Flatulence Nasal congestion Polyuria – passing more urine than usual Uncommon (0.1–1% incidence) adverse effects include
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
In April 2025, Hegseth issued a directive to the secretary of the Army ordering on a sweeping overhaul, prioritizing defending the homeland and deterring China in the Indo-Pacific. Among others, the directive instructing a consolidated budget lines in unmanned systems, counter-drone systems and electronic warfare, force structure changes and expanded use of other transaction agreements. The directive also instructed to downsize or close redundant headquarters as well as merging Army Futures Command and Training and Doctrine Command, and merging four-star headquarters Army Forces Command with Army North and Army South into a single headquarters focused on homeland defense as well as the elimination of at least 20% of four-star general positions to enhance efficiency and operational effectiveness. Hegseth also signed a memorandum to reduce the Department of Defense's civilian workforce, aiming to eliminate duplicative efforts and excessive bureaucracy. The initiative includes offering voluntary early retirement and deferred resignation programs to incentivize top performers and enhance efficiency. That month, Hegseth received criticism from some Senate Democrats over alleged civilian deaths in the Yemen strikes.
Taylor (2015) reported that the perceived self-efficacy and perceived helplessness subscales tended to estimate scores reliably across levels of the latent variables except among respondents with exceptionally low levels of perceived helplessness and exceptionally high levels of perceived self-efficacy. Finally, much less is known about the reliability of scores from the 4-item form.
=== Purine metabolism === GMP synthase is the second step in the generation of GMP from IMP; the first step occurs when IMP dehydrogenase generates XMP, and then GMP synthetase is able to react with glutamine and ATP to generate GMP. IMP may also be generated into AMP by adenylosuccinate synthetase and then adenylosuccinate lyase.
From the mesoderm surrounding the neural tube and notochord, the skull, vertebral column, and the membranes of the brain and medulla spinalis are developed. Because it originates from the primitive node and is ultimately positioned with the mesodermal space, it is considered to be derived from mesoderm. A postembryonic vestige of the notochord is found in the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral discs. Isolated notochordal remnants may escape their lineage-specific destination in the nucleus pulposus and instead attach to the outer surfaces of the vertebral bodies, from which notochordal cells largely regress.
In the name NAD+, the superscripted plus sign indicates the positive formal charge on one of its nitrogen atoms. Some NAD is converted into the coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP), whose chemistry largely parallels that of NAD, though its predominant role is as a coenzyme in anabolic metabolism. NADP is a reducing agent in anabolic reactions like the Calvin cycle and lipid and nucleic acid syntheses. NADP exists in two forms: NADP+, the oxidized form, and NADPH, the reduced form. NADP is similar to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), but NADP has a phosphate group at the C-2′ position of the adenosyl.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
Semax is based on the ACTH(4-10) fragment, a seven-amino-acid segment of adrenocorticotropic hormone. The synthetic peptide retains the core sequence while removing regions associated with endocrine activity. This modification is intended to isolate effects on the nervous system.
It is registered for clinical use in Russia and a few other countries, typically as a nasal drop formulation. It does not hold approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration or the European Medicines Agency. Outside those markets it is generally handled as a research chemical.
The compound was developed in Moscow and the earliest studies were conducted there, so the primary literature is largely in Russian-language journals. Translation and indexing have been incomplete, which limits access for outside researchers. Independent groups have since published some work, but the total volume remains modest.
It is described as a synthetic analogue of the ACTH(4–10) fragment, a short segment of adrenocorticotropic hormone. Its sequence differs from that fragment and includes two proline residues, which influence stability and behaviour in solution.