SEMAX is a synthetic heptapeptide, structurally derived from the adrenocorticotropic hormone fragment ACTH(4-10). AminoOptimization Group supplies it as a lyophilised research powder in a 10 mg presentation, tested to 99% purity by HPLC, with a Certificate of Analysis available for the lot supplied. This material is offered strictly for laboratory research use. It is not a drug, and it is not for human or veterinary use.
What is SEMAX?
SEMAX carries the sequence Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro. The first four residues correspond to the N-terminal tetrapeptide of ACTH(4-7), while the C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide is a synthetic addition not present in the native hormone. This substitution is characteristic of a small family of Russian-originated peptide fragments that share the Pro-Gly-Pro motif on a differing N-terminal backbone — Selank, built on a tuftsin-derived fragment, is the most frequently referenced comparator in the literature.
The practical significance of the Pro-Gly-Pro addition, as described in published work, is twofold. First, it is reported to confer resistance to cleavage by circulating aminopeptidases, extending the compound’s stability relative to the unmodified ACTH fragment. Second, the modification is described as removing the corticotropic (steroidogenic) hormonal activity associated with full-length ACTH — SEMAX is not characterised in the literature as an endocrine-active corticotropin analogue. What remains, and what published work continues to investigate, is a distinct profile of activity within central nervous system signalling pathways, examined exclusively in model systems.
Because SEMAX and Selank are frequently studied side by side, researchers use the pair to isolate which features of the shared Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide are responsible for observed effects in a given assay, and which are attributable to the differing N-terminal sequence each compound carries.
Specifications
- Compound: SEMAX
- CAS number: 80714-61-0
- Molecular formula: C37H51N9O10S
- Molecular weight: 813.93 g/mol
- Purity: 99% by HPLC
- Presentation: Lyophilised powder, sealed vial
- Available sizes: 10 mg
- Physical form: White to off-white powder
- Classification: Research peptide — not for human or veterinary use
Research context
Published research on ACTH-derived peptide fragments of this type focuses heavily on neurotrophic factor signalling. Study designs examine how administration in rodent models is associated with changes in the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) within specific brain regions, and how these changes are tracked against markers assessed in parallel behavioural and biochemical assays.
SEMAX also appears in study designs modelling cerebral ischemia, where markers of neuronal injury and post-infarction recovery are assessed in animal models following induced occlusion. Separately, comparative work alongside Selank and other Pro-Gly-Pro-containing fragments is used to probe how differences in N-terminal sequence influence receptor interaction and downstream signalling in these systems.
None of this literature establishes safety or efficacy for use in humans. It is provided as research context only.
Reconstitution
Lyophilised peptide requires reconstitution with a suitable sterile diluent before it can be used in solution. Bacteriostatic water is typically specified where a preparation will be sampled from more than once; sterile water is more common for single-use protocols.
Direct the diluent stream against the inner wall of the vial rather than onto the powder, and allow the material to go into solution without agitation. Peptides are susceptible to shear stress, so do not shake the vial — swirl gently if needed, and expect dissolution within a few minutes at room temperature.
Working concentration depends on how much diluent is added to a given vial mass. Our peptide reconstitution calculator computes the resulting concentration for any combination of vial size and diluent volume.
Storage and stability
Before reconstitution: store the sealed vial in a freezer at -20 °C, protected from light. Lyophilised peptide is comparatively stable in this state, and brief temperature excursions during shipping are normal and are not expected to compromise a properly lyophilised product.
After reconstitution: refrigerate at 2–8 °C and keep protected from light. Peptide in solution is materially less stable than the dry powder. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, a well-documented cause of aggregation and loss of measurable potency — aliquot the reconstituted material instead if repeated sampling is required.
Inspect solutions before use. Cloudiness, visible particulate, or discolouration indicate the material should not be relied upon for quantitative work.
Certificate of Analysis
Every lot is tested by high-performance liquid chromatography, and the purity figure above refers to analytical results for the specific lot supplied, not to a generic specification. A Certificate of Analysis is available on request, including lot-specific documentation supplied before purchase if your protocol requires it.
Purity by HPLC describes the proportion of target peptide relative to detectable related substances in the material as manufactured and tested. It is expressly not a representation that the material is suitable for any use in humans or animals.
Handling and safety
Handle in accordance with good laboratory practice. Use appropriate personal protective equipment, work in a suitable containment environment, and dispose of material and consumables according to your institution’s requirements and applicable local regulation. Anyone with access to this material should understand that it is not for human or veterinary use.
Frequently asked questions
What distinguishes SEMAX from Selank?
Both carry the same C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide, but the N-terminal segment differs: SEMAX retains a tetrapeptide derived from ACTH(4-7), while Selank is built on a tuftsin-derived fragment. Researchers use this structural contrast to study which effects trace to the shared tripeptide and which to the differing N-terminal sequence.
Is SEMAX approved in Canada?
No. This compound has not been evaluated or authorised by Health Canada, the FDA, or any comparable regulatory authority. It carries no DIN or NPN, its safety and efficacy for human use have not been assessed, and it is supplied for laboratory research only.
How much diluent should be used?
That depends on the working concentration a given protocol requires. Use the reconstitution calculator to work out the resulting concentration for your vial size.
How long is reconstituted material usable?
Stability in solution is shorter than in lyophilised form and depends on diluent, temperature, and handling. Refrigerate at 2–8 °C, protect from light, avoid freeze-thaw cycling, and validate stability under your own storage conditions if your work depends on it.
Do you provide a Certificate of Analysis?
Yes — lot-specific, available on request, including before purchase.
Research use only
This product is supplied solely for laboratory and scientific research. It is not a drug, food, cosmetic, or medical device, and it must not be administered to humans or animals. Nothing on this page is medical advice or a therapeutic claim. Full terms are set out in our Research Use Only Disclaimer.
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