Research Overview
SEMAX is a synthetic heptapeptide analogue derived from the ACTH(4-10) sequence with the structure Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro and a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro extension that confers resistance to proteolytic degradation.
The product is supplied as a lyophilized powder, 10mg per vial, sequence MEHFPGP, molecular weight 813.92 g/mol, CAS 80714-61-0, with HPLC-verified purity of 99.2%.
SEMAX was originally developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, as a non-corticotropic ACTH(4-10) analog and has been investigated extensively in Russian-language neuropharmacology literature and in English-language peer-reviewed research.
The compound is intended strictly for in vitro laboratory research and is not for human or veterinary use.
Mechanism Studied in Research
SEMAX has been investigated as a multi-target neuropeptide with pharmacology distinct from its ACTH parent sequence. The Pro-Gly-Pro C-terminal extension renders the molecule non-corticotropic, so SEMAX does not stimulate glucocorticoid release through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
Instead, mechanistic research has examined SEMAX modulation of central monoamine systems, neurotrophic factor expression, and endogenous opioid-system regulation. Studies have investigated BDNF and NGF expression, neuroprotective pathways, and neuroinflammatory signaling in experimental models.
Researchers have also explored SEMAX activity in ischemia-reperfusion injury models, learning and memory studies, and neurotransmitter-system investigations.
Research Applications
SEMAX has been investigated across several research domains relevant to neuropharmacology and behavioral neuroscience.
In cognitive and attentional research, SEMAX has been studied in animal models of attention, learning, and memory consolidation.
Research protocols have examined whether SEMAX administration affects task acquisition and retention in animal models, with the BDNF and NGF upregulation pathway providing a mechanistic framework for observed task-performance changes.
SEMAX is also investigated in ischemic-brain-injury models, neuroprotection studies, and neuroinflammatory research.
Reconstitution Reference
SEMAX is supplied as a lyophilized powder, 10mg per vial. Reconstitution for in vitro research is typically performed with bacteriostatic water or sterile saline.
Researchers commonly add 2mL of diluent to the vial to prepare a 5mg per mL stock solution. The diluent should be introduced slowly down the inner wall of the vial rather than directly onto the lyophilized cake.
The vial should be gently swirled until dissolved. Vigorous shaking should be avoided. After reconstitution, the vial should be labeled with the reconstitution date, diluent type, concentration, and batch number.
Storage and Handling
Lyophilized SEMAX is stable for long-term storage at -20°C when protected from light and moisture.
Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, the solution should be stored refrigerated at 2-8°C and used within the recommended laboratory handling period.
Repeated freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided. Storage conditions and reconstitution dates should be documented for chain-of-custody and laboratory traceability purposes.
References
[2] (). . . PMID 16635253
[3] (). . . PMID 19023976
[4] (). . . PMID 9264951
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