cognitivelongevity

Semax

Also known as ACTH 4-10 analogue

Russian nootropic peptide used intranasally.

Medical status: Approved in Russia for stroke and cognitive indications.

Also commonly used for (off-label)

  • Focus, memory and mental stamina
  • Brain-fog and burnout protocols

Off-label and research uses are what people report, not approved indications. Talk to a clinician before using any of them.

How it's taken

  • Nasal spray

    sprayed into the nose and absorbed through the nasal lining — no needles

  • Subcutaneous injection

    a small shot into the fat just under the skin (belly, thigh, or love handle)

Availability varies by supplier — injectable is the most commonly researched form.

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Documented dose
300–1000 mcg
Typical frequency
Once daily in the morning, 5–7 days a week
Cycle
6 weeks on, 6 off
Half-life
~30 minutes
Common vial sizes
5 mg, 10 mg
Regulatory status
Approved in Russia only; unapproved elsewhere.

Dose on a U-100 syringe (300–1000 mcg)

VialBAC waterDraw
5 mg2 mL12–40 units
5 mg2.5 mL15–50 units
10 mg2.5 mL7.5–25 units
10 mg3 mL9.0–30 units

On a U-100 syringe, 100 units = 1 mL, and the syringe holds 100 units total. Most people keep a single subcutaneous injection under about 50 units — bigger volumes are usually mixed stronger (less water) or split into two shots. Only mixes that fit in one syringe are shown. Always double-check with the reconstitution calculator.

What it does

A modified fragment of ACTH with the hormonal effects stripped out, developed in Russia as a nootropic and stroke treatment. It raises BDNF and supports dopamine and serotonin activity. What people look into it for: • Sharper focus, memory and mental stamina • Protecting brain cells during and after stress or injury • Lifting low mood and motivation • Faster mental recovery after intense cognitive work Usually taken as a nasal spray. Widely used in Russia, but little Western clinical data.

Mechanism

ACTH fragment analogue increasing BDNF and modulating dopaminergic and serotonergic tone.

Storage — lyophilisedwhat's this?

Refrigerate 2-8C, protect from light.

Storage — reconstitutedwhat's this?

Refrigerate 2-8C, use within ~28 days.

Reconstitution noteswhat's this?

Common mix: 10 mg vial + 3 ml bacteriostatic water = 33 mcg per unit, so 300 mcg is about 10 units and 1 mg is about 30 units. Nasal drops are the other common route.

Stacks well with

Popular combinations reported in the community and research literature — not a recommendation. Adding peptides multiplies side-effect risk; check with a clinician.

Commonly reported side effects

  • Nasal irritation
  • Headache
  • Irritability

Contraindications noted

  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Research notes

Approved in Russia; little Western clinical data.

Vendors carrying Semax

These research suppliers list this compound. Prices, vial sizes and testing vary — always check the current lot certificate before you buy.

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Peptide Streak does not sell peptides and is not affiliated with these vendors. Some list metabolic compounds under coded product names.

Track this properly

Work out syringe units with the calculator, or set up a full schedule in about a minute.

Reference information only, not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.